Hey Guys, I've recently acquired a 1969 145.022. I realize that this type of patina can be more easily considered as damage than "patina" - HOWEVER, I was attracted to the piece as it's the first time I've seen the text go from being white to a deep gilt/yellow colour. The watch was a bit of a barn find as far as I can tell -- the movement, case, caseback and bezel(?) seem to look good - and I'm currently on the hunt for an appropriate set of replacement hands. I'll then have it serviced for good measure (keeps solid time currently). Anyways, I'd love to hear some expert opinions with regards to the dial. Again, I realize it's damage, but has anyone else seen the text transform this much? Any other concerns?
Welcome to the forums . It's always a pleasure to rread and see photos of barn finds I unfortunately don't have the experience to chime in other than to say that you'll probably get more answers by posting the photos embedded not linked. Like this: Photos from OP's link
It's just a scored/damaged dial. Subjectivity it what makes vintage watch collecting great so all that matter is you like it.
Usually heavy moisture or water ingress creates such damage and can turn the white print into a gilt color, like often seen on the SM1000’s, that have been used and abused above and below the water. Take here a look at one of my dials on the result of some honest water damage. Would really love to see a picture of the movement in this one.
Don't let an AD service the watch. They are likely to replace everything and even polish it. I'm sure the members on here can recommend someone near you. Thanks for sharing your find Wear it well.
I like the look of the watch, with its ‘tropical’ text - with a service to fix the chrono creep, the right hands (and carefully matched hands on the sub dials) and a sympathetic clean it’ll look great. Interested to see the movement also
I think it will be tough to match hands to that dial that haven’t been through a similar process. As such, those currently on it are most likely the best match. New hands will just look wrong imho. Good luck with this endeavor
I appreciate this perspective and started wondering this myself actually. My initial reluctance was the concern of further degradation of the hands, causing flecks to come off into the dial area - but I guess there's almost no paint currently remaining anyways. Re:servicing ---- if this community has a guy or two in Canada that are particularly high regarded for this type of servicing, please send them my way.
@Archer is one who springs to mind. But, he is apparently quite sought after and might not be taking on new work, in which case he might be able to refer you to someone he knows in Canada.
No idea! There could be more natural ways for a dual to age like that. But the effect is fairly easy to replicate by baking.
Whoa, Rare Gilt Lunar Dial! Honestly, seeing it again a day later it's grown on me. i wouldn't pay a premium for it, i.e. a tropical dial, but as a daily driver, i think it looks cool and has lunar surface street cred. smoke me, bake me, drown me, wear me on the moon... i will survive, and keep on ticking. ...and it's got a DON bezel
