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

Two sub-dials of Rolex Daytona chronograph watch — Alesili, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons file page

Sub-dials of Fortis Aviator Chronograph (cropped) — Two sub-dials of Rolex Daytona chronograph watch — Alesili, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons file page

Sources & references

Cutmore, M., Watches 1850-1980

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