Components › Dials & display

LACQUERED DIALS

The manufacture of a lacquered dial begins with its base, generally made of Brass. The dial plate can be stamped or machined. Production by stamping may allow the dial’s reliefs to be worked (basin counters, flanges, or even Index (hour marker) or numerals) and/or its decoration (geometric, figurative patterns, etc.).

Milling offers the same possibilities and its operations are generally carried out in a single cycle. The dial feet are then soldered. This step can be performed manually, using a machine that perfectly positions and solders the foot, or, on an industrial scale, in a fully automated manner.

The dial base then receives its finishes. Sandblasting, Shot blasting (micro bead blasting), Satin finish, Circling, Sunburst finish, Polishing, Beveling / Angling, or even Engraving or Geneva stripes, the entire range of decorations can be featured individually or in combination, and can be carried out by hand or industrially.

Before the dial is lacquered, it is generally given a galvanic treatment (Rhodium plating or Gilding) or a physical vapor deposition (PVD, DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), etc.) in order to provide a homogeneous background color and prevent the risk of oxidation. Several layers of lacquer are then applied successively. This lacquer can be opaque, colored translucent, or transparent. In the latter case, it is the color of the substrate (Electroforming or PVD, DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), etc.) that will determine the color of the Dial. Once the desired number of layers has been applied, the dial maker polishes the lacquer to give it its flatness and surface finish. This lacquering gives a depth effect to the Dial. In the case of an engraved or guilloché Dial, the colors will shimmer elegantly depending on the Light and the movements of the watch. The drilling and openwork of the Dial are generally carried out after lacquering. This choice makes the drilling and machining operations much more delicate, but the quality of the Dial’s surface is thus optimal. The lacquer is sprayed by hand or using automated machinery. For optimal cleanliness, painting is most often carried out in booths located in controlled atmosphere areas (dry and filtered air, slight overpressure, etc.). Finally, the decals and any applied markers (numerals, index, brand name, logo, etc.).