The mystifying Rolex patina

Posts

3,893

Likes

23,284

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.

 

Posts

2,218

Likes

6,929

ATWG

·Feb 5, 2022

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

Edited: Feb 5, 2022

 

Posts

3,893

Likes

23,284

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…

 

Posts

24,800

Likes

55,082

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

 

Posts

8,743

Likes

69,527

Darlinboy

·Feb 6, 2022·Pratts! Will I B******S!!!

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...

 

Posts

1,325

Likes

1,872

Sherbie

·Feb 6, 2022

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

 

Posts

2,218

Likes

6,929

ATWG

·Feb 6, 2022

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

 

Posts

6,437

Likes

31,613

YY77

·Feb 6, 2022

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

 

Posts

13,915

Likes

54,108

Larry S

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

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

 

Posts

7,778

Likes

14,370

Evitzee

·Feb 6, 2022

The natural outcome of the patina fetish many people have.

 

M

Posts

344

Likes

435

morningtundra

·Feb 6, 2022

Cheap raw materials and a steady hand...

 

This website may earn commission from Ebay sales.

Posts

1,990

Likes

9,505

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.

 

Posts

24,800

Likes

55,082

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". 🤦

 

Posts

944

Likes

2,450

vibe

·Feb 6, 2022

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

 

Posts

16,900

Likes

48,108

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.

 

Posts

2,218

Likes

6,929

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.

 

Posts

1,258

Likes

2,737

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

 

Posts

6,832

Likes

10,654

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

 

Posts

2,218

Likes

6,929

ATWG

·Feb 7, 2022

harrymai86

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

Newer version….

 

Posts

616

Likes

3,921

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.