Year End Fun with Microbrands and Dials - Part 2

For the definition of special dials, that's simple enough. Enamel, lacquer or any non-traditional dial materials will constitute a special dial.

What was surprising was the appearance of two Pascal Coyon Chronometer.

The first being a rose gold plated movement... with a white lacquer dial.

And the other, a red 12 lacquered dial. When Mr. Coyon launched the Chronometer, he made 60 examples - 20 each in rose glod plated, yellow gold plated and rhodium plated movement. And for those who recognise the movement, it is a UNITAS hand winding movement heavily modified by Mr. Coyon and hand finished by him to a very high standard.

But what was not surprising was the overwhelming presence of Seiko enamel dial timepieces.

Starting with the Seiko SARD007, the dial is made of enamel and has a simple yet modern design reflecting the philosophy of Riki Watanabe, a pioneer of modern Japanese design. This is the JDM version belonging to a huge Seiko collector friend.

Next up is the Shippo Enamel Presage - a blue enamel dial from Seiko. Lovely example.

Above is a special black Urushi (lacquer) dial. And below are two very special Seiko Enamel pieces. Do you know what's so special?

These are earlier year Seiko enamel dial timepieces (Limited Edition) with the red XII and missing the "Presage" model name.

We were talking about how Seiko brought enamel dial watches to the masses just like they brought quartz watches to the world. Up until then, we only knew of Swiss (or European) made enamelled dial which cost quite a fair bit. But honestly, the enamel dials of Seiko cannot be compared to the Grand Feu enamel dials made for the European brands.

The Ming 19.07 Blue has a special Guilloché dial.

While Felipe Pikullik was featured in the microbrand sector, his dial work here qualifies this to also be a special dial - engraved.

Featured here is a special Undone. Not only was the case back engraved with the name of the owner, his name also appears on the dial

Grand Seiko has been of late releasing new timepieces with special dials. Featured above is The Grand Seiko SLGH005 'White Birch' with the New Hi-Beat Caliber 9SA5. And below, the Grand Seiko lacquered dial SBGR261 automatic.

Hublot was also represented with a very special Hublot LABfusion SWC Limited Edition. This was made specially for the Singapore Watch Club and it has a woven dial.

Nobody does Grand Feu enamel like Jaquet Droz.

This is an early year Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde with a two-part two-toned dial. I guess it was too difficult to make and that was why later Grande Seconde with Grand Feu Enamel were "simpler".

And then there were those who did not get the memo... but still some timepiece to be cherished and admired. The Cartier Roadster (above) and the Nomos Glashutte Tangente (below).

All said and done, it was another fun get-together Zing by XiYan @ PLQ. Zing works with the Social Kitchen to support disadvantaged individuals by providing them with employment to sustain themselves. Food was good (as usual) and the service, impeccable. Now we start planning for the next GTG in 2023! May I take this opportunity to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May all your horological dreams come true in the coming year!