Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watches · Case

Pocket Watch Dials

Verified

The time-display face of a pocket watch, made in enamel, metal or later plastic, whose material, layout and condition are primary identification and grading criteria.

Mechanism

Not a mechanism itself; the dial is fixed to the movement's dial-side plate by dial feet and screws, positioned so the hands read correctly against the chapter ring.

Typical characteristics

  • White or coloured enamel, engine-turned metal, or painted/lithographed dials depending on period
  • Chapter ring, subsidiary seconds, and maker or grade markings
  • Feet on the reverse locating the dial to the movement

Identification characteristics

  • Hairline cracks and old repairs typical of genuine enamel
  • Refinished dials often show font or layout inconsistent with the period or grade
  • Dial-foot positions must match the movement being examined

Collector significance

Dial originality is one of the largest single factors in a pocket watch's collector value and authenticity assessment.

Known variations

  • Enamel dial
  • Metal (silvered or gilt) dial
  • Double-sunk railroad dial
  • Montgomery dial

Diagram

bezelcrystalback and cuvetteband, bow and pendant
Schematic: case construction. 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. Cutmore, M., Watches 1850-1980

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