The world of vintage Rolex collecting is rife with fascinating nuances, and few are as captivating – and controversial – as the cream patina found on certain early Explorer II reference 16570 dials. This isn't a uniform, predictable aging process; it's a unique characteristic born from a manufacturing defect that, ironically, transformed a flaw into a highly sought-after collector's item. This article will delve deep into the phenomenon of the Rolex snow white dial developing a creamy patina, exploring its causes, its desirability amongst collectors, and its place within the broader context of Rolex dial aging.
What Causes This Patina?
The creamy patina on early 16570 Explorer II dials isn't the result of natural aging in the same way as the "tropical" dials found on certain Submariners and other models. Tropical dials develop their characteristic brown or orange hues due to the degradation of the radium or tritium lume applied to the dial. The cream patina on the 16570, however, originates from a defect in the dial paint itself. Specifically, the early production runs of the 16570 utilized a white dial paint that was, for lack of a better term, unstable. This instability, the exact chemical composition of which remains somewhat of a mystery even to experts, led to a gradual yellowing and creaming of the dial over time. This wasn't a consistent process; some dials aged more dramatically than others, resulting in a spectrum of creamy hues ranging from a subtle ivory to a more pronounced, almost beige tone.
Discussions on online forums like r/rolex are filled with passionate debates about this phenomenon. Many collectors speculate on the specific causes, pointing to potential issues with the paint's pigment, binders, or the manufacturing process itself. The lack of precise information from Rolex only fuels the mystery and adds to the allure for enthusiasts. The process seems to be linked to exposure to light and possibly humidity, but the exact interplay of environmental factors remains unclear. What is certain is that the defect wasn't consistent across all production runs. Less than halfway through the production of the 16570, Rolex identified and corrected the issue, resulting in the later dials aging in a much more predictable manner, often retaining their original white color. This abrupt shift in dial characteristics is a key factor contributing to the rarity and desirability of the cream patina dials.
16570 Explorer II Tritium 1995. Will the lumes turn yellow? A Dash of Creme; The Controversial Cream Dial 16570 Explorer II
The year 1995 marks a significant point in the 16570's production history, often cited as a transitional year where the defect was still present, but beginning to be addressed. This leads to a significant variation in the level of cream patina found on dials from this year. Many articles and forum posts, such as "16570 Explorer II Tritium 1995. Will the lumes turn yellow?" and "A Dash of Creme," explore this year in detail, trying to establish the exact timeframe of the paint defect's existence. The "Controversial Cream Dial 16570 Explorer II" title itself reflects the ongoing debate amongst collectors about the aesthetic value and authenticity of these dials. Some see it as a desirable feature, a mark of early production and a unique aging characteristic. Others view it as a defect, preferring the pristine white of later production dials.
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