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METEORITE DIALS

Different meteorite deposits are used in watchmaking. However, these are always Iron meteorites (5% of meteorite falls), belonging to the octahedrite category. They are made up on average of 90% Iron, a variable rate of nickel and, possibly, other elements (iridium, chromium, gallium, etc.). The first manufacturing step consists of extracting a cylinder from the raw meteorite by coring (sawing or electrical discharge machining (EDM)). The resulting cylinder is then cut into slices with a thickness slightly greater than the final thickness of the meteorite insert. Its thickness is then adjusted by refining its surface finish.

At this stage and having been worked in this way, the Meteorite resembles an ordinary piece of Iron. It is by exposing the Meteorite to nitric acid (immersion of the Dial insert) that the unique crystalline structure of iron Meteorites is revealed. The crystalline structure reveals fine parallel lines forming characteristic geometric patterns called Widmanstätten patterns. Due to its ferrous composition, the Meteorite is subject to oxidation (rust). It is generally protected by a galvanic treatment (Rhodium plating, Gilding, etc.) or by physical vapor deposition (PVD, DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), etc.)

The base of the Dial (generally made of Brass) is mechanically partitioned in order to precisely position and index the Meteorite insert(s). The thickness of the Meteorite may vary depending on the specifics of each Dial, but it is often between 0.20 mm and 0.40 mm for a Dial with a total thickness of 0.80 mm. Once the Meteorite insert and the base are finished, the Meteorite insert is glued to the Brass base. Any application of appliques or pad printing can easily be carried out traditionally without particular difficulties.