Closeup pics of my aging Patek, Omega dials

Jul 23, 2014,03:49 AM
 

Well, I am back for more bashing.

In a way, I see critical comments as good for me, because I learn from them. I don't take things personally, I try not to.

Anyway. Here are pics I shot recently as I wish to share and if others do know more, how the aging process works on dials from really good companies.

The oldest watch I have is my terrible Patek 3700/1J of John Travolta style gold watches:

This is a beautiful watch, from an era in which I had focused on collecting the most memorable works for me...in 1978, thin and large watches (for 1978, the Patek Nautilus was huge). Enjoy.

Note how the dial has aged by loosing paint flecks. This, my watch, has been well preserved...I have not seen better. Restored dials don't count. This is a solid gold dial, and although thin by 2014 standards, it is the same weight as a MB&F 1 huge machine...in gold..both.

The big thing I noted, was that Patek was so determined to demonstrate quality thru understatement, that the solid gold clasp, was treated to make it resemble steel!

Not only steel, but cheap chrome plated steel.

























Now, we should look at Omega from 1989 first.

Solid gold dial with steel and solid gold combination at 20 per cent of the price of a Patek back in 1989.

This and all the following Omega Speedmasters are automatics. This 1989 example was the first mini speedmaster, downsized because the original speedmaster manual wound moon watch was too big.

That's what I love about era and the way designers contemplate beauty.

"the contemplation of beauty, allows the soul to grow wings", so said Plato....it did work well for me.












Note the printing inking.

Compared with the Patek's.

But soon, in 2003 or so...Omega's quality was superb.

This on the lowest entry small speedmasters.

The Mike S series.

I love all speedmasters.

Note the complex way the white paint texture interacts with the white gold index and red tip paint on the seconds hand.

Very complex, but ages well...I expect this to look the same in 2025.









Finally, the watch I thought would not happen...a 44mm Speedy.

The mighty Dark Side of the Moon , all totally ceramic in zirconium O2. With so many laser etched markings, and a double see thru.

The movement is finished in a new process which is not comparable yet to anything...its so new...so shining...but yet beautiful, in contemplation.

See the pics slowly. I am not a great photographer.

As you can see...even the dial has hidden markings of zio2 on it.

The applied paint is flawless, as I will use the reference level of the Greubel Forsey to show you.























Now you can see how and why I have been filing away my watches.

The so called big for 1978 and then the big for 2003 and on, are so far apart.

Of course, I can now recall in 1998, a younger Robert Greubel working on the big IWC grand complication.

You can find Robert Greubel dressed as a worker in the big huge 10 kilo IWC book.

I had a chance meet with Singapore's IWC boss, and of course, much youth...he cant recall Greubel being at IWC in the 1998 times.

It is good.

The watches, the visions, look at how far numeric cutters can go!!!

Greubel and Forsey set a landmark that both Patek and Lange have tried to.

Of course, it is very harsh to compare the giant effort of Greubel Forsey.

But it is a landmark.

I hope that for those who can reach out to buy one, that they try to.

I have zero regrets about Greubel Forsey.

I think and contemplate, as I see how the handwork alone, and then hand work with machine work.

This is a giant step forward.

Please enjoy this post.

I have not enough time.

I am trying to share as much as I can.


























Of course, much is due to tastes and so on.

I hope we discuss.

But most important is the passion and the lack of, or control of all envy.

First, I apologise for using Greubel Forsey.

But to illustrate, I have no choice.

There is nothing on earth as yet.

BUT...tonight..I will be seeing the LV world time. Yes..LV.

My mind is open.

I will wish to buy that watch, because I think it is the powerful strength of LV to make iconic things.

I believe the LV world time is such.

But I have not bought it yet.

Because I have no more money.

I will need to save, and I need about 10 months.

Maybe, like Greubel Forsey, I will have no choice but to buy a used one.

This message has been edited by bernard cheong on 2014-07-23 03:51:14


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why

 
 By: eterna-fan : July 23rd, 2014-08:11
do you apologize for using Greubel Forsey?

Because I feel that their prusuit of what is the very best

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 23rd, 2014-10:09
has resulted in the temporary revelation that cost is extreme. I had held back my own views on the extreme work of what Greubel Forsey did since 2004, because of my own points of view: 1. When I saw the first few 30 degree inclines done in platinum, with ... 

Interesting Post...

 
 By: SALMANPK : July 23rd, 2014-10:31
I personally love oxidation, rust and aging on Vintage pieces, makes them unique and have character, sometimes I am amazed that collectors look for perfect pristine pieces, time capsules as you will, never got it, if I want a perfect piece I'll buy a mode...  

Ah..first, you may like this gift

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 24th, 2014-07:24
Of a technical cross section filed at the USA patents: The real mc Coy of the 30 degree concept filed jointly by Robert and Stephen way before when I was working with Max on Opus 3. These GF I own, both the new and the two older used, have never seen trou...  

Boss....

 
 By: SALMANPK : July 24th, 2014-12:04
What were the numbers +- per day? S

Interesting read...

 
 By: Dave G : July 25th, 2014-10:05
I enjoy the thought out into your posts.

Dear Dave G, your website of pictures inspired me

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 29th, 2014-01:49
To collect more watches, especially the FREAK. Your technique in creating layer after layer of Adobe software, I am only presuming, forgive me if you did not use anything. The point is, I discovered ways, thru picture taking, to enjoy watch collecting. Th...  

Same here

 
 By: tom2517 : July 24th, 2014-10:11
I was also awestruck by the LV world time, but I just can't convince myself to spend that kind of money on a LV ($67,500 at LV boutique, and no, I was told they don't give any discount). On a independent brand yes, but not on LV.

Lovely post, Bernard. Thank you for sharing . . .

 
 By: Dr No : July 23rd, 2014-12:31
. . . as a traditional Purist. Sincerely, Art PS - no need to apologize for the quality of your images; excellent, as usual.

Great post!

 
 By: drphileasfogg : July 23rd, 2014-12:59
Hi Bernard, I do share your points about the quest for absolute perfection and financial limitations. Best, Stan

I am so so tight on money today...yikes.

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 24th, 2014-07:33
Not kidding. But one look at how these drawings bring out the Leonardo da Vinci code is enough. ...  

your posts are insightful, Bernard. I still do not understand why G-F watches...

 
 By: Ronald Held : July 23rd, 2014-14:38
Are at the top based on cosmetic finish and design. Also why is there so much writing on the back of that G-F? Sorry but the LV watch has little appeal to me even if were affordable.

Ronald..trust me on the LV

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 24th, 2014-07:36
I saw and touched and felt it. OK...it brought back the feelings I have for the Speedy DSOM. Which was I must have it. ...  

Superior engraving techniques (explanation), worth reading for all.

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 26th, 2014-23:32
I only learnt this at Dresden Lange & Sohne, when I was literally taught the difference. Setting relief work apart is the removal of the background, or negative space, leaving the raised design/words. Of the all ornamental engraving, relief engraving ... 

Fantastic post Bernard!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : July 23rd, 2014-17:36
As a relatively young Singaporean collector, I admire your collection and sharings. Lovely photos (they look great!). I love the macro shots of the dials esp. Your gold nautilus looks great! 1978 was my birth year too. :) Thank you for sharing your passio... 

Wowzah 1978? You can find incredible pieces!!!

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 28th, 2014-23:41
Thoes days, watches and the interest in them were too highly priced and prized, for the good stuff. But today, revisiting your dealer will still not find you good stuff, because those that bought in the 70s, were an unusual lot. They were damned serious. ...  

Secured with an 18K white gold clasp disguised as steel

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 28th, 2014-23:54
To adhere to the use of steel for that era. This model is actually prized for that feature in the bracelet in some communities.

Great post Doc ! (nt)

 
 By: cmclee : July 24th, 2014-18:27
nt

Yellow 3700 wow

 
 By: keks : July 26th, 2014-01:44
What a beauty...! Simply gorgeous. Thanks for sharing pics.

The year of 1977 (hope I got dates right)

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 28th, 2014-19:15
The steel version was as expensive, maybe just a tad less, but almost all the 3700 was "ungettable" Then came the 5700, but I didn't buy because it had a screw on back with an original Patek engine. However, this movt ran on rails. AP continued with the J...  

On my recent trip to Sydney

 
 By: Nicko16 : July 26th, 2014-22:12
I saw the Dark Side of the moon in the boutique window next to the new Speedy Mark II. DSOM looked quite good and absorbed the light. The Speedy Mark II surprised me a lot and looks quite good in the flesh. I can understand with certain vintage pieces pri... 

The dials of the IWC and Pateks from 1995 to 2004 age very well

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 28th, 2014-18:34
Lange 1 dials seem to show zero age. Same with GF. I prefer them not to flake, but in 1977, they didn't know.

Why

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : July 28th, 2014-16:27
do all of your posts end up with GF propaganda? Do you feel a need to justify your exuberant purchases?

I would be the last person...but thanks, I will try.

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 28th, 2014-18:29
I guess you are right. I end all my recent posts with GF. It is consistent with all the years...the watch which I took pics of, will be the strange one I wanted to share. Thanks for informing me of your views. I will try to respect them. Here, for example...  

Well....

 
 By: tom2517 : July 28th, 2014-20:35
I think I like GF better compare to this MB&F. Bernard you have many nice watches, please do share more of them!

This is one of my favorites, 23 jewel Seiko Sportsmatic 5 anniversary model

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 28th, 2014-23:14
For once, a relatively hard to come by watch that is way below $xxx because it is a humble Seiko, not even a grand Seiko. It is completely "sold out" but your friendly neighbourhood store may have stocked up. I found mine sitting among 3 similar ones. The...  

It isn't a view

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : July 29th, 2014-04:22
it was merely a question. And you don't have to respect any of my views or comments. Maybe it is a language thing, but sometimes I find it hard following the point (if there is any) you try to make in your posts. The pics of all the watches are great (obv... 

Oh. No problem, I respect everyone normal, as best as I can.

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 29th, 2014-04:44
As for justifying extravagance..I think you helped me. You are right..100%. Work everyday and no extreme actions, that don't endanger my cowardly life, is brought to a level of fun. I am wrong to do this. But it's just what I want to do. Spend the money, ...