The Hamilton Watch Company Melamine Dial: Introduction
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In October 1946, the Hamilton Watch Company began manufacturing watch dials using melamine, a thermoplastic material that had recently been commercialized. Despite previous failures by other companies to produce a viable watch dial using thermoplastic technology, the Hamilton Watch Company concluded that melamine was a suitable substitution for enamel.
The new melamine dials were considered superior to conventional enamel dials according to every measurement. The new material was stainless and resistant to discoloration, allowing the watch dials to retain a brilliant white appearance. The surface was highly durable, especially when compared to the fragile glass enamel used on conventional dials.
Since melamine can resist heat up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, the material was even being used to replace the enamel on gas stoves when Hamilton adopted it for watch dials.
Melamine can be baked at a lower temperature and cools much quicker than vitreous enamel, making the dials more efficient to manufacture. According to documents exploring the development of melamine dials, the company estimated that each dial would be $1.16 less expensive to manufacture when compared to similar enamel dials.
While all evidence at the time indicated new melamine material was a success, modern collectors know all-too-well the Achilles heel of the melamine material. Over time, the thermoplastic shrinks and expands continually until the surface develops fractures marring the dial.
Obtaining a surviving example of a melamine dial in excellent condition is becoming exceedingly more challenging.
Great article on the pitfalls of Hamilton’s melamine dials! I came across them while collecting my first 992B’s about 10 years ago. Luckily Hamilton glass enamel dials were less expensive then, particularly 16s Hamilton and even 992 and 992B glass enamel dials.
The same goes for Elgin, Waltham, but not Illinois. I never buy a 16s or 18s Illinois as a movement with no dial as decent Illinois dials always seem scarce and expensive.
Hi Paul, question. Did Hamilton make any glass enamel Montgomery dials in 1953?
Does anyone know where I can get my 992b melamine dial refurbished? The melamine has actually pulled away from the dial plate.
Unfortunately, I am not aware of anyone that refurbishes or restores these dials. You will likely need to find a replacement dial.