amanico
[JLC Moderator]
400538
That is a very interesting question, indeed.
I assume Rolex used different laquers, since we have dials which turn to Brown, while others don't, dials which develop Spiderweb, dials whose white turns to cream, smoother dials, tougher ones, and so on....
It is not only a question of humidity, Heath, Light or Darkness, I also think it is a matter of varnish or laquer.
Give the fact that Role used 4 or 5 ( more? ) dialmakers, I think the difficulty will be to get some informations on that topic, but I am eagerly looking for some answers from the Experts.
Aaah, I would be you, I would not complain about the quality of your dial... There is much worse! 
Best,
Nicolas
Two types of Gilt...
Hello, As I mentionned earlier today, I am now the proud owner of quite a nice mirror glossy 5508. As the good WIS I am, I have been playing with the light and the watch dial quite a lot recently. I have also been doing that with my Bart Simpson 5513 and ...
To my mind, there is no question....
......the quality and composition of the lacquer varies enormously. Also con side that the dial manufacturers have changed a lot too....yes, it is not a surprise to see quality variations as I think some watches had very different chemical compositions an...
mmhhh ..
very good question ... but in my opinion the difference depends more on the coat of black paint ( a sort of " primer " ) : in the 5508 is more even and flat and in the " Bart " 5513 is more rough and odd. in any case the older dial is " better " than the ...
That is a very interesting question, indeed.
I assume Rolex used different laquers, since we have dials which turn to Brown, while others don't, dials which develop Spiderweb, dials whose white turns to cream, smoother dials, tougher ones, and so on.... It is not only a question of humidity, Heath, ...
Materials and process
I am not not sure which plays a bigger role but your Bart dial displays the typical characteristics see around this time 1964 to 1966 but there are some non Bart 5513 I have seen with flat mirror quality. There are also dials that look perfect head on but...
Thanks all ...
...for your very informative answers! Bill, you are indeed confirming what my experience tells me, which is that there is no such thing (at least to your knowledge) as a smooth mirror Bart Simpson dial. I am truly amazed to see how diverse the dial manufa...
Woooow.....
....I guess that indeed my conclusion was false! And like this, my hunt for a better example of this lovely sub-reference, begin. Again :-). Big congrats to you man, that really is a hell of a dial! Cheers, F.
Always with a pinch of salt
As they say the camera adds 5 pounds. Photos never tell the full story. Personal observation is the only rule. Internet pictures are reference but not conclusion. I have watches that are awesome in person but under bad photo light look less perfect. I sti...
That is the beauty of Vintage Rolex
There is a lot of variety and room to learn by example. Bill
Gilt Macro shot more Bart texture
Here is a new link to again validate your thought on the texture. I do agree with you on the Bart they all seem to have that texture. But to naked eye they see glossy and in the right light still glossy. But the right angle you see the orange peel / pimpl...
Indeed Bill...
... Your link does validate my theory! Especially your last macro shot of the non-CR two-colors 5512 4 lines, that you indicate was made around the same period as the Bart. The texture on this dial looks EXACTLY like mine. Thanks a lot again for sharing a...
Alwyas a pleasure to share and learn.
There is always more knowledge out there and this is the kind of place where it is great to share. Not sure on the collection count of 5512/5513 gilts but they are paralleled with 1675 gilts to keep the balance. Best Bill