How is a watch face made ?
The manufacture of this essential watchmaking equipment is, let’s not forget, one of the main components that attracts attention and is, inevitably, the basis of many purchasing desires. Maison Beaubleu offers several models and available in different colors. Let’s take a closer look at how a watch face is created.
The watch face : the composition
The dial is composed of a copper plate. On it, there is a white enamel and a counter-enamel. The pastilles are stamped silvered pebbles, which are “taped” to the white enamel beforehand and which are introduced during the firing process. A transparent enamel is then applied to the paillons and fired.
The design of the dials starts with a blank. This can be embossed or made of brass from a metal strip. At the same time, two buttons are planted within the edge of the blank. Then, four stop holes are applied within them, allowing the blank to be blocked at subsequent processing stations.
The step of creating the dial window shows
This step consists in the creation of the window intended for the date. A decorative frame is added in relief. A hole is then created in the middle of the dial, where the hands will rotate once the process is completed. Continuing the process, almost discreet openings are created in which the brackets of the appliques are meticulously installed and fused to the back. To finish this work, the dial is marked with a punch at the base of the blank and thus receives its final diameter.
The surface treatment stage
This is how the task of surface treatment begins. With a polishing and satinizing device, which involves the use of a specific liquid (emulsion), the dials are polished and then refined to a beautiful shine. This is the sine qua non for the subsequent application of the soleillée finish, which is achieved by using a vertically pivoting brass brush. This is the perfect time to focus on the color.
During the galvanic process, watch dials are typically colored either blue or black, depending on the model. It takes a certain amount of expertise to produce similar results across a series and ensure excellent quality in the manufacture of watch dials. After rinsing with pure water and drying afterwards, the dials are now ready to receive the application:
- From the logo ;
- of registrations ;
- indexes ;
- numbers and other indications.
On our online store, we offer several luxury collections. Please feel free to browse our watch catalog to choose the model that will fit your wrist.
