All speedmaster dials start black, and due to decay, change colour. This is most apparent in 2911xxx and 2960xxxx serials, though it is known in other ranges. In my opinion the best colours are more often seen in 2911xxxx, though this does not mean the best cannot be seen in other ranges. By the very nature of the source of the colour (damage) we seek to find the line between decay and attraction.

When comparing browns, often it is only when placing a black dial next to it can we see it initialy. Also, when showing a group of browns, the best one will “kill” the others.(!), as above.

An extreme brown dial is often sought after by new collectors as it is easily identifiable, however once in ownership these tend to loose attraction. This is because they often are actually quite poor quality, and the colour is derived from severe decay, often of the dial plate. So in these extreme brown dials, the quality is poor. Experienced collectors have led me to understand that a black dial, with strong brown secondary, is actually a more attractive thing to live with. Of course not everyone sees this the same way.

For me the most valuable and desirable is the Galaxy, swirly chocolate dial in #4 and #1. These are extraordinary and very rarely seen, and of the quality that does not come on the open market. By open market I mean auctions or dealers websites. Sellers do not need to consign as these are sold by word of mouth, before being marketed.

#2 is an exquisite example of a black dial with a strong brown secondary hint. This is what old school collectors called chocolate, though in today’s market collectors seek a stronger colour before calling it tropical. It is a classic fine example from a single family owner.

#3 is extremely rare, because it is a Straight writing with a brown tint. Again, some feel this is not Tropical as such, but it has a strong enough brown to be noticeable.

All Brown Dials appear different in different light conditions, and all are slightly different from another. I have owed a large number, and each time I get one I can compare to another and so I have learned which one is most attractive to me. I have found that strong browns (in the 145022 reference) do not maintain their attraction to me over time, where as the watches pictured here become more and more attractive the more I look at them.