FabCo
20
What is causing spider-webbing on gilt dials?
Hi all,
A quick question for the experts around here.
I have noticed this morning, to my utter despair, that my flawless 5508 has a flaw.
A very tiny hairline can be seen, going from the coronet to the bottom of the 1 o'clock marker.
It is very difficult to make out and I have not managed to capture it with my camera so far.
It looks like a superficial crazing of the top-coat of lacquer, aka spider-webbing.
I am pretty sure that this was not on the dial when I received the watch, a couple of month ago.
So here is my interrogation:
What could have caused this?
I am very gentle with my timepieces, putting them back in their box at night and being extra careful not to bump in anything.
Of course, sometimes sh** happens.
Yesterday, I bump (not strongly) in a wall.
Could this bump be responsible for the crazing??
Or is this just the normal ageing of a 56 year old dial?
I am afraid to wear it now, as I do not want to see more hairlines appearing on my beloved dial.
Please let me hear you on this subject.
Thanks in advance,
Fab.
Vintage
Discover the Rolex Submariner 5508, a rare no-crown-guard vintage diver with an immaculate gilt dial. Amanico shares his journey to acquire this exceptional piece.
60 replies15321 views
Vintage
Amanico explores vintage Rolex Explorer 1016 and Submariner 5508, 5512 models. Compare matte vs. gilt dials, '4 lines' variations, and the enduring appeal of these iconic references.
23 replies3054 views
Vintage
Explore Baron - Mr Red's vintage Rolex Submariner collection: 6200, 5508, 5512. A deep dive into collecting themes and iconic references.
35 replies19295 views
Reference Guide
Baron - Mr Red identifies the Rolex Submariner 16610LV as a future classic, detailing its unique features and collector appeal from the 1990-2018 era.
87 replies66152 views
Vintage
Explore the timeless appeal of the Rolex Submariner Ref. 5508, a 1959 vintage diver with a gilt black glossy dial and pistachio indices. See collector photos and insights.
28 replies3124 views
What is causing spider-webbing on gilt dials?
Hi all, A quick question for the experts around here. I have noticed this morning, to my utter despair, that my flawless 5508 has a flaw. A very tiny hairline can be seen, going from the coronet to the bottom of the 1 o'clock marker. It is very difficult ...
Strange, because if a dial didn't develop spider web after such a long time...
It is surprising that it starts to develop it now... Originally, it is due to the lacquer, that is what I understood. I don't think it is caused to your " bump ". Curious to read what the others think. Best, Nicolas
Thanks for your answer Nico
I agree with you, it is very unlikely that a small bump (or even a big one) would cause spider-webbing. I have actually spend a big part of the day trying to make out the hairline by playing with the light and my watch, without a loupe. It is so tiny that...
Fab, you should check every year the seal of your crown and that your case back is
Perfectly screwed... I only spent 3 days in HK, in June, and I never saw such a degree of humidity in my life. ;) That is critical for our vintage dials. But if you check every year those points, you may pass the test of time very well. Enjoy your beauty,...
Fab....
.....obviously it would be good to see a HD scan of the spidering....however, I would be truly surprised if this had occurred as a result of a bump. You don't mention the bump causing the case any damage, so I think its very unlikely to have caused the sp...
A picture will be helpful
You may just be describing something very normal that was always there you just had not noticed. There are dials that look perfect head on and only at an angle shows the wrinkles. We are talking wrinkles not crack which seems unlikely. Bill
Thanks alot for your kind answers gentlemen!...
..I will try to post a macro pictures of the "wrinkle", as Bill put it so nicely :-) It is by no mean an easy task and I only have my iPhone to perform it so please bear with me in the meantime... Thanks again F