Enamel dial - views?

TimeODanaos · Oct 30, 2019

Just seen on C24, a Connie 168.017 Cal 564 with "rare émaillé" dial. Confession - although I thought I'd read quite a lot of Desmond's blog, this was news to me (don't judge now!). Not sure it's my taste, but I can see that done well it offers an attractive dial, and crucially a potentially long-lasting one for those who would rather avoid the patina debate. On the other hand, perhaps the enamel is vulnerable in other ways?

C24 168.017 Emaille Annotation 2019-10-31 025438.jpg

So, how do more knowledgeable folks see this? Is it real? Is it as "rare" as all that, or did they just get thrown away because no-one liked them? Is there a snobbery about it? Why didn't they make more of them? And all that...
🍿

Canuck · Oct 30, 2019

I would think if that was a vitreous enamel dial, the owner would perhaps have ordered an abstract which might describe the dial as vitreous enamel. If it IS in fact vitreous enamel, I’ve never seen one on an Omega wrist watch. Only wrist watch I have ever seen with a VA dial was a rare Patek Philippe. I’d have to see it to believe it. There are only two downsides to VA dials. Cost, and the fact they are brittle, and crack or chip if abused.

TimeODanaos · Oct 30, 2019

Wowzers - I think the dealer is saying it's Omega factory issue, but limited/special order. Not priced like it's anything that's all that, and plated rather than solid. I hope I'm not having a lost-in-translation moment about "émaillé" (I guess a Canadian can put me straight right away there!). Anyhoo, I'll come back in a while and I'd be interested to hear the wisdom on this thing! 😀

VetPsychWars · Oct 30, 2019

Canuck
If it IS in fact vitreous enamel, I’ve never seen one on an Omega wrist watch.

Now you have.

Tom

Canuck · Oct 30, 2019

I would be rather surprised to se a “rare” vitreous enamel dial on a gold plated watch! A quick search resulted in me learning that Omega has indeed put VA dials on modern wrist watches. But these dials are designed in a modern art sort of styling, a la Pablo Picasso. Or Salvatore Dali. Not a ho hum dial such as is on the subject watch. At the turn of the 20th century, VA dials prevailed on wrist watches.

Deafboy · Oct 30, 2019

I have two!

VetPsychWars · Oct 30, 2019

Woah! WWI issue Elgin Ktichener! I have a Foch, but most of its paint is worn off.

Originally it had a pigskin Kitchener strap.

Tom

guaranteed.rohu · Oct 30, 2019

I've always loved the older enamel dials (like below) from the 30s (and 40s?) from omega. good modern size. Given the potential fragility though it wouldn't be a daily werarer by any means for me, so its more of a luxury I think take it to watch GTGs and wear it around the house.

ConElPueblo · Oct 31, 2019

TimeODanaos
Just seen on C24, a Connie 168.017 Cal 564 with "rare émaillé" dial. Confession - although I thought I'd read quite a lot of Desmond's blog, this was news to me (don't judge now!). Not sure it's my taste, but I can see that done well it offers an attractive dial, and crucially a potentially long-lasting one for those who would rather avoid the patina debate. On the other hand, perhaps the enamel is vulnerable in other ways?

So, how do more knowledgeable folks see this? Is it real? Is it as "rare" as all that, or did they just get thrown away because no-one liked them? Is there a snobbery about it? Why didn't they make more of them? And all that...
🍿

@tdn-dk - what dial material is your grey Constellation?

tdn-dk · Oct 31, 2019

ConElPueblo
@tdn-dk - what dial material is your grey Constellation?

Not enamel, i guees a normal dial with lacquer that cracks and make these looks 😀 I am pretty sure that they did not use enamel dial on any constellations 😀

mac_omega · Oct 31, 2019

tdn-dk
Not enamel, i guees a normal dial with lacquer that cracks and make these looks 😀 I am pretty sure that they did not use enamel dial on any constellations 😀

Oh yes, they have - the model with the enameled observatory on the dial for example...

here on Desmond´s site: http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/2009/01/art-of-enamelling.html

I am hesitant to show the photo (copyright violation?) - so you have to use the link...

(BTW there are several Seamaster enamel dials as well...)

VetPsychWars · Oct 31, 2019

guaranteed.rohu
I've always loved the older enamel dials (like below) from the 30s (and 40s?) from omega. good modern size. Given the potential fragility though it wouldn't be a daily werarer by any means for me, so its more of a luxury I think take it to watch GTGs and wear it around the house.

Lasted nearly a hundred years didn’t it?

Enjoy!

Tom

TimeODanaos · Oct 31, 2019

tdn-dk
Not enamel, i guees a normal dial with lacquer that cracks and make these looks 😀 I am pretty sure that they did not use enamel dial on any constellations 😀

Thanks @tdn-dk - I'm still a bit surprised Desmond's blog doesn't show any of these (assuming it doesn't). Do you have a photo, please? Some people might not have a regard for this style, but the subject at the top somehow brought a 1960s childhood rushing back - black forest gateaux, bad haircuts, the lot!

TimeODanaos · Oct 31, 2019

TimeODanaos
Not priced like it's anything that's all that, and plated rather than solid. I hope I'm not having a lost-in-translation moment about émaillé

Sounds like another buyer-beware moment for us Anglos...

Deafboy · Oct 31, 2019

M'Bob · Oct 31, 2019

Canuck
A quick search resulted in me learning that Omega has indeed put VA dials on modern wrist watches. But these dials are designed in a modern art sort of styling, a la Pablo Picasso. Or Salvatore Dali. Not a ho hum dial such as is on the subject watch. At the turn of the 20th century, VA dials prevailed on wrist watches.

I don't know enough about the nuances of enamel dialing, and whether the Grand Feu technique is analogous to, or different from vitreous enamel, but this is one of a few present offerings from the company in enamel that is fairly sedate:

snunez · Oct 31, 2019

M'Bob
I don't know enough about the nuances of enamel dialing, and whether the Grand Feu technique is analogous to, or different from vitreous enamel, but this is one of a few present offerings from the company in enamel that is fairly sedate:

That's a beauty. What model is it?

TimeODanaos · Oct 31, 2019

TimeODanaos
Sounds like another buyer-beware moment for us Anglos...

OK - now looked it up: I think those naughty dealers said "émaillé" even though it turns out there is a French word "laqué", tut tut. Still though, 1) I do like the warm fireside Connie above, and would like to know/see more; 2) thanks to everyone showing genuine enamelled pieces - gorgeous! 😀 As for the haute horlogery artist in the video - mind duly blown. A different planet! 🙄

ConElPueblo · Oct 31, 2019

tdn-dk
Not enamel, i guees a normal dial with lacquer that cracks and make these looks 😀 I am pretty sure that they did not use enamel dial on any constellations 😀

Now, I've just set you up with a brilliant reason for showing off your specimen and then NO PICTURES?? 😁

aprax · Oct 31, 2019

Canuck
Only wrist watch I have ever seen with a VA dial

What does VA stand for?

As to the OP dial i would put it in the same category as this beauty from Korea:

Enamel dial - views?

TimeODanaos

Canuck

TimeODanaos

VetPsychWars

Canuck

Deafboy

VetPsychWars

guaranteed.rohu

ConElPueblo

tdn-dk

mac_omega

VetPsychWars

TimeODanaos

TimeODanaos

Deafboy

M'Bob

snunez

TimeODanaos

ConElPueblo

aprax

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