1950's Heavy Patina

[dinglem]

I picked this up recently and just had to have it due to the absolutely amazing golden brown 'tropical' patina. It is kind of two tone, with the outer ring glistening and reflecting gold and the inner circle being more of a brown colour. It also has faded very very pale greenish-yellow hands. The dial colour changes in different light, being much paler in outdoor, natural light. There is also a 9:25 hand shadow which I absolutely love. Case, crystal and movement are in lovely condition also, and it has been recently serviced. One i will wear very often i think.

 

[Sunbeam_T35]

That patina is very satisfying!

I really like the rally-style leather strap you have matched to it - great choice.

I have a very similar era Nivada 'Skymaster' simple three-hander with a cracking tobacco patina as well and am very fond of it. I have it on a vintage Fixoflex bracelet which suits it nicely but inspired I am by your rally strap.

 

[Sunbeam_T35]

oh, just noticed the Nivaflex notation on your dial. My Nivada has exactly the same. (A. Schild 1361N 21J movement inside)

Nivaflex mainsprings when first introduced (~1957) were premium mainsprings back in the day and worthy of boasting on the dial for a while - so no doubt our two pieces are from the same era! Within a couple of years I'd say. It's also likely the dials were finished with very similar enamel paint formula and hence the similar tobacco patina with the ravages of time.

 

[dinglem]

Hi there, I am pleased to hear you like my strap choice. I spent quite a bit of time considering the straps for this watch and also the champagne dial watch from my other thread. I was hunting for an ‘oxblood’ strap specifically to compliment the colour of the dial, and then this design popped up albeit with black stitching. I had the guy make a bespoke one for me with off-white stitching which I hoped with age and use will brown off a little. Just like the dial. As I like a rally strap anyway I found the square design an interesting twist, and have to admit it looks fantastic when on the wrist. Just something completely different to the norm. If you want any contact details just drop me a message.

The pictures don’t really capture how much the tiny speckles in the outer part of my dial sparkle in the light. They are like gold glitter. Really quite something when out in natural light when contrasting with the central circle. I have never seen anything like it before.