Need your advice: What kind of finish should the dial have?
Hello Community!
As you know, for those of you following this project, I find it essential to listen to your advice during the prototyping phase, so today we are talking about dial finishes!
Here's the last minute dilemma: I'm stuck between three finishes - Matt Black, Sunburst, and Polished Black. Each has its appeal, but I can't seem to decide on just one. That's where you come in!
Let me break it down for you:
Matt Black:
Super readable with minimal reflections, ensuring a clear dial experience. Only concern - could it look too basic if the dial lacks elaborate details?
Sunburst:
Gives a touch of magic with interesting reflections, making the dial more attractive. My concern is that it's often used on circular dials for symmetrical reflections, but will it play well with my non-circular design?
Polished Black:
A perfect middle ground between matte and sunburst, combining readability with a touch of appeal. My only reservation - could there be too much polished detail?
Tell me your thoughts!
Ciao,
Patrick
Hey there! I'm Patrick, a watch enthusiast and product designer. Excited to be working on my GMT watch project. Putting all my passion and free time into creating a unique timepiece."
Sunburst dark grey
Sunburst dark grey
I knew this comment would come, I love this kind of coloring.
Now you have added another doubt for me😂
The "Blackest Black"with Gold indices and hands. https://www.dezeen.com/2019/09/24/blackest-black-mit-material-news-vantablack/
I knew this comment would come, I love this kind of coloring.
Now you have added another doubt for me😂
Haha sorry. I looked at watch on hols and the dark grey look classy. Everyone does black 🤪😉
I've said before (and elsewhere) that I like colour, so trying to choose between three blacks is tricky for me. I think the sunburst would be my choice and I think it'll work perfectly well with the non-round case shape.
Have you considered a dark green, the one on the Breitling Chronomat GMT is bright green in sunlight, but drops to almost black when not under direct light.
This is the same watch as on that link, so you can see the variation in the colour:
The "Blackest Black"with Gold indices and hands. https://www.dezeen.com/2019/09/24/blackest-black-mit-material-news-vantablack/
Gold is rather tacky 🤢
Matte black. Ties in with the silicone strap. You could always go for a granular/textured finish?
Sunburst at the bezel already has some of that effect
Personally I'd go for vertical brushing but out of your options I'd go sunburst.
I saw a matte black dial in a WRUW post, it absorbed 99.4% of light and looked very striking.
Yes already tried, unfortunately it is always difficult to replicate the effects in different environments (direct light, shade) in some cases your experience is better!
Personally I'd go for vertical brushing but out of your options I'd go sunburst.
Nice!
With that case finishing.. Polished black for sure! It will make the alphabets and indices more crisp. I believe the one pictured is Matt. The whole dial looks a tat washed. Lovely case design tho! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
With that case finishing.. Polished black for sure! It will make the alphabets and indices more crisp. I believe the one pictured is Matt. The whole dial looks a tat washed. Lovely case design tho! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you @fourthwatchman! the dial in the picture is a printed one, just to check proportions. thanks for your suggestion😀
Among the choices, my preference would be polished black. Your design looks mid way between sporty and dressy, very nice! So I think a polished look would also be a good balance. I would also prefer a brushed case with little polishing. That contrast would really appeal!
Totally agree, and all the other aesthetics match with the silicone strap so you've got it spot on. Looking forward to seeing more as you go along.
Navy blue variant or dark green variant coming as well?
Currently, for the protyping stage, the color will be black (or perhaps dark gray). If the project develops in an interesting way, I will definitely do studies for different colors! For sure navy blue, which I personally like very much.
Currently, for the protyping stage, the color will be black (or perhaps dark gray). If the project develops in an interesting way, I will definitely do studies for different colors! For sure navy blue, which I personally like very much.
Gotcha! Ok, ok, not bad. Looking forward to it! The project is going to be a success, no worries. Here's to a successful prototyping and production 🍻
If you're already committed to that rubber strap, I'd say matte. Otherwise polished.
Onyx, lapis,... a stone face. I know that was not on your list, but it would be awesome.
free association thought, I think given the color, I would have the dial with a ultra fine sandpaper like finish
Matt black silver dial like the Ranger . In the sun the silver colour pops underneath the black.
How are you getting on @PatrickPat?
How are you getting on @PatrickPat?
Hi @timepiece.pete!
Unfortunately, the delivery of the movement is very late and the summer holiday made the situation worse, I hope it will arrive by the end of September. After that I will continue with the development of the things I am missing! dial and backcase😀
I hope to be able to post some updates as soon as possible!💪
Hey @PatrickPat, how's your project coming along? Have you had the movement delivery yet?
Hey @PatrickPat, how's your project coming along? Have you had the movement delivery yet?
Hey @timepiece.pete
Unfortunately nothing new... I am starting to get frustrated because the dealer keeps giving me delivery dates that are not met.😕
I've given myself until the end of November to see if they'll deliver something, otherwise I'll have to come up with a plan B..
I think Sunburst would look really good on a non round dial.
Hey @timepiece.pete
Unfortunately nothing new... I am starting to get frustrated because the dealer keeps giving me delivery dates that are not met.😕
I've given myself until the end of November to see if they'll deliver something, otherwise I'll have to come up with a plan B..
@timepiece.pete I received the movement today!! finally. 🤯 I just did a post with some images
How do you feel about tritium?
How do you feel about tritium?
Isn't the color of tritium a little yellow? Correct me if I am wrong😬
In that case, I would prefer a more white-tinged lume in daylight!
Isn't the color of tritium a little yellow? Correct me if I am wrong😬
In that case, I would prefer a more white-tinged lume in daylight!
I believe it comes in any color.
One of the things I really like about this watch shape is how it can be used with a dressy design, or a sporty design. I tend towards sportier watches, so I'm kind of seeing it that way.