New dials without tears

[Oliver Mundy]

I have been experimenting with a very simple and painless method of creating a new dial from a hairline-ridden or otherwise damaged original. The process is described and illustrated on http://www.horologia.co.uk/dial_replacement.html . Obviously it can be improved, and it will always be something of a makeshift and unsuitable for items of real importance; but it does (in some instances) provide a means of turning a sadly marred watch into a presentable one, and it has two advantages - it does not involve spoiling any original components, and it costs nothing except the price of one sheet of gloss paper. The greatest limitation is that it cannot be used on dials with sunken areas. Nonetheless, I hope others will find it useful now and then.

The Watch Cabinet (http://www.horologia.co.uk)

[Oliver Mundy]

I have been experimenting with a very simple and painless method of creating a new dial from a hairline-ridden or otherwise damaged original. The process is described and illustrated on http://www.horologia.co.uk/dial_replacement.html . Obviously it can be improved, and it will always be something of a makeshift and unsuitable for items of real importance; but it does (in some instances) provide a means of turning a sadly marred watch into a presentable one, and it has two advantages - it does not involve spoiling any original components, and it costs nothing except the price of one sheet of gloss paper. The greatest limitation is that it cannot be used on dials with sunken areas. Nonetheless, I hope others will find it useful now and then.

The Watch Cabinet (http://www.horologia.co.uk)

[Richard Luchini]

Oliver,

Thanks for the tip, I may try this on one or two dials I have that otherwise I would not use.

Thanks

Richard

[Kenny D]

Hi Oliver,
Looks like there would be a way to print to a rub-on or heat type transfer or some kind of decal. This would eliminate the extra thickness in your method. I have used rub-on transfers with clock dials whch worked rather well. These can be purchased through the clock parts supply houses. (Guess they still sell them?). Wonder why you don`t see them for watch faces?
Though this wouldn`t be as good as an original dial it would be better than a beat up unreadable one.

Kenny D

[Oliver Mundy]

Kenny: - Could such material be made opaque enough to hide the hairlines or other defects beneath? If so, I agree that it would be an improvement, eliminating the need for adhesive (which might go where it was not wanted) as well as the extra bulk.

Taking the idea to another level entirely, I can imagine (though not, alas, create) some kind of plastic ‘under-dial’ which would replace the real one, having feet mounted on quadrants which slide in grooves so that they can be moved into different positions or detached altogether (allowing a change from two to three feet or vice versa). Thus one pattern of under-dial would fit almost any movement of a given diameter. The kind of printed dial I have been describing would be laid over this, and of course it could then safely be made thinner, since it would have nothing to hide.

I suggest plastic rather than brass or copper because it is important to minimise the risk that this kind of makeshift (for such it remains) might be passed off as an original component or innocently mistaken for one. It should look good from the front, of course - tghat is its whole purpose - but should betray itself at once on closer inspection.

The Watch Cabinet (http://www.horologia.co.uk)

[Kenny D]

Oliver,
Your idea of adjustable dial feet is very interesting, however since this is as you said "makeshift", it may be unnecessary. One might affix the dial with a bit of two-sided tape or dial dots.
I know absolutely nothing about how to make the transfers, etc. I was just musing as to how it might work. With the clock dial transfers I have used, you simply position the transfer on the blank area of the dial and rub or burnish the back side of it. This transfers the black lettering to the dial. Of course the transfer has to be a mirror image. This transferred lettering is very fragile and rubs off easily so would have to use a spray laquer or something to better preserve it. This would probably be a very sellable item for the people who make the clock transfers. Imagine, rub-on replicas of the major brand dials. I was thinking of just painting or filling and painting the old dial so you would have a clear slate so to speak. A blank white disk of plastic, as you suggest would be better. With a little precise cutting, etc. I would think you could create a double-sunk dial.
I think there are kits where you can convert your photos to iron-on transfers for clothing. Maybe that would be a possibility, though the heat wouldn`t work with the plastic.
All this seems feasible but sounds a bit too involved.
In most cases it would be easier to procure a used or repro dial. Your original method is perhaps the best course in the "make-shift" area.

Kenny D