Omega

mondodec
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Close-up shows interesting texture

So we see a textured dial, and the close-up, to me, shows dial deterioration under the textured finish.

If we accept that dial degradation occurs through either sun weakening/powdering/flaking the lacquer coating and causing changes in the chemical composition of laquer and paint and/or condensation attacking the base metal by penetrating minute pores in the dial lacquer and paint, then maybe there is an explanation.

The dial is at its most impenetrable, arguably, where there the layers of paint are most concentrated.  So, in the case of lettering we have protective underlay against metal, dial paint, then embossed lettering and then lacquer, which means that moisture incursion and sun damage (white paint reflects more light and heat) would be much more difficult where the lettering is positioned.  Incursion near the lettering however could potentially undermine it, but still, one could assume the lettering would be the most robust component of the dial.

In looking at the pic there appears to be a pattern, as suggested, like a shower of meteorites, which I find difficult to get out of my head once lodged. But when we look again at the dial - hopefully with fresher eyes -  we see interruptions to the logic of the pattern - e.g. from 1000 to 1100 where the angle of the 'shower' changes and is more dense, or just to the right and above of the Automatic lettering we see a blob that appears not to follow the downward pattern.  I'm reminded of that bore water stain that appeared on the treated windows of an LA office building some time ago where some zealots claimed it was a miraculous appearance of an image of Christ, whereas scientists later proved that there were a confluence of causitive factors that resulted in a completely randomised change to the surface of the glass. 

So I cant seem to dislodge this thought that what initially appears as a pattern is indeed a random, but fortunate, combination of time and exposure to the elements.

Cheers

Desmond