Dial
The graduated face of a time piece. Dials were first enameled by Paul Viet, of Blois, in 1635.
The greater majority of American dials are what are known as enamel dials, which consist of a copper plate for a base and an enameled face. The process of making these dials, as carried on in our factories, is as follows: The copper is shaped and holes punched in one operation. The feet are then brazed on, after which the enamel is applied to both the back and face, after which it is fired. After smoothing they are again fired, and, if perfect, they are sent to the painter. For many years after most of the other work in our factories was done by machinery; the painting of dials was hand work. The Waltham Company, after experimenting for a number of years, finally brought to perfection a process, by means of which the dials are lettered, and the numerals, minute and second marks are printed by photography. Various processes are used in other factories, among them being the transfer process, which is effected by rubbing the enamel paint into a steel plate into which the lettering of the dial is countersunk, taking an impression from this plate upon a rubber platen and then transferring this impression to the dial. After painting, the dials are again fired.
Dials of gold, silver and other metals are extensively used, particularly in the Spanish-American countries.
To Drill an Enamel Dial. Select a piece of soft copper wire of the diameter you wish the hole, file off the end perfectly flat and hammer into the copper a small quantity of fine diamond powder. This form of drill will be found to perforate the enamel of a dial quite rapidly. Broaches made in the same manner give excellent results. These tools can be used either by revolving in the fingers or in the lathe. Emery countersinks will be found very useful for trimming the edges of holes in enamel dials.
To Remove a Name From Dial. Apply a little fine diamantine to the end of your forefinger, and gently rub the name until it disappears. The finish can be restored by polishing the place carefully with a small quantity of diamantine mixed with oil, and applied by means of a small piece of cork. An agate burnisher is also used for the same purpose.