Watch typography refers to the text and numbers on a watch dial, including the font, shape, and style of the characters. As the dial is the main point of interaction with a watch, it is arguably one of its most important parts, and certainly one that can produce the most emotion It’s a craft that’s been responsible for the distinctive look of vintage watches, and the styles used today are influenced by the techniques used in the past:
- Hand-painted and engraved techniques: Early watchmakers used manual engraving techniques to create the metal plates that trapped the ink. The resulting letterforms were engraved in style, and the imperfections in the printing made vintage watches feel more authentic.
- Chemical etching: Chemical etching of the metal plates became the standard, and designs were transferred photographically. This allowed for scaling, which could change the appearance of the characters.
- Digital artwork: Today, artwork is created digitally, and the plates are engraved by
Listed below are just some of the different lettering styles that make each watch unique.
Mark Sirianni
25 Fraley St.
Kane, PA. 16735
[email protected]
1-814-558-4818 Cell
1-814-837-9435
Charley
2012-2024
