Axis Pure: Dial deconstruction

Available this Autumn, the Pinion Axis Pure is a limited production handwound watch that will only be made in a run of 100 watches (50 steel, 50 bronze).

Central to the watch, is the dial which we’ve designed to be simple and highly legible. Behind this simplicity though is a complex set of parts, materials and engineering techniques which we’ve employed to create a miniature work of art.

The computer visual shows that the dial is formed of multiple levels. The first being the dial base (0) which is made of brass and coated in galvanic black. Cut into the dial (-1) is the circular recess at 6H which is designed for the Unitas 6498 sub-second hand. (the other variant Unitas 6497 is positioned at 9H). It is polished and finished with engine turning, before the seconds are overprinted in black. Finally the sharp white index lines are printed onto the black base and form the backdrop for the applied numerals.

Next are the applied indexes (1) for the numbers and batons that we’ve specially milled to create the Pinion typeface. For this we’ve adapted a geometic sans-serif typeface which takes it’s design influence from engraving letterforms of the late 19th century. Each index is individually milled and polished, prior to being filled with our own customised SuperLuminova® mix, emulating vintage watches from the turn of the century (that contained glowing Radioactive material). The polished edges of the indexes will capture the light and provide extra depth to the numerals and will be a perfect compliment to the polished hands and crown.

The final level (2) is the inner area of the dial. This is raised like the applied indexes, coated with satin black, brushed horizontally and finished with a galvanic treatment. The brushing effect is very subtle however when seen at different angles will appear to change tone and colour providing a subtle contrast to the overall appearance of the black dial. Finally, overprinted in sharp white will be the Pinion® lettering with our trademark gear wheel and triangular indexes which align with the white lines on the base.

Very much reflecting the character and soul of the Pinion Axis Pure, the dial is made with micro millimetre precision (1/100 of a millimetre) and the computer render can only achieve a fraction of how fabulous the finished article will look.

As with all of our watches, the Axis Pure will be assembled in the UK and will be presented in a elegant polished black Pinion presentation box.