The largest independent, non-commercial, consumer-oriented resource on the Internet for owners, collectors and enthusiasts of fine wristwatches. Online since 1998.
Informational Websites ChronoMaddox -- the legacy of Chuck Maddox OnTheDash -- vintage Heuer website Zowie -- Omega information
Discussion Forums ChronoMaddox Forum Heuer Forum Omega Forum
Counterfeit Watchers ChronoTools Forum ChronoTrader Forum
Vintage Heuer Discussion Forum
The place for discussing 1930-1985 Heuer wristwatches, chronographs and dash-mounted timepieces. Online since May 2003.
OnTheDash Home What's New! Price Guide Chronographs Dash Mounted Collection
Interesting Term for Concentric Circles on Dial - "Grailing"

I was chatting with a couple of folks about terminology for the finish of watch dials, specifically the concentric circles that we see on the registers of many vintage Heuers (as shown below).

It was interesting to see the term "Grailing" used to describe this finish -- ""Grailing" is a cutting process which uses a single-point cutting tool to produce either "a series of fine concentric circles from the circumference to the centre of the work" or "a single fine spiral line, running from the circumference to the centre of the work". Not to be confused with "snailing" of course!!

Have a look here, for descriptions of many additional finishes used in metalworking -- http://www.circuitousroot.com/artifice/machine-shop/surface-finishing/

TAG Heuer seems to call it "azurage", but I am not sure how widespread this may be? Love the term "grailing" in this context!!

John -- any experience from the world of pocket watches? Others -- any thoughts on this lofty topic?

Jeff

Messages In This Thread

Interesting Term for Concentric Circles on Dial - "Grailing"
Definition of "Grailing'
Definition of "Azurage"
Re: Interesting Term for Concentric Circles on Dial - "Grail
Current Position
Chronocentric and zOwie site design and contents (c) Copyright 1998-2005, Derek Ziglar; Copyright 2005-2008, Jeffrey M. Stein. All rights reserved. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the terms of use. CONTACT | TERMS OF USE | TRANSLATE