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W30bob
·Great conversation! I think everyone agrees "to each their own".......and we should! What I don't like are the definitions. And yes, there's a fine line between "patina" and "had the shit beaten out of it". But I'm not sure their should be such a fine line.........and again, this is just my opinion. Patina, as defined by the most popular dictionaries is;
a thin surface layer that develops on something because of use, age, or chemical action:
a green or brown film on the surface of bronze or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period.
a usually green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or artificially (as by acids) and often valued aesthetically for its color.
a thin layer that variously forms on the surface of copper, brass, bronze, and similar metals and metal alloys (tarnish produced by oxidation or other chemical processes)
But obviously the term "patina" means different things when it pertains to different objects, and it seems when applied to a watch that definition isn't very defined. Asking AI on Google what 'wristwatch patina' is gets you "Wristwatch patina is a natural process that occurs when a watch's materials change over time due to exposure to light, air, and moisture." That's a pretty broad statement, but asking AI "what's the difference between wristwatch patina and damage" gets a very intersting result.........."A "wristwatch patina" refers to a natural, aesthetically pleasing change in a watch's appearance over time, usually due to oxidation or exposure to elements, while "damage" signifies a noticeable negative alteration to the watch caused by a specific incident or harsh condition, like scratches, dents, or significant discoloration, which often impacts its functionality or value." So the line is blurred again.
I guess the key words above are "natural, aesthetically pleasing change" and "noticeable negative alteration to the watch caused by a specific incident or harsh condition, like scratches, dents, or significant discoloration". Again, there's room for overlap with the words "significant discoloration"......who defines "significant"? Obviously the buyer and seller!
So we all have our own defintion of "patina" when it comes to watches. There's no univeral "right" or "wrong", just what's right or wrong to you........and I guess that's the way it should be. To me personally, I always thought of patina on a watch as mild or gentle aging. Not "it fell in the ocean and was recovered 10 years later, and you can no longer read the dial and the case has corrosion holes in it. That's a bridge too far. And it certainly isn't worth more if I'd be embarrased to wear it on my wrist. I thought that was the universal understanding. That is until I saw sellers online listing vintage Omegas with what they called "Spider" dials. I was thinking what the hell is a Spider dial?? And with most of them being a dark color it wasn't immediately obvious to me what they were talking about. But then from certain angles I could see the cracks. So a cracked dial was a Spider dial? But it's just the top lacquer layer cracking and falling off......which will continue happening and eventually the entire face will be gone! You mean to tell me that's a GOOD thing?? Well.........maybe to some I guess so. Although I never see those watches with such Spider dials ever selling......so maybe not.
And I fully get the appeal of a 'vintage' watch.........heck, I'm all about 'vintage'. I like the fact that the watch has a history! But there's a line there too. I intend to wear my watches, but while respecting their previous history I also want to add to that some history of my own.........not just display and become caretaker of someone elses. But that's just me...........and that's the point. Buy it and wear it if you like it.......if not just pass and let someone else find the beauty in it! It's just like used cars..........there's an ass for every seat!
;O)
a thin surface layer that develops on something because of use, age, or chemical action:
a green or brown film on the surface of bronze or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period.
a usually green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or artificially (as by acids) and often valued aesthetically for its color.
a thin layer that variously forms on the surface of copper, brass, bronze, and similar metals and metal alloys (tarnish produced by oxidation or other chemical processes)
But obviously the term "patina" means different things when it pertains to different objects, and it seems when applied to a watch that definition isn't very defined. Asking AI on Google what 'wristwatch patina' is gets you "Wristwatch patina is a natural process that occurs when a watch's materials change over time due to exposure to light, air, and moisture." That's a pretty broad statement, but asking AI "what's the difference between wristwatch patina and damage" gets a very intersting result.........."A "wristwatch patina" refers to a natural, aesthetically pleasing change in a watch's appearance over time, usually due to oxidation or exposure to elements, while "damage" signifies a noticeable negative alteration to the watch caused by a specific incident or harsh condition, like scratches, dents, or significant discoloration, which often impacts its functionality or value." So the line is blurred again.
I guess the key words above are "natural, aesthetically pleasing change" and "noticeable negative alteration to the watch caused by a specific incident or harsh condition, like scratches, dents, or significant discoloration". Again, there's room for overlap with the words "significant discoloration"......who defines "significant"? Obviously the buyer and seller!
So we all have our own defintion of "patina" when it comes to watches. There's no univeral "right" or "wrong", just what's right or wrong to you........and I guess that's the way it should be. To me personally, I always thought of patina on a watch as mild or gentle aging. Not "it fell in the ocean and was recovered 10 years later, and you can no longer read the dial and the case has corrosion holes in it. That's a bridge too far. And it certainly isn't worth more if I'd be embarrased to wear it on my wrist. I thought that was the universal understanding. That is until I saw sellers online listing vintage Omegas with what they called "Spider" dials. I was thinking what the hell is a Spider dial?? And with most of them being a dark color it wasn't immediately obvious to me what they were talking about. But then from certain angles I could see the cracks. So a cracked dial was a Spider dial? But it's just the top lacquer layer cracking and falling off......which will continue happening and eventually the entire face will be gone! You mean to tell me that's a GOOD thing?? Well.........maybe to some I guess so. Although I never see those watches with such Spider dials ever selling......so maybe not.
And I fully get the appeal of a 'vintage' watch.........heck, I'm all about 'vintage'. I like the fact that the watch has a history! But there's a line there too. I intend to wear my watches, but while respecting their previous history I also want to add to that some history of my own.........not just display and become caretaker of someone elses. But that's just me...........and that's the point. Buy it and wear it if you like it.......if not just pass and let someone else find the beauty in it! It's just like used cars..........there's an ass for every seat!
;O)
