Patek Philippe

I went to a famous auction house to see a preview yesterday.

I have gone through 2 important Pateks: a 2526 with black lacquer dial and a 3939H with a black enamal dial.

Frankly, I could not differentiate the material between these two by naked eyes.  I need to use a 10x loupe to carefully examine them.  Even with the aid,  I could still hardly differentiate the two until I saw some "air holes" in the enamal surface...

Further, macrospically, I would say that the black lacquer dial looks much more stunning than the black enamal dial which is not appealing to me.  The white enamal version is much better in appearance.

So, my conclusions are

1. If you wish to get an enamal dial, take a white one;

2. I understand why Patek  makes the black lacquer dial in 5078 and 5959 instead of using enamal;

3. Could buddies provide his opinion on how to have a good way to "appreciate" a black enamal dial?  I suppose John could give me some constructing ideas as he is the expert in 2526.

IMHO.  And any suggestions are welcome.

Cheers,

... in my opinion is more to show the ability to achieve such color.  Such black enamel dial for this 3939pt, is more likely client's preference.  Regarding the differeneces, i certainly believe enamel dial will age better than lacquer.  The fun thing about enamel dial with the air pockets you described, shows the difference, the inperfection of having enamel instead of lacquered.  I still dont understand the demand for black color dials, other than manufacturer make less of them, whereby created a higher demand within the exclusive world of collectors. 

Enamel dial has a hidden danger, which lacquered will never have, it doesnt crack.  I do agree, should one choose enamel, stick to white instead of black.  Somehow, black looks cool on picture, but not on actual.  But im sure there are exceptions. 

However as you say possibly less spectacular in real life

.As with a lot of watches!

Here is my white dialed 2526- looks better IRL than in pics but that says a lot about my photography

Would love to see one though

Julian

I have attached a picture of a watch that I owned that was black enamel and was called out as black enamel on the archives. I have also seen a black lacquer dial and the 2 are very different to look at.

The enamel has much greater depth to it and it is not as glossy as the lacquer. When patek made the 2526 enamel dials it appears they put a coating over the enamel. This coating gives imo the 2526 dials a softer look and at the same time some depth. As a lover of vintage watches, the rarity of a vintage black enamel dial makes it very special.

The combination of black dial with the bronze/gold minute carbochans and the yellow gold markers are difficult to take your eyes off...truly beautiful.go into detail why.

I spoke with the president of JD and he told me the black enamel dial is the most difficult of all the enamels to make.