STONE DIALS

Numerous minerals and gemstones have been used in crafting watch dials, most of which are highly suitable for this purpose. Stone dials are composed of a metallic base (brass or gold) combined with an insert of the chosen mineral. Virtually all precious minerals are utilised for dial fabrication.

The process begins with extracting cores (cylinders) from raw material through sawing. These cores are then sliced into thin sections, adjusted for thickness, and, in most cases, polished.

The dial base is mechanically sectioned to precisely position and index the stone inserts. The thickness of the stone varies depending on the dial’s specifications but is generally between 0.20 mm and 0.40 mm for a total dial thickness of 0.80 mm. Certain stones can be machined into intricate profiles and drilled for features such as hand holes and appliques. However, more fragile stones may require pad printing as the sole viable method for marking.

These processes can often be completed once the dial has been assembled. Some minerals can also be engraved or decorated with guilloché patterns. Due to their hardness, stone dials are particularly sensitive to shocks, necessitating extra care during both their fabrication and the assembly of the watches.