Hey guys, Surfing the web I came across this interesting looking vintage Omega ref. 14391-5. I like the crazy looking dial but I'm not sure if it's patina or other stuff going on there. I did some research and the dial and hands seem to be correct for this reference. What do you think and how much would you pay for it (I'm buying it for myself not for resale... at least for now )? Thanks, George Here are the photos and a link to a short video: blob:https://web.whatsapp.com/8eda9922-1853-4111-888b-e58e0603c116
I think we can call this "stardust", that is some patina. So consistant it is attractive imho. The experts will tell you if the rest of the piece is ok. Looks ok to me.
Tastes vary,however, I think that look is very cool. I like the color and contrast how the number and hands are set off from the dial. It's not too much IMHO.
What has happened to the "OMEGA" text, minute markers, subdial and "SWISS MADE" ? Is that patina or a botched dial cleaning/redial? I think other stuff is going on there.
Too much patina is never a good thing in my opinion. The dial is in too poor condition for me even to buy it.
That’s a good thread subject actually, moving from the OP here’s a watch posted on Instagram which I find a perfect example of patina that is just another word for damage. I wonder who might like it, I just find it repulsive.
I've no doubt that you're right but, to me, the more important question is "do you find it attractive?". If the photo's representative of what it looks like in natural light, I thinks it's gorgeous.
This Rolex Prince Observatory duo-dial “doctor’s” watch is one I inherited 40 years ago. I am the second owner. My late father originally bought it new in about 1930. So it is close to 90 years old. You have to really scrutinize it to see the outline of the Rolex crown logo, and the outline of the word chronometer. I have resisted the temptation of having the dial re-done. Would a 90 year old watch that otherwise shows its age really look better all tarted up with a re-painted dial? Many might think so, and what happens to it after i’m dead and gone! Who knows? But I don’t mind the dial looking as it does.
Like any hobby, the inside jargon we use to describe certain dials are often mis-used. Things like "tropical", "bakelite", or "honest patina" can mean a lot of different things to different people. I think whenever I share my watches I try and provide the most accurate description possible, and often avoid using subjective words like the ones I mentioned above. But beyond that, if you're buying to keep then it's your own personal preference that matters. If you're looking to sell, then it would be prudent to see what examples people have been buying and in what condition.
I’m not one to find poetic names to make damage look better but sometimes it’s ok to accept too much “patina” while waiting for a better example.
Absolutely agree. I was thinking of photographing my few Speedmasters side by side to show colour differences (they're the only watch I have more than one example of). Then I realised speedmaster101 has already done a much better job of that than I could and it would also open up the can of worms that are "tropical" dials.