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  1. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Apr 25, 2018

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    Many seem to struggle with this question. I often see dials described as having applied markers when the markers are, in fact, embossed. Admittedly, it is not always obvious. One way that I distinguish between the two is to see how the markers interact with any sub-dials. An abruptly cut marker is usually the sign of an embossed dial. Immediately below is an example of an embossed dial with an applied emblem. Below this is a dial with applied markers and emblem. Both dials are for Longines' caliber 30CH. Images stolen from the web.
    e detail.JPG e.JPG e back.JPG a detail.JPG a.JPG a back.JPG
     
  2. amanson Apr 25, 2018

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    Pardon my lack of understanding, but what is the difference? I would have thought applied as well.
     
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  3. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Apr 25, 2018

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    Embossed markers have not been added to the dial, they are like the raised features on a coin. Applied markers are distinct pieces of material that have been fastened to the dial. Below is another 30CH dial with applied markers. The marker at 6 o'clock is missing.
    a2 detail.JPG a2.JPG a2 back.JPG
     
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  4. aap Apr 25, 2018

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    Very interesting. How about for time only watches? What are the clues to look for (without opening and checking the back of the dial, hehe)?
     
  5. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Apr 25, 2018

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    Same rules apply, no pun intended! The dial immediately below has embossed markers. Below it is one with applied markers. Both are for cal. 12.68Z. It gets more difficult with center-seconds watches. To clarify, if abruptly cut-off, markers are probably embossed. However, the inverse is not necessarily true.
    em.JPG ap.JPG
     
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  6. amanson Apr 25, 2018

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    Very interesting. Thanks for the education!
     
  7. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Apr 25, 2018

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    My pleasure!
     
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  8. adi4 Apr 25, 2018

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    Wouldn't you also be able to tell an embossed dial with an angled macro shot (or loupe)? Usually there is some curvature that's noticeable when examined closely.
     
  9. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Apr 25, 2018

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    Indeed, but these are not always available. One also becomes familiar with certain conventions of various brands.
     
  10. aap Apr 26, 2018

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    Thanks man!
     
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  11. Tony C. Ωf Jury member Apr 26, 2018

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    Also worth noting that the quality of embossed markers varies greatly. IWC, for example, typically employed very high-quality versions, while most lesser manufacturers' look cheap, by comparison.