Neo Vintage Spider Dial opinion

[watchfreak207]

Hi,
Just wondering are Spider dials a desirable or non-desirable attribute to a dial?
Is this something dealers use just to get a premium over other copies?
Thanks.

[springer]

It is definitely not an attribute since it is a defective, cracked dial. But,it really doesn't matter does it? What matters is whether you like it.

[joli160]

Since there are so many damaged ones I would think one in good condition would command a premium as with most other dials.
The other way around would really surprise me but than again even the most ruined dials can be sold calling it tropical or whatever fantasy name a seller makes up

[Dan S]

Some damaged dials are appealing to some people, and I think that spider dials fall into this category. My sense is that they don't necessarily sell for a premium, but that the spidering doesn't hurt the price too much, especially if it is nice and even and uniform across the dial. Personally, I kind of like them.

[watchfreak207]

thanks for your opinions. Personally I think they are unique but to pay a premium for them will be a pass for me. Just wondering what everyone else think of this "spider" dial. I think it is just some marketing done by sellers to justify a higher price

[watchfreak207]

Just for context, this was the dial i was looking at. Thanks everyone for ur comments.


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[Dan S]

That particular dial is interesting but does not appeal to me personally, since you are asking for opinions. I thought you we referring to the dials that have a sparse network of cracks.

I do see dealers mentioning spider dials, but in general I have not seen them asking for a premium price. At least not recently. If you like that dial, I suggest making an offer. I don't think it will be particularly easy for the seller to move.

[Kingface66]

[/IMG]

Originally Posted by watchfreak207

Just for context, this was the dial i was looking at. Thanks everyone for ur comments.


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Strictly, speaking that doesn’t even look like a “Spider Dial”. It looks as though there was some more aggressive and invasive damage done.
Most people would regard something that looks like this as a “spider dial”

[IMG][/IMG]

[karleone]

A spider dial is a damaged dial that can fall apart. I would not pay any premium for this. Dealers try to sell them with a premium but you know they would sell anything for a premium.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by kingface66

[/img]

strictly, speaking that doesn’t even look like a “spider dial”. It looks as though there was some more aggressive and invasive damage done.
Most people would regard something that looks like this as a “spider dial”

[img][/img]

+1

[FTX I]

I like it a lot but I would never pay a premium.

[antrolexsub]

I wouldn’t touch them. They’re defective as Springer mentioned. I’ve seen examples of these flaking off down to the base metal of the dial. Who’s to say how bad the degradation of some of these will be in 10-15 years time. Hard pass

[Stan Cooper]

Besides thinking they're ugly, my concern over buying a spider dial - or any dial with surface damage - is that bits could separate and eventually wind up in the movement causing costly repair.

[west8720]

I have 1984 GMT with a spider dial. In most cases when looking at the dial you do not notice it. But in certain light at an angle you can see the spidering. I LOVE IT! I like that it’s original dial with awesome patina… pay a premium, I don’t think that’s what’s happening from what I’ve notice, but who knows.

[Tools]

Every time that a batch of dials is defective, Spiders, Patrizzi, Cream, Tropical, and so on, there will be somebody to turn around and say that it's more valuable than a clean, defect free, dial.

Go whichever way you want, but personally, unless I collected damaged dials, I would pass on them.

[KY..]

I’m not a fan of spider dials as that’s nothing more than a dial falling apart to me.
But I do like natural patina/tropical dials.

[Old Expat Beast]

I had the RSC switch my spider dial to a service dial (and hands). It's a similar style to the original (late 1980s).

[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I had the RSC switch my spider dial to a service dial (and hands). It's a similar style to the original (late 1980s).

Very nice, Adam! Would you care to say what the new service dial cost?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

Very nice, Adam! Would you care to say what the new service dial cost?

Thanks Stan, it wasn't itemised by price, but the cost for movement overhaul, case & bracelet clean, new dial, hands, lume pip and crown was US$850. That was nine years ago, though, and back then the Hong Kong RSC was about half the price of most place (that's no longer the case from what I hear). At the time they said it was their last 5513 service dial.

[Tom1675]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

[/IMG]

Strictly, speaking that doesn’t even look like a “Spider Dial”. It looks as though there was some more aggressive and invasive damage done.
Most people would regard something that looks like this as a “spider dial”

[IMG][/IMG]

Couldn't agree more, this dial is not spidered and is simply damaged. Someone might refer to it as "stratocumulus" or "Andromeda Galaxy" but its damaged.

[TuRo]

Not keen on damaged unstable flaking or spider dials.... although I'm partial to a stable even-discolouration dial... say like a 16613 Purple dial Sub, or 16550 cream, or 116520 Y series yellow dial, 1680 Red MK2 chocolate, or Tudor 9121/0 with faded coral, burgundy or blue/purple dial.

[WatchesNPalms]

On whether they're an attractive attribute or not, definitely depends on the buyer. I'm a sucker for a browned tropical dial and would pay more for one over a replacement.

[WatchesNPalms]

Also meant to add, not all spider dials are the same, just as not all tropical dials are the same. Some have aged/patina'd in a uniquely beautiful way. Some just look damaged. But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say.

[WatchesNPalms]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

[/IMG]

Strictly, speaking that doesn’t even look like a “Spider Dial”. It looks as though there was some more aggressive and invasive damage done.
Most people would regard something that looks like this as a “spider dial”

[IMG][/IMG]

This. This is pretty much the go to idea of a spider dial. This one would be a get a lot of attention and command a higher premium.

[TheGateKeeper]

Spider and Frozen are great conversation pieces.

[Filipão]

Originally Posted by TheGateKeeper

Spider and Frozen are great conversation pieces.

Indeed, but I wouldn't have either.

[watchfreak207]

Was going through the Rolex Submariner book by Mondani and came across this. I guess this is considered a spider dial as well.


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[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by watchfreak207

Was going through the Rolex Submariner book by Mondani and came across this. I guess this is considered a spider dial as well.


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Only by Mondani.

[springer]

Mondani. I saw his remarks that the "Spider Dial" adds extra value. Because someone believes that cracked dials add value to a watch does not make it true. It is just someone's opinion.

When I write my book, it will state that the "Spider Dials are the result of the dial enamel cracking and are damaged, defective dials which adversely affects the value of the watch. While some collectors enjoy the look of these dials, they seem to be hyped by dealers, bloggers, and others as something "desirable" to collectors but, to most, they are just a damaged watch dial that adds no value to the watch.