Condition
What does “Patina” mean?
Natural ageing of the dial, hands or lume over time.
Patina, explained
Patina is the natural ageing of a watch's dial, hands, lume or case over time. Luminous material may turn cream, yellow or orange, dials may fade or change colour, and metal surfaces may soften in tone. It develops through exposure to light, air and the passage of time.
On vintage watches, attractive patina can add a lot to appeal and value, because it is unique to each piece and cannot be easily reproduced. Even, warm lume that matches between the dial and the hands is particularly sought after. Patina is not always good, though. Uneven spotting, water damage or corrosion are usually seen as damage. Buyers should also be careful of artificially aged parts made to look like natural patina, especially replacement hands or relumed dials.
A typical description: “Lovely even patina on the dial and hands, matching creamy lume, no spotting.” A buyer might ask for daylight photos and photos under UV light to check the lume and whether it is consistent.
Related terms
Unworn
Never worn. Often still has factory stickers and protective film.
Fresh
Unworn and only days out of the boutique or first sale.
NOS
An older or discontinued watch that was never sold or worn.
Pre-Owned
Previously sold and worn. "Pre-owned OK" means worn watches are fine for the client (unworn ones match too).
Like New
Pre-owned with barely any visible signs of wear.
Slider
Pre-owned but indistinguishable from new; often only the card date gives it away.
Excellent
Light wear from careful use. No deep scratches or dings.
Very Good
Normal light wear visible on close inspection.
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