WATCH POP

from becoming faded or spotted? Are such processes inevitable?
Thanks for reading and for any comments.
Michael
"That's the difference between me and the rest of the world! Happiness isn't good enough for me! I demand euphoria!" Calvin ..failure to seal against moisture and dust will lead to degradation of dials over time (as well as corrosion of the hands, indicies, and movement). Caseback, crown, pusher, bezel and crystal seals all play a part. Handling of the dial also leads to problems, either from physical damage such as scratching or cracking through mishandling, or the deposition of oils and other foreign matter from hands. Thus it is important that servicing is performed well. Light, and particularly sunlight, will also degrade dial paint eventually. Therefore storage of watches will affect the degradation of dials, dependant upon heat, moisture, and light conditions. Although not a problem with newer watches, the radioactive radium used in luminous markings in some vintage watches can affect the dial paint if the hands are left immobile for a long time, and the material can also crumble and is thus another course of foreign material.
I'd say that some degradation of dials, at least painted metal dials, is inevitable but can be minimised. Porcelain dials may well be the best bet in terms of longevity. Aside from damage due to mishandling or accidents these appear to handle the natural elements remarkably well.
Paul.