Abstract: Manufactures and methods implement wear components containing a subsurface underlying incipient failure indicator, machinery parts including at least one wear component containing a subsurface underlying incipient failure indicator, and mechanical systems including at least one machinery part including at least one wear component containing a subsurface underlying incipient failure indicator. An elastomeric seal has one or more failure indicators including a spectrally distinguishable element and/or molecule from operating-native constituent matter of a mechanical system underlying at one or more subsurface distances, including at least one subsurface distance within an incipient failure region. Abrasive wear of an elastomeric seals can expose subsurface strata having failure indicators embedded therein, each exposure causing a spectrally distinguishable element and/or molecule to mingle with lubricant of the mechanical system.