Good evening everyone.
This week, we will be introducing the new series that started last week. In this new series, we will explain basic information in an easy - to-understand way for those who are not very familiar with luxury watches and those who want to learn more about them.
This is the second time
[ Introduction to Luxury Watches ]: 『 Dials 』
Now that I think about it, I regret that I should have done this on the first try, but the thing you look at most about a watch is the dial. It's an important part that can be considered the "face" of the watch, and it determines the impression it gives, and there are many different types, from simple to striking. If you want to know more about dials or choose a watch based on its dial, be sure to check this out!
What is a "dial"? Explaining its role
『 Dial 』 = 「 Time display board 」
As mentioned at the beginning, the "dial" is the face of a watch. Also known as the "dial," it is no exaggeration to say that it is the most important part and the deciding factor in purchasing a watch. The "dial" is a "time display panel" equipped with hands and indexes, and its design varies greatly depending on the material and color used, as well as its role in telling the time. Most dials are made of brass, but depending on the brand and model, there are a wide variety of variations, including natural materials and special processing.
Color
Color has a big impact on the impression of the dial. Here we will introduce some representative colors.
" White dial "
The white dial is one of the most popular classic colors. It is a versatile color that can be worn both on and off the job, and many models are available from various brands. It is a popular color for both men and women, as it gives a refreshing impression .
" Black dial "
The black dial is one of the most popular colors along with the white dial. This color is also versatile and can be worn both on and off the job, and many models are available from various brands. It gives a cool and intellectual impression , and can be worn by people of all ages, so it is popular with a wide range of people.
" Blue dial "
The popularity of luxury sports models in recent years has spurred the popularity of the " blue dial ." This is also a versatile color that can be worn both on and off the job, and is being developed mainly for luxury sports models from various brands. Blue dials give a calm and intellectual impression , and are in the highest demand, especially among luxury sports models from the world's three major watch brands, with the market price clearly reflecting this.
" Green dial "
Last year, many brands released new models with green dials . The color was available in a wide range of shades, from deep to vivid, and was a trendy color. It gives off a sophisticated and mature impression , and is also the corporate color of Rolex, the giant of luxury watches. It has maintained its high popularity this year and is likely to continue to be popular in the future.
" Turquoise dial "
At the end of last year, the Patek Philippe x Tiffany Nautilus was sold at an international auction for an astounding price, and the popularity of turquoise dials instantly flared. The refreshing and vivid turquoise color brings out the personality of the owner to the fullest. Its eye-catching beauty is, It gives off a relaxed, mature impression .
This turquoise color is also overwhelmingly popular among Rolex's Oyster Perpetual models, and its price in the secondary market is also far ahead of the rest. In addition, many other luxury watch brands have announced their new models this year, and they are attracting a lot of attention.
Decoration and processing techniques
Next, we will explain the decoration and processing techniques that create this attractive look.
" Guilloche engraving "
" Guilloche" is a technique that carves small circles or lines in a regular pattern. There are several types of "guilloche", such as "Clou de Paris", which is a series of pyramid-shaped rivets, and "Soleil", which is a pattern of straight lines radiating from the center.
" Lacquer processing "
Lacquer processing involves spraying clear or colored paint thinly and evenly onto the surface and letting it dry. By applying multiple layers of paint, the surface becomes lustrous and has a refined color.
" Enamel processing "
Enamel processing is the application of the traditional technique of enamel craft, which has more than 3,500 years of history, to the dials of watches. Its characteristic is a glossy texture that can be called pottery, giving it a very noble presence.
Also, as a higher class of "enamel processing"
The pattern is divided by fine gold wire, and each color of enamel is poured in and fired multiple times to create beautiful colors. The "Cloisonné technique ". This gold wire is said to be only 0.7 mm thick and can break during firing, so it requires highly advanced skills and effort. For this reason, watches that use this technique are rare and expensive.
" Embossing "
Embossing is a process that creates unevenness on the dial surface by pressing a pattern. A uniform embossing is also called "tapestrie", and the representative model, Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak, has a unique "Grand Tapisserie" that continues to fascinate watch enthusiasts.
" Jewelry processing "
" Jewelry decoration " is a process where precious stones such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are applied to the watch. There are various patterns, from luxurious designs where the stones are laid out over the entire surface to designs where they are used casually on points such as indexes. Depending on the pattern, the decoration can greatly change the impression of the watch.
material
Next, we will introduce materials that show unique expressions, mainly made from natural materials.
" Meteorite "
"Meteorite " is made from meteorite, also known as a natural mineral. Each meteorite has a different look, and the depth and pattern of the grain are all different. The unique look is a material that truly tickles a man's fancy.
" Shell"
Shell is a beautiful and lustrous material made from natural seashells. It creates a variety of expressions depending on the angle of the light, and has a charm that never tires of the viewer. It comes in a wide variety of colors, including black shell, white shell, and pink shell, and is a popular material for both men and women.
" Wood"
Wood is made from natural wood and is full of a vintage feel. A representative model is the Rolex Day-Date, but this also comes in many variations, and is considered a rare material that brings out the personality of the person who owns it.
[Commit Ginza] Public Relations Department: Murayama also loves it, and every time I see him wearing it, I think, "What a nice dial..." and I want one too. (laughs)
" Onyx (ore) "
" Onyx (Mineral) " is made of agate and finished in a jet black monochromatic color to express a deep hue. While it has a glossy atmosphere like enamel, the unique texture of the mineral expresses a deepness that draws you in.
" Leather "
" Leather " is made of natural leather and has a unique texture. Each leather has a different color, and like "wood," it is a vintage-like material. By combining it with a leather belt or accessories, you can create a sense of unity in your entire outfit.
Finishing
Finally, we will introduce some typical finishes that bring about a dramatic change in the way the dial looks.
Sunray finish
As the name " sunray" suggests, this finish creates a radial pattern like the sun's rays from the center to the periphery . Also known as the " sunburst finish," the color and texture change depending on the amount of light, and the thin lines are beautiful, requiring high skill.
" Satin finish "
Satin finish , also known as grain finish, is a finish applied to the surface using a file or other tool. It is often applied to cases, bracelets, and movements, and gives a calm impression by making scratches less noticeable.
Sandblast finish
Sandblasting is a finish that sprays particles onto the surface of the record to create a matte texture. It can also express the look of a vintage record that has aged over time, and it also reduces light reflections, improving visibility.
summary
We have explained the role and types of "dial faces." What do you think?
It is no exaggeration to say that the "dial" is what determines the impression of a watch the most. Color, processing, decoration, material, finish... if just one of these is different, it will feel like a completely different watch. What kind of "dial" does the watch you use have? Please find out and deepen your love for watches.
I hope that after reading this article, you will become interested in luxury watches!
see you!