The tropical effect on the dial of a watch today is called a specific discoloration of the dial created in some vintage watches due to the effects of the climatic conditions in which the watch was used.
The ideal conditions for achieving a tropical dial effect are prolonged use of the watch in a highly exposed environment, followed by storing it for a long time in a darkened place.
Obtaining a dial that has turned a shade of brown from its factory black color takes many years and favorable conditions, through which tropical dials are very rare and sought after by collectors.
It is no coincidence that we often come across “tropical” watches that were originally purchased and used in South American or African countries.
The tropical effect does not in any way imply damage to the watch dial. It is the result of a natural process occurring on the dial as a result of the conditions to which the watch has been exposed, combined with the varnish or paint used on the watch dial allowing this specific effect to form.
Most importantly, “tropical” provides a spectacular visual effect that allows such a piece to stand out from other watches in the reference, while giving the collector the joy of owning a unique dial that “lives” and changes over time.
It is worth mentioning that watches with a tropical dial are highly valued by collectors. Exemplars with a developed tropical effect often reach two or three times the price at auctions compared to watches of the same reference having a “regular” dial.
