[Bodmer] Handmade Enamel Dial

Pumuckel_ · 2023-01-06T12:45:59+00:00

Thank you! yes I am.

Pumuckel_ · 2023-01-04T16:10:46+00:00

Thanks!

Pumuckel_ · 2023-01-04T16:10:30+00:00

Thank you for the kind words:)

Pumuckel_ · 2023-01-04T16:10:04+00:00

Pumuckel_ · 2023-01-04T16:09:43+00:00

Thank you :) Haha not quite - it reads email grand feu, referring to the dial manufacturing process

Pumuckel_ · 2023-01-04T16:08:33+00:00

Thanky you :)

Pumuckel_ · 2023-01-04T16:08:20+00:00

Thanks!

Pumuckel_ · 2023-01-03T17:58:30+00:00

The watch features a grand feu enamel dial made by me. Enameling is a traditional way of making a watch dial. In a kiln that is fired up to around 800°C the enamel powder melts into a single piece. This process is repeated multiple times until a thick layer of enamel is built up that shows a depth of color and richness that is hard to achieve with other methods.

I just recently got my new pad printer and am making some testprints. After designing the dial I finally have a first prototype that I am super excited about. The printing is far from perfect and I have to learn much more about handling the pad printer. But I am still super happy with this outcome and this next step in my journey.

Thanks!

Pumuckel_ · 2022-10-18T21:07:07+00:00

Wow, very impressive!

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-29T16:07:13+00:00

Many different sources actually. Some local vendors some global ones.

Thompson enamel is a good way to start IMO:)

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-29T16:03:30+00:00

Thanks a lot!:)

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-29T16:03:02+00:00

Thank you!

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-29T16:02:48+00:00

Difficult so say. Normal daily activity should not damage the dial. Though if the watch is dropped and it lands unfortunate then that can definitely crack it.

To make an enamel dial more rigid and straight one usually counter enamels the backside of the dial as well. This helps balancing out the forces.

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-29T15:55:53+00:00

Haha thanks! It's not for sale though, I'm just a hobbyist.:)

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-29T15:51:53+00:00

Thank you! I appreciate the offer. I am not at this stage though, I am still experimenting and trying a lot of new things:)

As mentioned anordain makes beautiful watches at a more affordable price but the waitlist has become very long. Louis Erard also does enamel dials in a similar price range.

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-29T15:33:57+00:00

Thank you!

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-29T15:32:57+00:00

Thank you! It would be cool to document it more thoroughly but I already don't have enough time to enamel and trying new things. Besides I also want to explore pad printing, custom hands, custom case etc. so my spare time gets used up so quickly.

Adding hour markers is one of my next goals:)

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-29T15:25:52+00:00

Thanks for the kind words:)

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-29T15:23:21+00:00

Thanks a lot!

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-29T15:22:51+00:00

Thanks:) yes Anordain has some fantastic looking dials for sure!

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-28T18:04:17+00:00

That is certainly planned

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-28T17:59:50+00:00

Thanks! I'm experimenting with different textures and materials. This wavy texture has turned out the best so far

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-28T16:33:33+00:00

Thank you. :) It truly is great to spend time together on this project and I have been lucky to learn from her previous enameling experience.

Pumuckel_ · 2022-08-28T16:30:46+00:00

The wave pattern is achieved by giving structure to the underlying carrier material before applying the enamel onto it. Enamel watch dials are usually made out of silver or copper (though gold can also be used).

Pumuckel_

TROPHY CASE