What would cause this type of dial deterioration?

Samir · Dec 5, 2019

Hello all....
This looks faded and not the bubbling patina that I Ihave seen in many.
Is this due to a different paint process than what was utilized in the previous generations seamasters, constellations?
Also the text has been spared from the process. Would love to hear what you all have to opine on this.
Thanks very much.

Willbur · Dec 5, 2019

I'm not aware of the root cause but many Tissot with blue dial from this age have the same issue.
I would not be surprise if Omega and Tissot were using the same dial maker at this time regarding amount of shared process and parts.

JimJupiter · Dec 5, 2019

Not just Tissot and Omega, also Heuer and othere are known for problematic blue dials. Seems in a specific environment (humid, lot of UV) the laquer disintegrate. Maybe the blue paint in the 60s and 70s wasn't the best. Interesting though is the pattern on that Omega. I can't explain this.

Nico

Edit: Some Heuer with original blue dials, now known as "paintless wonder"

Samir · Dec 5, 2019

JimJupiter
Not just Tissot and Omega, also Heuer and othere are known for problematic blue dials. Seems in a specific environment (humid, lot of UV) the laquer disintegrate. Maybe the blue paint in the 60s and 70s wasn't the best. Interesting though is the pattern on that Omega. I can't explain this.

Nico

Edit: Some Heuer with original blue dials, now known as "paintless wonder"

Thanks for the reply.
Exactly... It's this pattern which baffles me. The text is literally untouched.

Vitezi · Dec 5, 2019

Here is another thread about aging blue dials: https://omegaforums.net/threads/dial-aging-q.77913/

Börn · Dec 5, 2019

Is this the reason the vintage black Omega timepieces are so rare and sought after...

and so many are redialed?

Samir · Dec 5, 2019

Vitezi
Here is another thread about aging blue dials: https://omegaforums.net/threads/dial-aging-q.77913/

Thank you for the link Vitezi. Was fascinating.
Still my question remains as to how come the text is unaffected? Crazy phenomena no?

Lotus_Eater8815 · Dec 5, 2019

Maybe the watch used to be worn by someone whose job involved being out in the sun for long/repeated periods under an umbrella or a tent. A tennis referee comes to mind. It could explain the uneven deterioration since his umbrella/tent would have protected most of his body and arms but only half of his wrist.

rondeaux · Dec 5, 2019

IMO, it's a blue dial issue. Something with the quality of the paint reacting with the metal dial underneath. The white text paint is likely of a different/better quality and therefore more resistant. Here's a 1968 Tudor with similar flaking.

https://www.chrono24.com/tudor/vint...4mm-rosellina--1year-warranty--id11546341.htm

Watchero · Dec 6, 2019

Another example of blue dial but Eterna...

Börn · Dec 6, 2019

I just bought this piece this morning. I doubt the blue will fade before I do.

What would cause this type of dial deterioration?

Samir

Willbur

JimJupiter

Samir

Vitezi

Börn

Samir

Lotus_Eater8815

rondeaux

Watchero

Börn

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