I think that this is a reproduction dial. I first noticed that the sunk areas have concentric lines, indicating that they were machined down. Then that the edges weren't as crisp as on a Hamilton dial. Correct?

Closeup showing edges. Also shows how the corner of the "7" extends past the top surface onto the transition between the two levels, showing that it was applied after the dial was made.

Closeup showing the concentric lines.

You're right, good detective work!

Someone on the bay (I don't recall the name) is selling a lot of reproduction dials of kinds. That means we're going to see a lot more of this in the comings years... Its happened to me once already this year.

I have bought some repro dials from the guy out in MO that you are talking about (I am guessing you are talking about him). I use his dials for my carry watches so as to not mess up a perfectly good melamine or porcelain dial. His numbers usually look a bit more fuzzy to me, but at time checking distance look pretty good. Your dial numbers look more like they were painted on rather than sprayed.

He sells metal ones and melamine ones that he redoes. I would mention his name and ebay username, but I am not sure about doing that on a public forum. I do know that he takes requests and even made an inverse 4992B dial for me.

I think that if the seller of your watch mentioned that it was a repro and not original then it might be ok. Most of them will say, "they dont know a lot about watches, but this one looks good!" so they dont have to worry about leading one to think that the dial is a good original.

Dan

The reproduction dial does serve a valid purpose but must be disclosed to a buyer. Far better to have a nice reproduction dial for regular use and save the original from damage. I agree with Dan that a lot of sellers fail to note the repro and that is wrong if they know or suspect.