WWYD: New arrival slightly different than expected

[rodia77]

^^^
I agree, except you put it in such a way as there was an objective truth to that, while it's really down to personal likes and tastes.

When I try to analyse it for myself, I think in this Eterna the applied numerals are adding a twist, so that it's not 'yet another flat vintage dial'. And I like twists.

Out of the blue, the controversial Vertex came to mind with its blocky luminous numerals, and while initially I was looking at them as a quirk, several days ago I had another look somewhere and they didn't appeal to me anymore, I'd choose painted any day.

There are also a lot of ‘applied’ indices and numerals that are stamped, from Seiko to Lange & Söhne. In many of these cases, there’s no more ‘quality’ in applied than painted.

Not sure how common they are, tbh. I think I only ever saw stamped numerals in one watch I considered, and that would be a 24h Sturmanskie Traveller. Hmmm...

[OhDark30]

My Smiths has stamped numbers (they’re not applied, or simply painted)

Your question has made me think about what I like in a dial: I’ve certainly got a few with applied stick indices, and printing on convex vintage dials

The Aviator has thick enough lumed numbers that they have a bit of shape to them

But this is probably my fave
Some bumpiness keeps things interesting, I think :-)

[hayday]

If it's not what you wanted, you should probably return it. Unless you're happy with it, in which case you should keep it. Does that help?

[rodia77]

If it's not what you wanted, you should probably return it. Unless you're happy with it, in which case you should keep it. Does that help?

I don't know what I would do without your input.

[hayday]

I'm here to help. Or confuse. I can't remember.

[CFR]

Too late to the party ( ) but still voted 'return' because

If you have enough doubt to post this thread, that says to me you should return it...

On the subject of applied vs painted numerals, it depends on the design. The painted numerals have a slight advantage: they don't fall out following a strong impact. And yes, it's not common, but I've seen that happen.

[tribe125]

Not sure how common they are, tbh. I think I only ever saw stamped numerals in one watch I considered, and that would be a 24h Sturmanskie Traveller. Hmmm...

I can’t quickly find a good example of stamped numerals, but I remember an interview in which a Lange & Söhne production engineer said that the Roman numerals on the Lange 1 were stamped. He was quite proud, because Lange had recently bought a dial stamping machine that allowed them to bring dial making in-house.

Here are two common examples of stamped/embossed indices -

[rodia77]

To wrap it up, I posted the watch yesterday, Weir & Sons received it today and issued a refund immediately. So if they ever have anything I'm interested in, I'll shop with them confidently.

[gnuyork]

My Smiths has stamped numbers (they’re not applied, or simply painted)

Your question has made me think about what I like in a dial: I’ve certainly got a few with applied stick indices, and printing on convex vintage dials

The Aviator has thick enough lumed numbers that they have a bit of shape to them

But this is probably my fave
Some bumpiness keeps things interesting, I think :-)

That is quite a dial, right up my alley with the even numerals. Nice one.

[OhDark30]

Thanks!
It’s my second most worn watch

I picked the vintage pigskin strap to dress it down a bit, and it goes pretty much everywhere