Patek Philippe 3700/1J & Omega Speedmaster Dial Aging

Bernard Cheong presents a detailed photographic examination of the aging processes on the dials of his Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 3700/1J and various Omega Speedmasters. His post invites community discussion on the aesthetics of patina and the inherent quality of watchmaking from different eras. Cheong’s observations provide valuable insights into how high-end dials evolve over decades.

Well, I am back for more bashing.

In a way, I see critical comments as good for me, because I learn from them. I don't take things personally, I try not to.

Anyway. Here are pics I shot recently as I wish to share and if others do know more, how the aging process works on dials from really good companies.

The oldest watch I have is my terrible Patek 3700/1J of John Travolta style gold watches:

This is a beautiful watch, from an era in which I had focused on collecting the most memorable works for me...in 1978, thin and large watches (for 1978, the Patek Nautilus was huge). Enjoy.

Note how the dial has aged by loosing paint flecks. This, my watch, has been well preserved...I have not seen better. Restored dials don't count. This is a solid gold dial, and although thin by 2014 standards, it is the same weight as a MB&F 1 huge machine...in gold..both.

The big thing I noted, was that Patek was so determined to demonstrate quality thru understatement, that the solid gold clasp, was treated to make it resemble steel!

Not only steel, but cheap chrome plated steel.

Now, we should look at Omega from 1989 first.

Solid gold dial with steel and solid gold combination at 20 per cent of the price of a Patek back in 1989.

This and all the following Omega Speedmasters are automatics. This 1989 example was the first mini speedmaster, downsized because the original speedmaster manual wound moon watch was too big.

That's what I love about era and the way designers contemplate beauty.

"the contemplation of beauty, allows the soul to grow wings", so said Plato....it did work well for me.

Note the printing inking.

Compared with the Patek's.

But soon, in 2003 or so...Omega's quality was superb.

This on the lowest entry small speedmasters.

The Mike S series.

I love all speedmasters.

Note the complex way the white paint texture interacts with the white gold index and red tip paint on the seconds hand.

Very complex, but ages well...I expect this to look the same in 2025.

Finally, the watch I thought would not happen...a 44mm Speedy.

The mighty Dark Side of the Moon , all totally ceramic in zirconium O2. With so many laser etched markings, and a double see thru.

The movement is finished in a new process which is not comparable yet to anything...its so new...so shining...but yet beautiful, in contemplation.

See the pics slowly. I am not a great photographer.

As you can see...even the dial has hidden markings of zio2 on it.

The applied paint is flawless, as I will use the reference level of the Greubel Forsey to show you.

Now you can see how and why I have been filing away my watches.

The so called big for 1978 and then the big for 2003 and on, are so far apart.

Of course, I can now recall in 1998, a younger Robert Greubel working on the big IWC grand complication.

You can find Robert Greubel dressed as a worker in the big huge 10 kilo IWC book.

I had a chance meet with Singapore's IWC boss, and of course, much youth...he cant recall Greubel being at IWC in the 1998 times.

It is good.

The watches, the visions, look at how far numeric cutters can go!!!

Greubel and Forsey set a landmark that both Patek and Lange have tried to.

Of course, it is very harsh to compare the giant effort of Greubel Forsey.

But it is a landmark.

I hope that for those who can reach out to buy one, that they try to.

I have zero regrets about Greubel Forsey.

I think and contemplate, as I see how the handwork alone, and then hand work with machine work.

This is a giant step forward.

Please enjoy this post.

I have not enough time.

I am trying to share as much as I can.

Of course, much is due to tastes and so on.

I hope we discuss.

But most important is the passion and the lack of, or control of all envy.

First, I apologise for using Greubel Forsey.

But to illustrate, I have no choice.

There is nothing on earth as yet.

BUT...tonight..I will be seeing the LV world time. Yes..LV.

My mind is open.

I will wish to buy that watch, because I think it is the powerful strength of LV to make iconic things.

I believe the LV world time is such.

But I have not bought it yet.

Because I have no more money.

I will need to save, and I need about 10 months.

Maybe, like Greubel Forsey, I will have no choice but to buy a used one.