My query was to try and ascertain which of the two methods might be more durable. I am not interested in which might be more attractive although I do have my preferences.

Whether sunlight has nothing to do with fading is an interesting question as others on this forum and the Parker forum might disagree. I'll defer to their experience.

Whether salt, perspiration or other, fade the colouring, I have not experienced it on my 311.

Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.