at Menta ...

https://mentawatches.com/inventory/omega-metallic-ed-white-speedmaster/


At first glance I like it but the dial scratching worries me - seems like an amateur has had a go at it, at some stage.

These are still extremely rare, but it's interesting that more are popping up now. I'd like one, but there's a difference between 'patina' and 'dial damage' ... I think ... would love to hear thoughts...

 

32k - I guess its priced based on the dial. Lots of these dials were in watchmaker drawers just laying around probably, getting flung around all the time.

 

Looks nice. This is what, 4th in the last 18 months or so? Are you going to wait for the next one?

I'd want to see it in hand for the money though I think...

Too bad there's some lume missing. I think I could live with the scratches, but the lume would bug me.

 

Agree on all points ... and yes I think I'll wait!

 

Definitely looks like drawer rash and the faded minute track between 8 and 11 too.

 

I used to think these dials had Drawer Rash too.

Now I think it is a defect of the dials. They simply do not last. It would explain why so few exist. I have seen so many with damage, some of which I believe have not been removed from the case since installation. (only a belief of course)

Perhaps the factory recognized they did not have longevity.

 

Just for the record, I've never had a dial of any kind in a drawer unprotected getting flung around.

Sorry I see this so often I just had to say something. Must be some "old school watchmakers" who do this kind of thing I guess...

 

Vintage blue dial Air Kings and grey waffle dial Seamasters also exhibit this ageing where the dial comes into contact with lume.

 

True, and thinking about it, my 5402 used to have a blue dial

 

interesting that OP's has long indices and @Spacefruit's has short... two different iterations?

 

Amazing AP @Traveler - which series?

 

And I have seen one with "Professional"

 

Thank you - A series second batch

 

The location of the dial damage is generally in the same place on the grey and blue dials - focussed on the dial step edge itself or the step-subdial margin. This pattern is another indication I believe of intrinsic failure of the paint/varnish rather than physical abuse. I have posted images before of my own (ex-dsio) grey Speedmaster, described by a distinguished forum member as "flaky", which has lots of paint loss in these areas but is still lovely.

 

I tend to agree- Blue dials of the era are often showing degradation of the finish. Something common across manufactures.

 

Could the short index dial be a service dial?