The mystifying Rolex patina

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Faz

·Feb 5, 2022

This is an absolutely rhetorical question.

How is it possible for some very few to be able to achieve the perfect patina 100% of the time in the later 5 digit serial Rolex sports watches? I’m always dumbfounded to see these watches come up.

 

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ATWG

·Feb 5, 2022

Hmmmm, is this a trap question? Are you referring to offerings from Azzurri?

Edited: Feb 5, 2022

 

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Faz

·Feb 6, 2022

Not really a trap question but certainly, I’m perplexed by patina that is always the same, on watches that usually have very little patina (glossy 5 digit sports watches) and always from one source. Must be some kind of magic trick. It just makes me very suspicious but then, I can be completely wrong.

This is something that was discussed in the days I was a regular on the VRF. Perfect cases. Perfect patina 100% of the time from one particular seller. Given today’s prices, I wonder…

 

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Dan S

·Feb 6, 2022

I've seen similar skepticism about a seller who always seems to have perfectly matched pumpkin lume examples. Frankly, I don't have much faith in the majority of the big dealers. I think there is a lot of funny business going on.

Edited: Feb 6, 2022

 

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Darlinboy

·Feb 6, 2022

Faz

This is an absolutely rhetorical question.

How is it possible for some very few to be able to achieve the perfect patina 100% of the time in the later 5 digit serial Rolex sports watches? I’m always dumbfounded to see these watches come up.

I will tell you exactly how this happens!

Wait - crap someone is at the door, be right back...

 

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Sherbie

·Feb 6, 2022

I think it best if you shared some examples, so some of us know what you are talking about

 

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ATWG

·Feb 6, 2022

No examples, otherwise the thread will be locked without proof. To the experts, it’s quite obvious.

 

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YY77

·Feb 6, 2022

I could tell you I but I'd have to kill you.

 

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Larry S

·Feb 6, 2022·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

Is it looks too good to be true, it probably isn’t .

 

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Evitzee

·Feb 6, 2022

The natural outcome of the patina fetish many people have.

 

M

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morningtundra

·Feb 6, 2022

Cheap raw materials and a steady hand...

 

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140dave

·Feb 6, 2022

Other less nefarious options:
1- Very picky in sourcing
2- “amazing” is easy to say on every listing, some look less amazing to me than the title indicates
3- add slight color adjustment to highlight the tones of an Option 2 picture and BAM it’s amazing!

And yes, I’m just looking at the “nice” side of the coin. I understand the question and why it is asked. I am no Rolex expert but have been looking for a 5dig sub for a while now so am become more familiar with the “egg shell” patina most of these develop, it is usually pretty subtle.

 

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Dan S

·Feb 6, 2022

140dave

2- “amazing” is easy to say on every listing, some look less amazing to me than the title indicates

"Insane!" is the new "amazing". 🤦

 

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vibe

·Feb 6, 2022

I wonder if a 6 digit will get this patina in 15 more years.

 

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STANDY

·Feb 6, 2022

Faz

This is an absolutely rhetorical question.

How is it possible for some very few to be able to achieve the perfect patina 100% of the time in the later 5 digit serial Rolex sports watches? I’m always dumbfounded to see these watches come up.

A lot quicker when the dial is out of the watch, surprising what a week in the sun/under a light source not in a watch will do.

 

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ATWG

·Feb 6, 2022

Here is one from Phillips auction last year I was following closely that raised eyebrows. I have not seen two almost identical patinated dials from completely different references.

You judge for yourself.

 

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harrymai86

·Feb 6, 2022

Faz

Not really a trap question but certainly, I’m perplexed by patina that is always the same, on watches that usually have very little patina (glossy 5 digit sports watches) and always from one source. Must be some kind of magic trick. It just makes me very suspicious but then, I can be completely wrong.

This is something that was discussed in the days I was a regular on the VRF. Perfect cases. Perfect patina 100% of the time from one particular seller. Given today’s prices, I wonder…

Do you mean nbtimes? many debate yet still no one could confirm anything

 

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Mark020

·Feb 7, 2022·not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer

Dan S

I think there is a lot of funny business going on.

+1

 

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ATWG

·Feb 7, 2022

harrymai86

Do you mean nbtimes? many debate yet still no one could confirm anything

Newer version….

 

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CoDiffe

·Feb 7, 2022

EZ Bake oven?

Faz

This is an absolutely rhetorical question.

How is it possible for some very few to be able to achieve the perfect patina 100% of the time in the later 5 digit serial Rolex sports watches? I’m always dumbfounded to see these watches come up.