I've noticed that Otto Frei continues to market Swiss made metal reproduction dials for some Illinois, Elgin, South Bend and E Howard & Co. Hamilton is conspicuously missing from his offerings. Wonder if that's just a coincidence, or if something else is going on.

The US Patent and Trademark Office is where I would start the search with the help of a person familiar with the bureaucratic nonsense of actually searching for that name. Trademarks have to be periodically renewed, and can be re-marked for a different product.

I Trademarked "DAD" for a Radio Control Hobby product because it was not Root Beer or food related. If I were to trademark Hamilton, I would restrict the mark to "Watch and Clock Dials". I expect it would be awarded.

Michael,

They've probably just been sold out for a long time. The Swiss Hamilton dials were the most popular and also the nicest looking.

William

A quick internet search on trademark or patent laws will give you the questions to ask an attorney, patent/ trademark laws do not last forever...

I agree with George. IP rights do not last for ever, though under some circumstances they are subject to renewal or extension. And any information you can gather from third persons, including past dial makers, on Hamilton's history of allowed use or granting licenses, and any current attitudes they may have about the subject, would help the lawyer work more efficiently. But if it were me, I'd be inclined to talk to a lawyer before trying to contact Hamilton/Swatch directly.

Michael, George & David,

Thanks very much for the invaluable guidance. Realistically, I must get the physics of this project in order before I concern myself too much more with the efforts of legal discovery. Firstly, I'll need to prove that I can make a proper dial; this is, as yet, an unknown.

William

William, I'm pretty sure you will figure it out there's plenty of information around with computers, seems like your on the right track with waterjet for smaller lots its a whole lot more cost effective as compared to die sets..Now if you could be convinced to look at cases...hint,hint

here is some one making them in very crude way hamilton logo on it he/she also make them for you guess all american made including ferguson,ball and so on

Peter,

I've seen these and I think this seller unloads quite a few at roughly $15 ea. I, like you, believe that the use of resin coated inkjet photo paper is not the preferred method of making watch dials. HERE is a link to show the type of work I seek to parallel. “grand feu enamel” It sounds fancy but roughly translated I think it just means "big fire enamel".

William

Hi William, I've looked at, and read, the link you posted. Very interesting and, I would think for you, very informative as you are hoping to do the same thing.

In my opinion I think you are doing the correct thing, sorting out the practicalities of doing the job first before bogging yourself down with all the legal stuff. It's no good spending time and money on legal eagles only to find out afterwards that the project is not viable.

I'm sure that there may be certain brands that won't let you use their name or logo but also there will be others where you will have no problem at all.

I think it is a terrific project and I wish you well with it. You should make good money out of it at the end of all your hard work. You are also keeping another process alive for the future.

Best wishes, Mike

Thanks Mike,

I appreciate you're thoughts. This project, in my belief, is viable. Stay tuned!

William

I think your idea to manufacture authentic enamel dials in America is fantastic. Its truely a dying art, so whatever configuration you choose, there will be a market. You could perhaps team up with RGM in Lancaster, who specialized in engine turned dials. I think they just started glass enameling too. I learned that in general, enamel dial making is a very technically challenging process with a typical 40% of the dials failing quality inspection. I think it would be a great source of pride if you were able to master this art.

I do not make them in enamel but so far no complains
pictures of the original and replacement till original in good condition is found as I call them temporary replacement .

Nice job Peter, What is the material? I am still working on my dial project, currently on the imaging/printing.

William

its same as it been special 3M plastic for laser engraving.