Legal Notice
True Patina operates as an autonomous workshop specializing solely in the customization of timepieces upon request from our clients, utilizing our limited capabilities. Our site exclusively offers this personalized service. We maintain no partnerships or affiliations with any watch manufacturers we serve. It is important to note that unauthorized modifications and customizations are not endorsed by the original manufacturers. Our customization services are intended for personal and private use exclusively. Any commercial utilization is unauthorized by True Patina.
Introducing the Black Red-Sub
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The intent: Drawing from the Singer 911s of the automotive world, the philosophy behind this modification was to create a state-of-the-art watch while adding elements of vintage design. Using contemporary, highly technical materials and minimalist, vintage-inspired cosmetic modifications, the Black Red Sub (BRS) was born.
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The Case: We selected a 40mm ceramic Submariner for this build because we wanted the technically advanced ceramic bezel insert as well as the contemporary Chromalight luminous pigment. The case was sent to our friend and collaborator Alex Bui for re-profiling. Alex and Greg collaborated on defining the new dimensional characteristics for this case. Specifically, the maxi case was tapered down both at the lugs and crown guards to precisely measured and agreed-upon proportions. Additionally, beveled edges were cut and a vintage-style grain pattern was placed on the top of the lugs.
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The Coating: In the world of metal coatings, DLC stands for Diamond-Like Carbon. This type of coating outperforms older PVD coatings. However, there are numerous different DLC variants from which to select. Several weeks of research and physical testing led to the selection of a proprietary Tungsten-Doped DLC. With this variant, Tungsten Carbide (one of the strongest metals known) is fused to the stainless-steel substrate before being molecularly coated with an amorphous carbon layer. Several different DLC formulas were considered before arriving at the one we selected. This process effectively increased the surface hardness of the watch’s steel components from around 5.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale.
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Not only is this coating more abrasion-resistant, but it also offers greater hypoallergenic properties and improved corrosion resistance compared with stainless steel. The black color is not paint but rather a byproduct of the amorphous carbon top layer. Every steel component of the watch is coated, even the crown-tube threading. Tolerances remain the same, as the coating is only microns thick. Thus, water resistance, bezel actuation, crown, and caseback threading remain unchanged in function. The GlideLock mechanism now works more efficiently since the coefficient of friction is dramatically improved compared to raw steel.
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The Dial: The dial remains largely untouched from the original watch. We debated reluming with a vintage-inspired cream pigment, but ultimately decided to retain the high contrast of white plots against the black case. The only modification to the dial was the red-over-white print of “Submariner.” AI-assisted color matching was used to select a pigment that most closely matched the brighter reds of the vintage 1680 Red Submariner. Additionally, printing over white enabled the vibrance that vintage enthusiasts love so much about the Mk1–Mk4 Red Sub variants.
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The handset:The handset remains untouched; however, the seconds hand was replaced with a custom white lollipop seconds hand. The hand was relumed with Tritec Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 pigment to most closely match the stock luminous material.
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The movement: The movement for each build will be fully overhauled and covered by a two-year warranty prior to delivery.
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Pricing: $5517​
