Somlo "Time in Print" - Patina 1

The Collaboration :
Time in Print is a collaboration between Daniel Somlo of Somlo London and Sami Patrick of Million Dreams Media. Daniel is a third-generation vintage watch dealer based in London's prestigious Burlington Arcade and is known for his expertise in finding the beauty in the most intricate details. Sami is a professional commercial photographer, who combines Nordic simplicity with British elegance. The idea came about to create a series of macro images focusing on the concept of Patina in watches; that is, the degradation of different aspects of the watch due to the ravages of time. Each image is a study in the effects wrought upon each piece and a celebration of the beauty in the flaws.
 
The Watch:
The Patek Philippe reference 2451 was introduced in 1949 and produced for 9 years. Manufactured as a water-resistant version of the Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 96, it featured the same 3mm diameter case and elegant long lug design distinctive to this classic line of watches. This particular example is in rose gold with a pink dial, commonly known as a 'Pink On Pink' configuration which was often destined for the South American or Spanish market.
 
The Patina:
The darkening of the dial over time has likely been caused by the gradual ingress of moisture, possibly from a humid environment. Although the case was water resistant, over the decades it is still possible for moisture to penetrate and cause a discolouration of the dial pigment. There is also evidence of streaking surrounding the markers which may be the eventual result of a cleaning agent having been applied to the dial at some stage during a service.
 
The Details:
A limited edition of 25 signed and numbered pieces. The images are printed on high quality, satin, photographic paper and are accompanied by a signed certificate with information on the watch and a theory as to how the Patina was caused.
 
Size: 34.8cm x 47cm - A3 with 2.54cm white border