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Patek Philippe

it is an excellent dial...from manufacturing standpoint the process of sunburst isn't complicated much.

 

super simplified steps of manufacturing...


1) For a standard dial, the base dial (mostly brass or silver) is polished multiple times, so the surface has absolute evenness (almost mirror polish).

2) then it is multiple layer of varnish & lacquer. 

3) Numerals/Index markings are by pad printing or with a traditional rivet approach for applied index (so dials will have holes to hold the applied indexes or Diamonds in place).

So the sunburst effect is normally created by the first step, by following specific pattern during polishing & then the lacquer amplifies the sunburst effect.

The challenge of it is more, the thinness of the dial makes it extremely difficult to polish, machine and maintain that the dial is even (without dent or ding).

I attach a video of Parmigiani dial manufacture Credits: Watch TV...it will give you an idea. Patek would have it probably 1000X quality controlled given where the brand. 


Best,
mahesh.,



High end dial manufacturing



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