Again, I am very sorry MTF-san.
I did not give detailed explanation in that seminar and I apologize to confuse you all. Now I try to explain about electro plating and some additional process in dial making… I hope do it well….
Now many dial have same making process. The first metal blank is cut as a base plate of dial. Subsequently, surface fabrication is done. Examples are satin (you can see it in Ref. 5396) and wet blast finishing (F.P. Journe prefer to use that). Next process is electro plating. Finally transparent lacquer is sprayed to cover and protect surface.
Yes some watchmakers prefer to use lacquer dial. For example, Rolex have adopted black lacquer dial for many sports models. Looks onyx but lacquer painted. In Patek, Ref. 5146 (not all) and Ref. 5139 have excellent lacquer dial. The feature of these dials is having flatter surface because it is painted with thick lacquer and grind with micro paper or wrapping film. I love this kind of "Wrapped Lacquered Dial", but some may not prefer because it masks subtle nuances on dial. Disadvantage of "Thick" dial, I think.
On the other hand, each layers of electro plating is relatively thin comparing to lacquer dial, thus plated dial can show subtle nuances on the dial. But there are many exceptions. Maybe there are two reasons. One is that some makers to give thick layers in electro plating. Yes that maybe good process for common dial which cannot have fine surface fabrication. Cost conscious way. Second reason is tendency to give thick transparent lacquer. It will give durability on dial, but loose subtle nuances on dial.
Fluckiger, dial maker of Patek, always try to remain fine nuances in electro plating dial. Only the makers who have self-assured can do that. Maybe the layers of plating are the same as many dials, but I suppose "pre" plating may differ from others.
Tell you the truth, it is just a preference whether you prefer "Thick" or "Thin" dial. But thin plating and transparent painting can show subtle nuances on its ground.
P.S What I said is not always correct. If you find something wrong with my comment, friends, please revise that.
HIROTA, Masayuki
This message has been edited by HIROTA, Masayuki on 2011-10-04 23:11:02