Today's Arrival, A Late 1960's Seamaster Diver 120 reference 166.073 with a "Crazed" dial

gemini4

I must be a glutton for punishment as I am listing another vintage Seamaster Diver, the reference 166.073, Seamaster 120 from the late1960's, movement 27258xxx, caliber 565 with date, 24 jewels. I believe, all original.

I'm hoping that the "Diver Seamaster Bosses" will take it easy on me this time as I am posting something different and a perhaps a bit "special"........A Crazed Dial.

The watch, at first glance, is simply spectacular. Navy blue TT dial, navy blue bezel, screw down "nipple" crown. Wonderful, barely worn condition, never polished. Hands in great condition and the lume matches. Omega steel mesh bracelet. Movement is pristine. Even came in a nice Omega Box. No idea if the box is period correct.

I was able to acquire this watch at a substantial discount because the selling dealer, very honestly and to their credit, disclosed that the dial had "spider cracks" which were not visible in the " for sale" photos. As the watch is returnable and the price was right, I took a shot. Today the 166.073 arrived and I'm blown away.

A few minutes of research has yielded the knowledge that this dial is not cracked but "Crazed". A pottery term for a lacquer defect described by Christies as follows:

"Another thing some collectors love is what we call a “crazed” dial, which happens because of a defect in the lacquer. That lacquer can crack over time and create this great spider web effect on the surface. It’s not necessarily something that adds value, but it can. Sometimes it just comes down to the personal taste of the collector"

Here is the same dial with light hitting it from a different angle. The dial is fine but the applied lacquer has defective cracks which cause the surface spider web effect. i was unable to find a similar dial on any pictures or posts of this reference. I think it's rather cool and it creates an individual effect not duplicated on any other dial. Sort of like a snowflake. As you probably have by now guessed, this watch is not being returned!

Evidently, this is a characteristic found in certain vintage Rolex dials as shown below.

As always, questions, comments, corrections and perhaps other pictures of "Crazed" dials are most welcome.