ABOUT FACE

A look at how Rolex has mastered the art of the watch dial, balancing craftsmanship, technical prowess and creativity.

- RENÉE BATCHELOR

The heart of a watch may be its movement, but the “face” of the watch, the dial, is arguably its most aesthetically distinctive part. Every dial has to be both considered, technically sound and also practical—with durability and legibility among the key considerations.

Then there is the idea of balance and cohesion in its design, where every part of the dial, from the material choice to the indices to the hands to the display, have to come together in perfect harmony. Whether to use hour markers, Roman numerals—the most commonly seen on Rolex watches—or Arabic numerals are all aesthetic choices that a dial designer makes. For Rolex, each dial represents a unique form of alchemy— where a bare metal canvas is given the rich details, textures and embellishments that will render it unique and visually pleasing.

In-house mastery of dial creation and production is a major strategic advantage for Rolex and, at its dedicated site in the Chêne-Bourg district of Geneva, some 500 people work exclusively on dial making. One of the most significant benefits of manufacturing completely in-house is the collaborative synergy between the designers and engineers involved in dial development. By bringing all those working on this complex process under one roof, Rolex provides space for boundless creative liberty and a strong dynamic for innovation.