Afternoon all,

I bought this MKII dial recently because I loved how it had deteriorated. Does anyone have any idea what may have caused it?
More importantly I want to keep it looking the way it does so do you think I need to take steps to stop further deterioration (if that is even possible). (sellers pics)

 

very interesting dial. the pattern of discoloration is so uniform, almost purposeful. hard to imagine that moisture in the case would be that even.

 

radiation?

 

I really have no idea. Curious that two of the sub dial hands were clearly still in place when whatever it was caused it.

 

Solar flare.

 

A Wood Fired Milanese Pizza Oven?

BTW - it looks great!

 

Very cool, looks like the moons surface, ooh idea for a new limited edition there

 

Thanks - I think it looks awesome.

I want to keep it that way though so am keen to understand if there's anything I can do about it

 

that explains the speckled appearance, grated parmesan.

 

i wonder if a clear UV-stable sealer would help? maybe the stuff used to stabilize old luminous material on hands?

 

Hmm, that's an idea.

Sounds like a job for Simon Freeze. May fire him an email.

Thanks for the suggestion

 

I think it actually looks pretty damn cool!
I would use it as is.

 

The exposure took time, as only the chrono hands show a shadow . Of course the chrono is used so little, it's still probably years of exposure . I've seen several MKIIIs have this speckled look.

 

Interestingly the surrounding edge still keeps the original color pretty much intact

 

The material used for stabilising luminous compound is usually the binding agent used in two-component luminous material... Doubt it would be great for this

 

I'm really surprised that no-one's come forward to suggest a particular product that would effectively stabilise this dial and retain the appearance as is. Is there really nothing available or is it a closely guarded secret used by the few restorers in the know?

 

i recall B Ridley used something else on my 5513, i'll try to find the name.

 

Cool. I've seen the binding agent used a number of times, but always thought that some sort of lacquer would do the job as well. I guess the main points would be that it 1) would glue the remaining lume in place and 2) not react with the luminous compound.

 

and I'd add another issue: a non-yellowing UV stable compound.

 

probably this.