The allure of a vintage Rolex Submariner lies not only in its robust construction and legendary history but also in the unique character imparted by time – its patina. This subtle, often uneven discoloration of the dial and hands is a testament to the watch's age and the passage of years. However, discerning between desirable patina and damage is a crucial skill for any serious collector, a task requiring a keen eye, deep knowledge, and perhaps even a healthy dose of skepticism. This article delves into the fascinating world of vintage Rolex Submariner patina, exploring the science behind its development, the factors influencing its appearance, and the pitfalls of misidentification.
Understanding Rolex Vintage Luminous Material:
The key to understanding vintage Rolex Submariner patina lies in the luminous material itself. For much of Rolex's history, dials and hands were treated with radium, then tritium, before the adoption of modern, less hazardous luminescent materials. These materials, particularly radium and tritium, are radioactive and degrade over time, leading to the characteristic color changes we associate with patina.
* Radium (Ra): Used in early Rolex watches, radium-based luminous paint often exhibits a creamy, almost ivory-like patina. Over decades, the radium's alpha particles cause the paint to darken and sometimes develop a brownish or even yellowish hue. The intensity of the discoloration varies depending on factors like exposure to light and environmental conditions. Identifying radium dials requires careful examination and sometimes specialized testing, as the presence of radium is not always visually obvious. Importantly, the handling of watches with radium dials should be approached with caution due to the radioactive nature of the material.
* Tritium (H-3): Replacing radium, tritium offered a less hazardous alternative. Tritium-based luminous paint typically displays a wider range of patina colors, from creamy yellow to brown, and even a greenish hue in some cases. The rate of degradation is slower than radium, but over many years, the tritium decays, resulting in the characteristic fading and discoloration. The color of the patina often depends on the specific formulation of the luminous compound and the original color of the paint itself. Some tritium dials might show a more uniform patina, while others exhibit a more varied and uneven tone.
* Luminova and Super-LumiNova: These modern luminous materials are non-radioactive and do not exhibit the same type of patina as radium or tritium. While they might age slightly and lose some of their brightness over time, they do not undergo the dramatic color changes seen in vintage Rolex dials. The presence of Luminova or Super-LumiNova is a clear indicator that the watch is not a true vintage piece from the era of radium or tritium.
The Spectrum of Rolex Luminous Colours and Their Patina:
The color of the patina is not a simple matter of uniform darkening. Several factors influence the final appearance, leading to a wide spectrum of colors and patterns. These factors include:
* Original Paint Color: The initial color of the luminous paint significantly affects the final patina. Some dials were originally a brighter, almost white, while others started with a yellowish or beige tone. This initial color will influence the eventual shade of the patina.
* Exposure to Light: Prolonged exposure to UV light accelerates the degradation of the luminous material, leading to a more pronounced and rapid color change. Watches kept in darkness often show a slower and potentially more even patina.
current url：https://jqbnfh.e847z.com/all/vintage-rolex-submariner-patina-30234
chanel coin purse price 2017 versace trend long sleeve shirt