Ornatus-Mundi
[Zenith]
7136
Yes, Oliver, these are aspects we all too often take for granted!
Dials, like case or hands, are often judged only after their aesthetic qualities, everything beyond that is not appreciated. From our own discussions, Oliver, we two learned a lot about the subtle details which make a dial (case, hand, strap...) outstanding from the rest, or fall beyond a desirable level.
The question is why?
In this context, visiting the production facilities is highly educating in respect to learning the production techniques and their implications, finally helping us to better understand and judge the components.
Cheers,
Magnus
PoT 2014: Visit at dial-maker Fehr & Cie S.A. (official report (i))
On the 8th and 9th of October a small group of lucky fellows had the opportunity to participate in a PoT (PuristS on Tour). The first day we was hosted by Hublot , who offered us an insightful factory tour, an interesting wine tasting experience and an ex...
PoT 2014: Visit at dial-maker Fehr & Cie S.A. (official report (ii))
After the "Mécanique Générale" department, we would like to invite you to follow us through two breathtaking departments: "Guillochage" and "Polissage" . Here is probably what watch enthusiasts cherish most – hand-made dials created using traditional tech...
A beautiful dial, the skills needed and the difficulties to produce them ...
are quite often underestimated. Too often we talk about complications , but talk about complicated movements only. To visit a dial factory/workshop is something very special and quite often it feels like to be in the kitchen of a witch, because of the "ma...
Yes, Oliver, these are aspects we all too often take for granted!
Dials, like case or hands, are often judged only after their aesthetic qualities, everything beyond that is not appreciated. From our own discussions, Oliver, we two learned a lot about the subtle details which make a dial (case, hand, strap...) outstandi...
The "magic" of a dial factory
Thank you Oliver for your words, that add a lot to the discussion. Room after room and department after department, I've had exactly the same feeling you’ve described. Yes, almost all of the manual work is a bit repetitive, but the output is new every day...
Thanks for the great report Magnus & Elio!
Did they let you keep any unfinished stamped dials as souvenirs to keep? :) Cheers, Anthony
Well, Anthony, you have to know that…
…when Monsieur Luthi have heard that in the visiting group there was an Italian, he made himself a bit rigid and turned his eyes around thinking <<Hey man, you’re in trouble, take a closer look at those looong Italian hands>>. ;-) But my hands...
Fantastic report
As many of us are interested in knowing how mechanics work, the making of dials is also something we love learning about. Thanks a lot for the work and the time needed to make those reports, both of you guys. Cheers, Mark
I think dial and case-works are often under appreciated. We so much love...
complications and movement finishing, but so often forget about what we (and others) see mostly. Thanks, Magnus
indeed, I was even told more than once that …
the case and bracelet of a standard AP RO is more expensive than the movement And we're talking about an AP movement, a well finished AP movement, not a 100 USD slightly modified ETA The RO is known for it's special case and ditto bracelet … I wouldn't be...
"RO is known for it's special case and ditto bracelet"
I agree and you didn´t even mention the Nautilus case, which is even more pricey to do.
Maybe, we should hope for a better info from the Maisons?
Thank you Mark for your kind words. As for learning about dial-making, I think that the Maisons could adopt a better communication. Better in sense of a greater transparency on the dial characteristics, being it a plain one or an elaborate one, telling us...
Elio
I think the manufactures prefer to keep this info for themselves About 10 years ago the 'in-house movement' hype started At the end several brands were almost forced to start making an own in-house movement because a big group of clients asked for 'in-hou...
Métalem ?
About 2 yours ago I also visited Zenith and a dial maker but it was called Métalem I believe. Is this the same company ? Mr Marietta also joined us … I thought Métalem belonged to his family ( but I could be wrong) Thanks for the report, brings back great...
No, Métalem is a separate company (located in Le Locle), but it also....
produces dials for Zenith. As for Mr Marietta, mmmh, perhaps his father works for Métalem? I'll try to find out! Best, Magnus
