Wow! a rare "pizza-dial" Seamaster:

 

My preference is no patina but if the watch is desirable, minimal, even patina. Patina will almost certainly reduce the value of the watch and in some cases indicates increased wear and tear on the movement and/or case. There are very few exceptions here - the so called tropical/chocolate dial in speedmasters is one of them. I and others always stress condition, condition, condition and patina on the dial reduces the condition and value of a vintage watch.

One other thing - I know some have expressed an interest in having a watch with patina but in the end would you pay more for that watch than one without any patina (and also original dial)? If not then perhaps your preference is still the watch without patina!

 

I do like patina, but I guess for me it depends on the model... If I had to decide between my 344 and one with a super clean dial, I would still pick my example. I never get tired of looking at this dial!



However for rarer models like Centenaries, 30T2RGs, solid gold ones, I would want the watch as mint as possible and would pay extra for a really nice example. I don't think aging looks very nice on some models, especially when bubbles form on the sunburst finished dials.

I do have this one where the patina is similar to hooded lugs example. I call it my Leopard Constellation.

 

Noted Kyle but true love for patina - would you be willing to pay more for those watches with patina than for similar examples with clean non-patinated original dials?

 

Depends how much more and on the specific watch, but yes I would. I saw this Constellation where the dial turned a stunning almost a golden orange color and would definitely pay a little more. I would in this case as well. (borrowed watch from another forum)

 

Then you are the exception and a true patina lover! But your example illustrates one of my problems with patina - the dial looks ok with the even patina but the case has been polished heavily. As I had mentioned, with patina usually comes other signs of wear.

 

I know with Rolex there are certain people who target watches specifically with patina and would pay a premium, and there are certain dealers who make a highlight patina and charge a little more for those with. I do agree with you on the wear part though.

 

IMO for omega, ok to play around with patina in the under $1000 but for the top collectors at least that I know, they will go for the best examples as they left the factory and that means as little patina as possible. I don't know if the price premium on certain rolex models will stand the test of time. I would say though that the best examples especially of the higher end vintage watches - there will always be a premium the closer they are to factory fresh NOS condition.

 

That's the way I'm trying to go - upgrading to models that are closer to factory condition like the Centenary I just picked up. Sometimes I just can't resist a nice honest watch with patina though.