Dial
The face of the watch — the decorated plate that displays the time and carries the hour markers and brand name.
What is the Dial?
The dial is the decorated plate that faces outward through the crystal, displaying the time via hands moving over hour markers. It sits atop the movement on small feet called dial feet, which press-fit into corresponding holes in the movement plate.
Dial Construction
Most dials are made from brass that has been plated, lacquered, enameled, or treated with a variety of surface finishes — sunburst, matte, guilloche, and so on. Applied indices (the hour markers) are separate metal pieces soldered or pressed onto the dial surface. Printed indices are painted or photolithographically applied directly to the dial.
Why Dials Are Handled with Great Care
Dials are among the most fragile and irreplaceable components of a vintage watch. The surface finish, lume plots (luminous material on the markers and hands), and any patina that has developed over decades are all part of the watch's character and value. During service, the dial is removed, inspected, and set aside in a protected tray — it does not go into the ultrasonic cleaner. Any cleaning is done by hand with the utmost care.
Dial Restoration
Refinishing or repainting a dial is a significant intervention that can reduce a watch's collector value. We always discuss the condition of your dial with you before making any recommendations and will never refinish without explicit approval.