What is the difference between these new dials and the prev enamel dials?
Still waiting for more info to be published. Here’s what I can find.
Basic enamel:
“The dial is pre-shaped in iron, then an enamel glaze is applied then fired in a kiln. Roman numerals are then printed on to complete it.”
Shippo enamel:
“Seiko’s Shippo enamel dials are made in Nagoya by Ando Cloisonné, a specialist manufacturer founded in 1880. The process starts with a blank decorated metal base to which the enamel glaze is hand painted by craftsman Wataru Totani. The dial is then klin-fired at 800°C. The painting and firing processes are repeated several times to ensure evenness of the enamel. Finally, the dial is polished to achieve a smooth surface. The end result is rather similar to another enamel technique: known as Flinqué in Europe, but perhaps not as vibrant like Shippo.”
Urushi lacquer:
“Jet black lacquer is repeatedly applied onto the metal base of the dial and is then dried and polished till the time the desired depth of black is achieved.”
Arita Porcelain:
“First, the base material is put into a special mold which gives dials depth, especially in the version where the power reserve indictor is recessed into the dial with a deep cut. The dials are dried and then fired for the first time at 1,300 degrees to harden and whiten the material. Hashiguchi and his craftsmen then apply the glaze by hand, after which the dials are fired again, this time cementing the glaze on to the dial, a process which gives the dials their deep, rich finish and the subtle blue tinge. Next, the holes for the date window and hands are cut by laser. Finally, the dials are then fired again to render smooth the surfaces that have been cut.”