Very informative discussion. There are not many forums where you can have such a difference in views discussed in a civilized manner. As someone who is constantly learning I really appreciate such discussions and the Omega Forum....
This 165-024 (23M series) from 1966. With original unmolested bezel. The dial looks very gilt, but even through the10x loupe it definitely looks like paint and not etched. The first pic was taken in bright sunlight to minimise the hue. The numerals and indices are considerably whiter. If it is patina aging it is exceptionally even. It does beg the question were some of these dials text printed non white and are in fact Gilt print but definitely not etched.
I would like to bump this informative thread and would like to hear (and learn) newer ideas or facts. thanks at @g-boac and @Joe K. and the others. Maybe included with infomations (SN, batch) of watches on OF with "gilt" dials. (I mean gilt in this case not as the ROLEX-produced gilt dials) Has anyone photos of dismantled gilt-dials (front- and back-side)?
Here is an old one of mine, 26.8 mil serial. Unfortunately, the “dial only” photo lighting is terribly poor. It’s clear from the other photos (taken in indoor and natural lights) that the font is uniform and definitely not white.
My guilt dial “Big T” is a 26.29xxxx serial. Extract confirms UK delivery in February 1968. Evenly coloured lettering and other details.
This might help, I adjusted the color temp for you. It’s not perfect as the original file is a compressed jpeg, but it’s a bit more natural looking now haha.
On my example, T Swiss made T is indeed the same color as the other fonts (being gilt colored, or not white). Serial is 26.82X.XXX. I didn’t get an extract.