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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Component record · Dial & hands

Clock Dial Plate

Partially verified

The plate carrying a clock's dial surface and applied parts.

What it does

Provides the surface on which time is read and to which chapter rings and spandrels attach.

How it works

Applied chapter rings, spandrels and name plaques are riveted or pinned to the plate, and their fixings are strong originality evidence.

Evolution

Brass dials with applied parts gave way to painted iron dials in much English work.

Known variations

  • Brass dial with applied parts
  • Painted iron dial

Identification for collectors

  • Extra or filled fixing holes indicate changed applied parts or a married dial.

Common failure modes

  • Corrosion under painted surfaces
  • Loss of applied parts

Diagram

escape wheelpallets and leveroscillator
Schematic: escapement arrangement. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Sources & references

  1. de Carle, D., Practical Watch Repairing
  2. de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
  3. Daniels, G., Watchmaking

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.