Rolex

It always amazes me to see how the same reference can get such a different patina.

Joe's 16 660, which developped a " pumpkin " patina, really impressive:



Mine, which could be compared as a Creme Brulée patina, let's say Vanilia, at least:



That is the magic with Vintage Rolex watches. The patina of each of them is so unique that you can consider getting several of the same version.

I don't know if it is magic, or if it is evilish... Finally.

Best,

Nicolas

.....I think the patina can sometimes dominate over dial, case, movement etc. You are right about my 16660.... I remember when I found it and sent you a scan. You just said..."You just have to buy that". Why? It is not as if the 16660 is THAT hard to find, but actually finding one where you are magically drawn to the patina is extremely hard. This 666 gets more wrist time from me than virtually any other watch and the reason is because I just love looking at the patina. Yes, vintage watches have this magic charm and a good part of that is the patina. Lovely post.....and one of the favourite watches on this forum. 

Maybe because of its look, because it is a transitional model, because of its strange ref, because of its patina... Go figure why... But this is a fact that this is a popular model.

A " jump on it " Watch, for sure!

Best,

Nicolas

...but equally superb patinas.

Which I personally find less appealing than the painted indexes.

With the circled indexes, you go farther in / to the modern production, IMO.

Best,

Nicolas

..in thinking that these exist also.

Serial numbers...

Best,

Nicolas

do they exist with full white painted circles around the tritium?

...I can't remember where, but I thought I had seen one, which their was a very distinct white surround (painted) around the tritium. (or perhaps the indexes where white circles, and the tritium applied on top, but not fully covering the white index below.) Of course, it might have been a very poor, home attempted re-lume, or a less than original dial.

.....it took me a couple of years to find the one I wanted.... and I also wanted B&P!! So it took 2 years of trawling. But worth it

I'm only very recent drawn by rolex and have to say that those older models indeed have some impressive patina.

....humidity, exposure to sun and exposure to air will be amongst the most common. It is certainly true that a number of dials that spent their time in a tropical climate do appear to have aged differently and with varying impacts on the dial. it is also true that Rolex made some dials differently and the result was that they aged differently taking on a different look. For example, the 16550 Explorer has a number of permutations, with the Panna dial being very well known. That would give you a small glimpse at why some patinas occur. of course, you also have age....age affects 

Tx Baron! I had the same idea, but it is weird how some old watches (also from the 60's) have almost no patina and others are all about the patina.

....instead I would say to you to try on several and see which one you get drawn to. I am sure there will be several possibilities suggested, but I would say try a 5512 or 5513, 16550, 1016, and maybe 16660. Get examples of those on your wrist and see which sing most.... This message has been edited by Baron on 2013-10-13 10:18:52

or can this be different between watches of a same model?

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what it is all about with vintage watches. Some age differently than others. Some have led a different life. What is cool about durable watches (like Rolex) is that most of the time they have spent their lives on wrists of people. Considering what they might have seen in all these decades. Not being too dramatic, but it really adds to the watches. Both are great watches and have such a different "look". I saw one a couple of weeks ago. Also a 666 matte dial which had markers that were white as snow.

Hello amanico

still a little wet.

This message has been edited by tick tock doctor on 2013-10-06 19:19:37

.....I have a friend who restores old Ducati motor cycles, and I often re-due the instrument panels for him (just white on black), and they are hard enough. I admire your skill in being able to do these types of dials!!

 

very nice work.

 

cheers Tony

Now the question is to know if Collectors of vintage watches would do it.

The answer ( and the question of course ) should deserve a dedicated thread!

Best,

Nicolas

two watches with the very same indexes fading even if you consider just one version of matt dial for 16660.

A triple barrel blast from Marcello

unfortunately not mine ....