The dial is where the show is, and without the same technical and durability constraints of other watch components, it’s one place where watchmakers have some freedom to experiment with unconventional materials that won’t be used elsewhere in a watch. Safely beneath a crystal, a dial can be made from a wide range of things, from the banal to the bizarre (although working with almost any material entails its own.. Read More

Measuring time with a rotating bezel is actually a lot easier than you might think. With a unidirectional bezel, you simply spin the bezel counterclockwise so that you can count elapsed time. The added assurance that the bezel can only move one way means that even if you do manage to knock it out of place, it will only ever appear as though you spent more time underwater, not less… Read More

Normally, a Rolex doesn’t need any sprucing up. After all, it’s a Rolex and speaks for itself. But what happens if you want to add a little pizzazz or make your watch a little more flexible for your everyday needs. One idea is a rubber strap. If you’re into water sports, swimming and diving or anywhere with rapidly changing temperatures, a rubber strap might be best for you. Or, like.. Read More

When looking at a watch, most people are drawn to the face. That’s where the intricate details are shown and, most importantly, where the time is. How often have you inspected the back of your watch before there’s a problem? Watches with screw backs Screw-off case backs will have a series of edges, grooves, or threads (like the edge of a dime) around the outside edge (see image below). Some.. Read More