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Good evening everyone!
This column talks about mechanical watches from an engineer's point of view. This is the 20th installment.
"About dial finishing and decoration"
I will talk about this topic.
There are many different types of dials for luxury watches. In recent years, dials that use natural materials and have unique characteristics have become popular, but there are also multiple finishing methods for standard dials, also known as "normal dials," each of which is popular.
So this time, I would like to focus on and explain the differences in dial finishes and decorations. Please read to the end!
Sunray finish
The Sunray finish, whose name comes from the idea of sunlight, refers to a decorative pattern with lines radiating from the center of the dial.
The fine engravings on the dial reflect light in different ways depending on the angle from which you view it, creating a beautiful radiating line that looks as if sunlight is radiating from the central axis (the sun) to the outer periphery (space).
The beautiful sunray finish is used across a wide range of models and dial colors, from dress watches to sports watches.
Lacquer finish
Lacquer finishing refers to a decorative technique in which thin, even layers of colorless or colored paint are sprayed onto the base metal of the dial and then allowed to dry repeatedly.
By evaporating the paint's solvent, the watch becomes harder and more durable. Another feature is that by polishing it, it can be given a glossy finish similar to enamel. The number of times the paint is sprayed varies depending on the watch, but generally it is finished in 5 to 6 coats, using both colorless and colored paints depending on the purpose, such as the base material, painting, or improving durability.
Models with lacquer dials are very popular because they allow you to enjoy colorful and complex hues.
The most representative example of this is the color dial series, starting with the turquoise dial of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. The colors are vibrant and there are a wide variety of options, so many people may have trouble choosing one.
In addition, the "Stella Dial," which can be said to be the "original" color dial, also has a lacquer finish.
Matte Finish
A "matte finish" (or sandblasted finish) refers to a dial with a rough, textured surface that prevents light from being reflected.
These dials have the effect of improving visibility by reducing light reflection, so they are often used in models where instant visibility is extremely important, such as pilot watches and sports watches.
The calm matte texture matches well with monochrome outfits, so it is sure to give off an urban, chic impression even when used around town.
Guilloche engraving
Guilloché is a technique used for watch dials and other decoration, invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in the 18th century. It uses special engine-turning machines to create geometric, precise patterns on the surface of the dial: even lines, waves, radial patterns.
Like a matte finish, guilloche engraving has the technical advantage of reducing light reflection and improving visibility, which is why it is used on many watch dials not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its practicality.
There are many different types of guilloche engraving, so I would like to introduce them in detail next time.
summary
What did you think?
The dial finish has a major impact on the impression a watch gives.
All of them have beautiful and delicate finishes, and each has its own charm. One of the joys of owning a watch is choosing the dial that best suits your taste.
We hope that this article has been useful to you and has piqued your interest in luxury watches! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly and we will answer them thoroughly. We look forward to your visit and inquiries.
Look forward to the next one! See you next time!
