Somlo "Time in Print" - Patina 6

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 Seamaster 1000, otherwise known as the true Ploprof or “The Grand” for it’s 1000m dive rating, was first made in 1972 with a second batch in 1976. It is believed that fewer than 500 watches were ever produced. Until recently, this was the most waterproof watch ever made by OMEGA and was used extensively by Jacques Cousteau and his team during the 1970’s. The glass is 5mm thick and though the watch is officially rated at 1000m, it far exceeded this depth in testing and the submersible used at the time was unable to match the diving capability of the watch. The dial is identical to those found on the better known Seamaster 600 Ploprof and features high contrast markers for incredible low light visibility.
 
The Patina:
When the watch was originally assembled, the extreme waterproofing measures meant that the case was hermetically sealed and the moisture in the air trapped inside the case caused certain organic compounds in the dial to react with the brass dial base. This reaction would cause bubbles to form beneath the paint leading to this blistered effect on the dial. It is highly unlikely that this watch has been opened since its initial assembly.
 
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