Dial ageing / vintagizing

[Whatever123]

Hi there,

OK, I read a lot about ageing dials... seems the "baking" method is preferred here... is it? So how do you actually do that? Simply put the dial in the oven? Which temperature do you use and how long do you leave the dial in there?

Are there alternative methods? I read about that coffee thing but that doesn't sound too promising to me...

I've got one of those yellowish cartel vintage Rolex dials that I'd like to "age". But of course I don't want to destroy it...

Thanks,

Whatever

[Martyd3]

Bake at 450 - 500 degrees for 5 to 15 minutes ... til golden brown (or what ever color you want). Your actual results will vary depending on your oven temperature, size and bake time

[Dizzy]

Watch out for all the text turning brown also!!!

[Whatever123]

Watch out for all the text turning brown also!!!

Good point... I have one try with an older dial... the next one should be right...

[Gabus]

This was a thread that started by talking about a re-dial but ends with experimenting with aging.

[Whatever123]

Thanks, interesting thread!

...

Well, yes, I tried to bake a dial in the meantime and yes, I ruined my dial...

So... no,... I will not try it again on the good dial. Instead I am thinking of having it re-lumed by someone who knows what he's doing...

[what2]

note to self..... 45 minutes in the oven is too long for a dial. You can guess how I know!