amanico
[JLC Moderator]
405408
Why Spider dials are called spider dials.
This is evident...
Here is a delicious 16550, photographed by Mr Robert Maron:
Here is a " cousin " ( that is how we call them, in France ) :
And even more terrific, my all new Nokia... With a very special spider dial:
More seriously, we should open a thread about these Spider dials.
It seems that this effect is due to the varnish, of the laquer.
Most of the people are frightened by these spider dials, by the fact that they may fall with time.
I am not sure this fear is legitim.
Indeed, when we surf on the net, or when we talk with collectors or sellers ( or collectors sellers... 
) who own or owned these watches, I never heard or read that the dial " fell ".
I know some for years, and I didn't even notice that they evolved in a bad way, that the Spider became more and more important.
I think that the problem is more about aesthetics, when it comes to Spider dials.
Some prefer " plain " dials, smooth, neat and clear.
To those of us who think so, I would offer us to refer to the picture above, or to this picture, from Jacek...
The " Spider Tiger "!
What are your thoughts on these Spiders?
Best,
Nicolas.
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Why Spider dials are called spider dials.
This is evident... Here is a delicious 16550, photographed by Mr Robert Maron: Here is a " cousin " ( that is how we call them, in France ) : And even more terrific, my all new Nokia... With a very special spider dial: More seriously, we should open a thr...
As long as people don't try to get a premium
Some of the terminology sellers are using to make the watch more interesting like Star Dust, Spider, Tropical all have their place as the beauty is in the eye of the beholder but when it is hype to sell at a premium for what sometimes is simply a damaged ...
Agree with Bill
To each his own, but should not be used for hype! Great reference with the TV, Nicolas! Haha. I saw a car today with a "spider dial" wind shield. Ha! Have a great weekend all. V/R Mike
Im depressed now … I threw away my armani glasses and now realise they were collectible
With spider glass!!!!! Even though you couldn't see anything lmao!!! :) Seriously selling them with a hype is a joke And more fool the person who buys one with a premium because of a silly name Me I would want a discount off the price!!! Best Imran
Wise words, my friend.
Did you notice that some references often come with this spider dial? The Black dialed 16550 is one of them. Strange. Best, Nicolas
Absolutely
There specific models where you find this defect Must have started at the factory at that time period. It may be more specific to a process by the dial maker at a particular time. And it affected the models getting those dials. It is different the the tin...
Interesting question...
......and on balance I come down on the side of not being especially moved by them. I think the Tiger dial is quite stunning actually, and would have to say that I like it. But, would I pay a premium for that over a near-perfect gilt dial? No. And, if i h...
Thanks for your input, my friend.
To say all, the one which made me hesitating a lot was the " Tiger ". When I saw it for sale I waved a long time... I was really tempted. Otherwise, on the same than yours. Best, Nicolas
But you have me thinking...
....where do you draw the line? For example, when i think of my tropic DRSD, that is....as you correctly argue....a result of a defect that has manifested itself in the dial turning chocolate brown. Now, I absolutely love that effect. It is a damaged dial...
The line is very thin, indeed.
When I read " NOS ", " Never polished ", even better " Never worn ", or Tropical to describe an all Fxxxd dial, that makes me always laught. But in some cases, these Spider dials are pure pieces of Art. Look at the 2 examples I posted. The 16550: If not t...
Actually
She told me her age. It is younger than us. But she has been around the block a few times so just looks that much older.
not every trend is senseful
for me "spider dials" are just borken dials with quality problems for a expensive luxury good. I can still somehow understand the love for "brownies". But spider - according to my personal taste - is not even beautyful. It is just a broken dial. Regards N...
Different strokes for different folks....
To me there is great difference between true Rolex dial changes that maintain their perfection and become enhanced by changes i.e. true tropical browns and perfect cream 16550's. Cheers,
Hola Nicolas! I read with great interest this thread...
... and paid good attention to the points of view ofered by our friends. I must confess that I didn´t like these cracked dials, and all the hype behind them, nor the usual adjectives usually used to describe watches with this kind of dials in sales catalo...
Great catch, Abel!
Stunning 5512 you got! dial is superb, it has the charm of the passing of time, like and old canvas painting. Anyway, I agree with you about the spider dials, I usually don´t like them, but i have to confess yours have a different look, simply fantastic. ...
Hola Francis! Thank you so much for your kind comments!...
... Yes, a 5512 would be a very nice addition to your collection. I would look for a nice condition gloss/gilt dial, but this one came unexpectedly and made me change my position of not buying a dial like this. The Pre Daytona, is one of the pretiest Role...
Abel, your dial looks very nce
and yes, finding a new dial to replace yours is really hard. I am trying to get one for the last two years when I bougth a very nice 5512 head from 1959! Anyway, I hope you can get one soon! Un abrazo! Francisco
Hello dear Francis!! Thank you for your comments. Yes, I know that to find a dial...
... will be a difficulta and costly thing. Anyway, I do not intend to change the dial of my 5512. May be you refer to my observations regarding my first 5508, which needs a correct dial. May be someday I´m lucky enough to find it! No need to be in the bes...
Well, I am not sure we can always explain spider dials with damages caused by water.
I saw too many recent black dialed 16550 ( from the Mid 80ies, to make it short ) which came with such dials. I think the explanation can also be the use of the varnish. Like you, at the end, I regretted not buying the Tiger, at the difference, for you, t...
Hola Nicolas! Thank you for your kind words...
... and yes, I agree wth you, the explanation about the failure of the lacquer used during certain period of production by the supplier of dials, seems to be the best explanation. You are also right regarding the set of hands. They have been changed somet...