The Met Gala - Unveiling the Celestial Craftsmanship of Meteorite Dials

[oceaon]

A Cosmic Journey in Pursuit of the Perfect Meteorite Dial​

The perfect marriage between time and space



Ever since I first laid eyes on a meteorite dial, I've been captivated by its cosmic allure. Over the years, my fascination has led me on a journey through the universe of meteorite dials, buying and selling various pieces in my quest for the perfect one. Each watch has been a stepping stone in this cosmic adventure, offering unique insights and experiences. As I continue my quest, I've gathered a wealth of knowledge about these celestial marvels. Now, I feel compelled to share this journey and my findings with fellow enthusiasts on this forum, hoping to enlighten and guide those who share my passion for these extraordinary dials.

Introduction​

Collectors and enthusiasts face a galaxy of choices in the quest for the perfect Rolex Daytona Meteorite dial. From the gold standard of Oascom to the varied offerings of Chinese manufacturers, each dial presents a unique allure. This review explores these options, illuminating the intricacies and nuances of each.

TL;DR Warning: This review might be lengthy for many, but the journey is as fascinating as the destination.

History Lesson​

Let’s catch everyone up on the background of this cosmic metal.

​

What is a Meteorite?​

A meteorite is a solid piece of debris from an object, such as a comet, asteroid, or meteoroid, that originates in outer space and survives the extreme temperature changes the meteorite undergoes upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere to reach the surface. It is composed of iron and nickel and makes an ideal material for watch dials because of its density and hardness.
Meteorites are named after the places where they are found. Gibeon, believed to have fallen to Earth in prehistoric times, was found in Namibia. These iron-nickel-based meteorites are popular for watch dials because they exhibit prominent Widmanstätten structures – or typical striations and patterns that become evident once the material is subjected to a chemical bath.

The Pioneers of Rolex​

Rolex was the first to use meteorite slices to develop these unique dials, originally featuring them in the Daytona and the Day-Date models. Meteorite dials can now be found on many premium watches, and like Rolex, Omega used Gibeon material for its Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon watch, launched in 2014. It was a fitting choice since the Speedmaster was worn by the Apollo 11 astronauts when they landed on the moon.

The genuine Rolex meteorite dial is truly remarkable and serves as an epitome of luxury and craftsmanship. Each Rolex meteorite dial is distinctive, as this pattern varies slightly from one dial to the next, making every piece unique. Rolex pairs these meteorite dials with precious metals, creating a luxurious and exclusive look. The Gibeon meteorite is now protected and cannot be further harvested, meaning Rolex's supply is finite and highly valued.

This background sets a high bar for other suppliers and underscores the uniqueness and appeal of the Rolex meteorite dial. This review dives into the world of meteorite dials, comparing various suppliers against the revered Rolex standard to guide enthusiasts in pursuing the perfect meteorite dial.

The Setup​

In this comprehensive review, I've aimed for consistency and accuracy. I try to provide an authentic perspective on how the dials look under a watch crystal, which can significantly enhance the appearance of the meteorite patterns and their interaction with light. All dials were evaluated in a controlled lightbox environment to ensure color accuracy. Each dial was installed into donor BTF watches, offering a standard baseline for comparison. This setup highlights the unique characteristics of each meteorite dial while maintaining a consistent framework for evaluation. The review emphasizes the meteorite stone's cut, pattern, color, and quality by focusing solely on the dials, ensuring a detailed and unbiased assessment.

Capturing the true essence of meteorite dials in photographs is challenging due to the complex interplay of light and angles. To counteract this and provide a more accurate representation, I have focused extensively on video documentation of each dial. This approach helps to convey the real-life appearance and nuances of the dials, which sometimes aren't accurately captured in still photos. It's important to note that certain visual artifacts apparent in photos might not be present in reality and can be difficult to replicate exactly. Many of us may see a photo of a meteorite dial online and judge it harshly, but until held in hand.

This is one of the reasons I will buy and try out multiple dials in my hands to see the reality of the dial.




I will try to be objective about these suppliers, vendors, and resellers as I continue through the review, and you should always do your homework on whom you wish to deal and with whom you feel comfortable.

 

[oceaon]

OASCOM - The Pinnacle of Craftsmanship​

Background: Oascom is a highly skilled watchmaker based in the United States, renowned for his expertise in custom watch creations. He has garnered recognition for his specialized skills and has increasingly focused on creating more custom dials, demonstrating his versatility and craftsmanship in watchmaking. His ability to produce high-quality, unique timepieces that appeal to watch enthusiasts and collectors is second to none. Being US-based, his services come at a higher cost, but as the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.”

Oascom's meteorite dials are highly regarded because of their visual and qualitative proximity to the gen meteorite dials. Their rarity is underscored by the limited production, with only three Daytona Panda meteorite dials created: two model 116509s and another 116519, which I have put on leather. This exclusivity adds to their appeal and positions them as a benchmark in my comparison.

Priced over $1100 each at the time, this exemplifies their rarity. The third sold for $1500, plus additional dial costs for the creation. These could escalate to $1850 or higher per dial. Their high cost is attributed to the limited production of just a few pieces, compounded by Oascom's challenge in acquiring the necessary subdials for further panda production. This scarcity has increased value, making them stunning and significant as collector's items.

The last time I spoke to Oascom (Pat), his current backlog was 6-8 months. He is quite popular as you can imagine.

Oascom (US) offers fast international shipping with efficient service.


OASCOM 116519

The Oascom 116519 I have on leather stands out as the dial exhibits a stunning appearance under various lighting conditions, showcasing Oascom's skill in dial preparation. Its light color enhances the visibility of the striations, adding depth as the watch is turned in the light. The application of an acid wash by Oascom further accentuates the crystalline pattern, making it a notable example of craftsmanship and attention to detail in replicating the iconic Rolex meteorite dial.


Videos

Lightbox Video: https://imgur.com/a/7kQ6DFI

Natural Light: https://imgur.com/a/ibMnlwp

Bright Sunlight: https://imgur.com/a/ct7EtuP





OASCOM 116509

The Oascom 116509 dial mirrors the quality of the 116519, with a remarkable similarity to the Gen Rolex meteorite dial. It displays an exceptional color, pattern, and depth. The subdials on the 116509 are slightly lighter than those on the 116519, but when focusing purely on the meteorite pattern, this dial stands out as a fantastic example of replicating the gen's aesthetic and appeal. I need to wipe this one down, as the white gold is tarnishing. Sometimes, you don't see issues until you take 700+ photos at 50x, lol.


Videos

Lightbox Video: https://imgur.com/a/86Gak6Z

Natural Light: https://imgur.com/a/v3hovWB

Bright Sunlight: https://imgur.com/a/nBNFVc0






OASCOM Pepsi

The Oascom Pepsi, a GMT meteorite dial, provides a different dial perspective than the Daytona dials. Its pattern and depth are also remarkably beautiful, showcasing Oascom's consistency in quality. This model is particularly noteworthy as Oascom continues to produce these GMTs, offering an opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire them. Originally priced around $1100, the Oascom Pepsi GMTs have seen a price increase to $1350-1500 and higher, driven by high demand and limited supply. This model serves as a unique comparison point and a more accessible option for those interested in meteorite dials.


Videos

Lightbox Video: https://imgur.com/a/yVuQfwk

Natural Light: https://imgur.com/a/8mD9TjZ

Bright Sunlight: https://imgur.com/a/myVhWZq





One notable aspect of Oascom dials is that they do not come with dial feet. This means they require specialized installation by Oascom or an experienced modder familiar with this type of dial fitting. This lack of dial feet highlights the unique, custom nature of Oascom's work with a bespoke approach to watch dial creation.

Nikz19 - The Italian Artisan​

Background: Nikz19, an Italian watchmaker, is recognized for his wide range of skills, including watchmaking, modding, repairs, and plating services. Although he doesn't create the meteorite dials himself like Oascom, his expertise extends to sourcing high-quality dials from a supplier in Italy who obtains them overseas. These dials are not regularly available but are offered a few times a year, making them somewhat exclusive. While darker than the Gen dials, Nikz's dials have distinct depth.

Nikz (Italy), offers fast international shipping with efficient service.


Nikz Met Dial

Most of these dials exhibit a slightly yellowish-brown hue, adding to their unique appeal. I have had three experiences with Nikz dials. My first experience with a Nikz dial was incredible for its depth. I sometimes question getting rid of that one. Although darker than a gen, the likelihood of you running into someone else with a meteorite rolex in real life is slim to none. These dials often have a lovely, rich sheen, and the way light bends makes them gorgeous. Depending on the Euro to USD conversion rate, these dials usually cost $650-$750. Nikz's comprehensive service, including sourcing, installation, plating, and high-quality product delivery, makes his offerings especially appealing to watch enthusiasts.


Videos

Lightbox Video: https://imgur.com/a/sj20Irf

Natural Light Video: https://imgur.com/a/DrxQt0C

Sunlight Video: https://imgur.com/a/S54lwyI





Comparison Photos

 

[oceaon]

JJ - The Spanish Artisan​

Background: JJ is a dial maker/reseller out of Spain. Much like Nikz, he doesn’t create his own Meteorite dials. JJ's meteorite dials have gained much popularity lately for their visual appeal, customer satisfaction, and the variety of dials they offer. People who have dealt with him recently state quick and easy transactions. A convenience often not thought about in the watch enthusiast world. The JJ meteorite dials fall in the price range of $650-750. Unlike Oascom and Nikz, he doesn’t provide any additional modding services. This should be known upfront, as you will need a modder to install the dial if you can’t do it yourself.

JJ (Spain), offers international shipping with efficient service.


JJ Meteorite Dial

The JJ Dial is known for its lighter appearance, the depth of the patterns, and the option for customers to pick and choose from small batches. While it may not exhibit the depth of Oascom or Nikz dials, it reflects very well and boasts a very attractive color, striations, and pattern.


Videos

Lightbox Video: https://imgur.com/a/SCfPr88

Natural Light Video: https://imgur.com/a/Gk6fYBK

Sunlight Video: https://imgur.com/a/4g2McuN






Comparison Photos

Factory Installed Meteorite Dials - Ready-to-Wear Wonders​

Background: The two dials I will discuss will be the QF and Noob watches; both come with factory-installed meteorite dials, eliminating the need for modifications or watchmaker services. Both options demonstrate the diverse range of meteorite dials available, catering to different preferences and needs in the watch enthusiast community.

QF Meteorite Dial

The QF dial, known for its unique characteristics, stands out with its darker meteorite finish. It lacks the depth in some higher-end options but is notable for its tungsten case, providing a more correct and substantial weight. This feature makes the QF dial an interesting choice for those looking to customize or retain it in its original form. Its distinct appearance, combined with the practicality of a factory-finished product, offers a different kind of appeal in the meteorite dial market.


Videos

Lightbox Video: https://imgur.com/a/lBAAiYy

Natural Light: https://imgur.com/f3TGyvv

Sunlight Video: https://imgur.com/a/fgagkOD






Comparison Photos





Noob Meteorite Dial

The Noob dial impresses with its quality straight out of the box. It boasts color and depth that rivals more expensive options, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality meteorite dial without additional modifications or services. Its striking appearance and solid construction offer great value, especially considering the absence of extra costs for dial upgrades or custom installations. The Noob dial, priced at $888, provides a balance of affordability and quality, making it a top choice in its category. I was very surprised by this option right away.


Videos

Lightbox Video: https://imgur.com/a/RMHlZyC

Natural Light: https://imgur.com/a/AYbgbDo

Sunshine Video: https://imgur.com/a/Anl4Zgr






Comparison Photos

 

[oceaon]

Chinese Factories Spectrum - Diverse and Accessible​

Background: The Chinese factories (Named and No Named) offer a range of meteorite dials, each unique in style and appearance. While they provide value within the $250-$350 range, they don't offer modding services. This means users who purchase these dials will need assistance for installation, either from experienced modders or watchmakers. This adds a layer of consideration for those interested in these dials, balancing their affordability and unique designs with the practicality of installation.


RB Meteorite Dial

The RB dial is a bit darker than the other options. It offers good patterns and shines, aligning it more closely with the visual qualities of the Nikz dial. Despite its darker hue, the RB dial remains attractive due to its lower price range, typically costing between $250-350. This makes it an appealing choice for those seeking quality meteorite dials at a more affordable price.


Videos

Lightbox Video: https://imgur.com/a/S8D7UhQ

Natural Light: https://imgur.com/a/5Vh7HB2

Sunlight Video: https://imgur.com/a/DtFW5Vi





Comparison Photos





SW Meteorite Dial

The SW dial, another offering, is unique for its silver-painted appearance, giving it a metallic look. It's not just about the color; the dial's pattern is dynamic, changing character under different lighting conditions. In subdued light, it appears smooth and subtle, while in bright light, it becomes aggressively shiny. This striking characteristic sets the SW dial apart in the meteorite dial market, offering a bold and distinct option for enthusiasts, priced in the $250-$350 range.


Videos

Lightbox Video: https://imgur.com/a/Xx151Va

Natural Light: https://imgur.com/a/ec5ICR0

Sunlight Video: https://imgur.com/a/IuBFavL





Comparison Photos





Buff Meteorite Dial

The Buff dial is notable for its excellent color and depth, contributing to its high visual appeal. Its striking striations and patterns make it stand out among the various meteorite dials available from Chinese manufacturers. This dial is appealing for its aesthetic qualities and price range, typically between $250 and $350. The Buff dial represents a blend of quality and affordability, making it a TOP choice for watch enthusiasts looking for a unique and visually appealing meteorite dial. The patterns and shine are impressive.


Videos

Lightbox Video: https://imgur.com/a/snoiOZS

Natural Light: https://imgur.com/a/1CI2rPW

Sunlight Video: https://imgur.com/a/qiPb4gl




Comparison Photos






Shengzen Meteorite Dial

The Shengzen dial, a name probably not as widely recognized in the enthusiast market as Buff, has exceptional quality among Chinese meteorite dials and boasts great color, pattern, and shine. Its depth is particularly noteworthy, similar to that of the Buff dial. The Shengzen dial typically falls on the higher end of the $250-$350 price range. Its consistency in quality and striking visual appeal should make it a sought-after choice for enthusiasts who value both aesthetics and depth in their meteorite dials.


Videos

Lightbox Video: https://imgur.com/a/DIZjOqc

Natural Light: https://imgur.com/a/X6yZTgM

Sunlight Video: https://imgur.com/a/hUkOP4g





Comparison Photos

 

[oceaon]

The ‘No Name’ Factories - Uncharted Territories​

The "No Name" factories in the meteorite dial market offer diverse dials. There seem to be many. Some just have not selected a name but are just private factories. Some unnamed factories specialize in specific styles like Roman dials and Panda dials or focus exclusively on DayDates and GMTs. One prominent 'No Name' factory is known for its panda dial blends SW and Shengzen dials feature. It combines the silver sharding effect of SW with the depth of Shengzen, resulting in a striking and somewhat aggressive design. Like other dials in this category, it falls within the $250-$350 price range. I could not secure a ‘No Name’ dial for this review, but I have some QC pics of a build in progress.

Conclusion​

Working with these Chinese factories can be challenging due to their inconsistent communication and sometimes low-quality photo submissions, reminiscent of early flip-phone quality. To overcome these issues, a modder or someone fluent in Chinese must often request additional, higher-quality photos or videos. This step is crucial for assessing the quality of the batches more accurately.


The inconsistency in batch quality from these Chinese factories adds another layer of complexity. Each batch can vary significantly, sometimes featuring a beautiful print but lacking in pattern quality or vice versa. This inconsistency, coupled with the often low-quality images provided for quality control (QC), makes it challenging to make an informed decision about the dials. It's a situation that requires careful consideration and possibly additional steps to ensure you're getting the quality you desire.

In conclusion, while none of the meteorite dials perfectly match the genuine Rolex, Oascom dials would be considered the gold standard due to their near-gen quality and close resemblance. Still, their rarity makes it a benchmark rather than a practical choice. It’s hard to match that type of quality. Among the more accessible options, Buff, Shengzen, and Noob rank the highest, with Buff and Shengzen often vying for the top spot based on batch quality. Recent Shengzen dials have shown exceptional quality. Noob's dials are especially noteworthy for being fantastic choices right out of the box, eliminating the need for additional modding. JJ's dials, while excellent, don't justify their higher price compared to Buff's near-identical quality.

It's important to acknowledge that the perspectives offered in this review are based on my personal experiences and preferences after handling and examining these dials closely. However, tastes in watch dials are highly subjective, and others may have different opinions based on their own preferences and experiences. What I find appealing in a meteorite dial might differ from someone else's viewpoint, highlighting the unique and individual nature of appreciating these intricate timepieces.

Each dial, with its unique characteristics, caters to different preferences, showcasing the diverse appeal of meteorite dials. This diversity ensures there's likely a dial for every taste and preference.


A special note of gratitude goes to @Vietkidd05 for lending the SW and Nikz dials for this review. Their contribution was invaluable. Additionally, thanks to the Daytona Mania club, particularly @Hasselbaink and @KruisingKhaos95, the chair of the Daytona club. Their humor added much joy to this journey of exploring the world of meteorite dials.

Happy Holidays!

 

[Storm.]

I am not gonna comment on anything since I will be seen as "shilling" again, but I will say this:

A dial without feet, debatable print and murky date window frames, where half of shippings arrive broken -> not really a "gold standard".

Merry Christmas.

 

[Vietkidd05]

Wow wow wow. THANK YOU SO MUCH for doing this for the community. This contribution is so awesome and an amazing gesture of you. As a meteorite dial lover myself this is an incredible review and a perfect comparison when there so many choices out there. This will help so many members pick out what they like best. Can't imagine the amount of time, effort and $$ spent that was put into this. We owe you big time for this!! Again thank you my brother for this !!!

 

[oceaon]

I am not gonna comment on anything since I will be seen as "shilling" again, but I will say this:

A dial without feet, debatable print and murky date window frames, where half of shippings arrive broken -> not really a "gold standard".

Merry Christmas.

That is the great thing about this hobby is that there are many choices. But having 10k worth of met dials in my hands allowed me to see them all at once and share my perspective. I too get accused of shilling for no reason so I understand where you are coming from

 

[KruisingKhaos95]

Incredible review mate, I have been looking forward to this one for some time! The time, effort and $s put into making this possible is hugely appreciated by me and (I'm sure) the wider membership

The comparison pics will be a great tool for new amd experienced members to help them decide which dial is best for them, because this review highlights that there really is a dial for everyone, whether you want a cheaper or more expensive option, more aggressive or brighter dial, do you want to mod or just buy one that is ready to go out the box, etc.

Amazing contribution from a top bloke, massive thanks @oceaon

 

[Hasslebank]

I dont think we have ever seen such a detailed review having taken in consideration literally all the players available in this segment.
Being one of the most exotic materials used for dials such a thread should be the Bible.

We cant thank enough @oceaon for the massive amount of Everything resulting a trumendeous journey in the beautiful world of layers and patterns!
Thank you mate!!

 

[flashu]

Great reading and of course writting!!
Such detailed review, thank you for taken the time out these together!

I’m not in the search at least not now for a meteorite dial, nevertheless it good to learn about different choices out there

 

[TESLA760]

Great informative post and pictures !

 

[Storm.]

That is the great thing about this hobby is that there are many choices. But having 10k worth of met dials in my hands allowed me to see them all at once and share my perspective. I too get accused of shilling for no reason so I understand where you are coming from

Love bro.

I appreciate all the work and effort put into this, having been fed Info about you doing this beforehand.
Incredible journey and a great guide for all people wanting to buy a met dial.

I truly appreciate you, I hope my previous post didn't in any way come off wrong.

You deserve a badge for an exceptional post for this @daytona4me

 

[Got20Mate]

What a stellar effort, the level of detail is unrivaled. Hugely appreciated. Thank you man!

Big props

 

[daytona4me]

Love bro.

I appreciate all the work and effort put into this, having been fed Info about you doing this beforehand.
Incredible journey and a great guide for all people wanting to buy a met dial.

I truly appreciate you, I hope my previous post didn't in any way come off wrong.

You deserve a badge for an exceptional post for this @daytona4me

I agree.

Well done! Badge awarded.

 

[Messi]

This is a beautiful Christmas present in the form of a detailed review from the good dude @oceaon

 

[oceaon]

I agree.

Well done! Badge awarded.

Thank you sir

 

[Reaps]

Thank you for writing this. Amazing effort of time, money, sweat went into this. Merry Christmas.

 

[g00n]

 

[fatarms]

The fact that a member would spend this amount of coin to educate members about a single type of dial, mainly for one type of watch (aside from the GMT) speaks volumes to his dedication to this community. Hats off to you, @oceaon. Badge well deserved and a post that will be referenced and cited for years to come. Thank you for doing this, I know I've been waiting for this post, as have others, and you did an exemplary job.