100 year old watches with perfect dials?

Given the number of "new" perfect dials out there how can one be sure one is buying an original? I can't tell by a photograph and have to rely on the seller's knowledge. At this point I'd rather buy one with a few hairlines that show at least some age -- unless they begin to simulate that as well. Perfect, mint dials without hairlines? No thanks, unless I know the seller.

Good point!

It is a known fact that porcelain dials can and do last for over 100 years, and some in pristine shape. The factors that come into play with dial deterioration are almost endless.

When buying a watch anywhere, one doesn't have a clue whether the dial originally came on that watch or not. Dials have been changed like you would change tires on an automobile.

"Perfect" dials are what buyers usually look for or perhaps with a very slight blemish [hairline/ edge flake/scratch/chip etc.]

Know your dials on the particular watch you are buying, study them and learn. If you aren't sure about a dial bring it here and discuss its attributes, values, and known "re-makes" in our members only "Pitfalls" section, ALWAYS if it is an ongoing auction or sale !!

I have to say to always buy the best example of any collectable that you can afford. That way your collection will be appreciated and the future value of your investment will climb or stay the same.

In the past 50 years dealers, and collectors alike, have continually "upgraded" their watches putting the very best cases, dials, hands on the higher grade/valued watches to maximize their profits potentials. Even until today lesser watches are bought generally for the parts to upgrade higher quality watches if they are compatible donors, period correct, and could have come that way from the factory. And it will continue, as always, since that's the way that it is....

regards,
bb

Well put Buster.

I have been collecting dials for the last five years and putting them on the older Hamiltons. I now have at least 10 Script dials that are in near perfect condition, It is not easy , but they are out there if you are willing to look, and pay the price for them.

The 30's and 40's dials are a little easier to find, but even those are also getting harder to find now with no hairlines, and again be ready to pay the price for them. Which I find, to my advantage, some are not.

The really hard to find dials now are the Melamine dials. Even if you find them without cracks in them, there is no guaranty that they will not crack while in your possession, especially if you choose to carry it, which I would NOT recommend. These are the watches that you will be sure to find the replacement dials on.

I sure wish I had a bunch of the S. LeRose replacement dials for the 992B's!

Regards,
Larry

Well said Buster I agree, it is becoming almost impossible to pass off fake dials anymore these days, with all the knowledge we have right here in front of us today.

Tim

Can one really tell an original pristine dial from the fakes that are rampant on ebay by only looking at photographs? I'd like to have that skill. A lot depends on the seller's photographs and descriptions. Until I develop better skills I'll have to go with a trusted seller, or something that shows light or even reasonable wear.

James, mostly you can determine the fakes from the pristine without much trouble.

James,

The skills you're speaking of are acquired by spending time looking at dials and researching.

By doing the following searches you can find many non-authentic dials and compare.

Fake dial
Reproduction dial
Authentic dial

Authentic dials without hairlines are not easy to find. Many dials are described as not having any hairlines but my experience has been that with a good loupe and lighting hairlines can be found that do not show in pictures. That's why it's always a good practice to ask an online seller to confirm if a dial is hairline free.

So what's the big deal about trying to pass on a dial as not having a hairline crack?

It's a matter of the limited supply of remaining dials that are in pristine condition. A single hairline crack generally lowers the dial value by about 40% to 50% for knowledgeable collectors.

For the most part I can tell an original dial from a fake by looking at photographs however sometimes I need help too.

Anyway, this club collectively has helped many members determine through pictures if a dial is the real deal.

RR