Rolex 1908: 39 mm, white gold with an alligator leather strap, m52509-0006

Every dial is a tiny piece of artwork. The watch’s inherent individuality is derived from its color, reflections, and surface roughness as well as from decorative accents and the overall design. Every facet of the conception and manufacturing of Rolex dials is handled in-house. From the first sketches to the last inspection, which may include coloring or applying appliques, the procedure entails a number of phases and operations requiring specialized knowledge. Some of these occupations, like enamelling, have roots in the early history of watchmaking. Some come with using cutting-edge technology; one example is magnetron sputtering, a sophisticated method of coloring a dial’s surface by depositing a thin layer of material in a vacuum.