Independents

I was told to have the marker floating … they had 8 layers of translucent lacquer on the white lacquer before he stam printed marker ! ...  

...  

NT

Every time I think I've seen it all....

That effect is really outstanding, I am surprised other watchmakers have not done something similar as it is so brilliant

Lm101 dial

but could someone execute this at a fraction of the cost with a printed domed sapphire plate?

But it ruined what’s suppose to be art

I am under the impression (pardon the punt) that Grand Seiko/Credor has done it in the past

Printing sapphire , as far as I know, isn't. There's a big difference. The complexity with the finish on the MB&F isn't from the printing, it's from the curved lacquer, which isn't "printable" but has to be made layer by layer. The giant dome crystal ... 

The traditional method is with a balloon. You can read about the process here: quillandpad.com

That’s stamp print

Since the dial is tiny … the suspended center front balance wheel stole the show