Internet Horology Club 185
Language for dial redo instructions
May 27, 2005, 19:17
Barbara BarnesLanguage for dial redo instructions
Hi,
Thinking that I may not have been clear in my instructions for the dial redos (hard for me to believe), what is the common language to use when I write out the instructions for a redial? Example - dial vs face - dial is the correct word to use but if someone says face, it's still understood the person is referring to the dial, just in layman's terms.
How do you you write the instructions for a redial? Example - redo as original, black matte, glossy, luminous numbers, etc.
Is there specific universal language or nomanclature to use?
Is a butler finish a brushed metallic surface (brushed finish on metal) as in a florentine finish or is "butler" used in to describe simulated lines on a painted dial?
As suggested, I'm going to use Eagle for my Hamilton Tonneau redial. International Dial has disappointed me on several occasions including 2 additional attempts to correct the 3 dials in Michael Kosinenko's thread posted on 2/28. Check out the sub seconds in the photos. They insist that they cannot do any better. Baloney.
I thought the instructions & language were clear but you never know the skill level of the person reading the Rx or doing the repair. Suggestions are welcome - thank you!
Barbara
May 27, 2005, 21:23
Samie L. SmithI would say redo as original on a watch like your,s i would want all original,,changing styles or color of a dial is okay on some watches but on the early watches i think original is best..
Just my opinion maybe someone else can tell you more.

May 28, 2005, 09:38
Jim RogersIf I were you on re-doing a dial I would be very specific.
In fact, I would take a picture of the dial as it exists and then print a copy and send it with the dial to whom ever is going to do the job. Explain in detail exactly what you want done and expect back.
I have a dial that has been out 3 times and I haven't got it back correct yet.
Esp important that all the markings are put back in the right place esp things like SWISS MADE etc etc.
Most of the people who do the work in these shops are NON-American born and may have a problem with the language.
In some cases they put out 500 dials a day.
May 28, 2005, 11:54
Barbara BarnesThanks, Samie.

Thanks, Jim.
I want the dial restored /redone as original. That's why all my questions about the verbage.
Does anyone know if a brushed silver metallic finish can be achieved on a redial? - (vertical brushing is currently on this original dial similar to the vertical brush strokes on case back covers). Is the brushed silver finish with pearlized paint the only method & result used /available by redial companies? Is the pearlized paint the norm?
That's my concern here - the dial is currently a brushed metal so when it comes back with pearlized paint, is that considered "restored as original"? Is anyone following me?
Thanks
May 28, 2005, 22:12
Jeffrey P. HessBarbara,
I share your frustration.
I find it diffiuclt to make just about all the dial refinishing companies understand as well.
I deplore those that send me back dials with that "spray paint" (frosty spackly snowy) look that is prevalent right now.
I change dial compnaies every two years or so.
They seem to get lazy after a while.
What dial companies do the rest of you "swear by?
Jeff Hess
May 29, 2005, 07:46
Jim RogersJeff,
I don't think you can swear by any of them. It depends on the weather the time of day and your shoe size.
Sometimes Inter Dial is fine sometimes not. I thought Eagle in Phila. was great then again. Kirk ok then sometimes not.I think this is getting to be a difficult area to guarentee consistent performance
June 01, 2005, 21:04
Scott CerulloI have had a couple bad ones come back from International Dial last month. I will try Kirk and Eagle with a couple dials this month and see what happens.
June 01, 2005, 23:42
Jim RogersScott,
As far as I know there are two different Kirks. One is Kirk Rich and I think the other is Kirk something or other.
I have been waiting for two dials back from Eagle for 2 months.
Good Luck
June 02, 2005, 09:09
Jeffrey P. HessI believe that Kirk, at one time was more or less a franchise.. there used to be one in Atlanta, LA, Seattle, New York etc.
Different quality of refinish varied from each state and which refinisher you ended up with WITHIN that state. (And what side of the bed he woke up on...) heh..

Jeff
June 02, 2005, 12:37
Mark CrossThe problem with International right now hasn't been the finish so much as them losing dials outright. It seems to be a pattern with them...Regards! Mark