Glass Enamel

c.1892 New York Standard Grade 41: “The Pretty Face”

By Nathan Moore

c.1892 New York Standard Grade 41 (18-Size, Model 6, 11 Jewels) Dial c.1892 New York Standard Grade 41 (18-Size, Model 6, 11 Jewels). In 1892, in an attempt to increase sales, the New York Standard Watch Company began fitting all 11-Jewel movements with fancy glass-enameled...

Private Label Trade Names on American Pocket Watches: “Burlington Watch Co.” Part 24: The Alternative Dials

By Nathan Moore

Pictured: Burlington Special Fancy Glass Enamel Dial, c.1916 [Image Credit: Reddit User “IWasRightOnce”] While early “Burlington Special” watches were furnished with two standard dial options, surviving examples provide evidence that.

Analysis , Dials , Elgin , History

Venetian Hard Enamel vs. English Soft Enamel Dials: Part 6 – Distinguishing Soft Enamel and Glass Enamel Dials

By Nathan Moore

During the early introduction of soft enamel dials to the broader watch market in the 1870s and 1880s, the term “soft enamel” was used to describe them, logically contrasting the.

Venetian Hard Enamel vs. English Soft Enamel Dials: Part 5 – Early Market Pricing of Soft Glass Enamel Dials

By Nathan Moore

In Catalogs & Resources , Dials , Elgin , History , Production

Pictured: 1882 Elgin Material Catalog Showing Hard vs. Soft Enamel Dial Pricing [Catalog Scans Courtesy of Rick Hufnagel] Innovative and novel products commonly demand a premium when first introduced to the market. During the 1870s, techniques to manufacture soft glass enamel dials at scale were...

Dials , Factories , Production

Venetian Hard Enamel vs. English Soft Enamel Dials: Part 4 – Primary Differences in Production

By Nathan Moore

The process of manufacturing Venetian hard enamel dials is very similar to manufacturing English soft glass enamel dials. In both instances, hard enamel is utilized for the backs of the.

Dials , Elgin , History , Production

Venetian Hard Enamel vs. English Soft Enamel Dials: Part 3 – The Process of Making Glass Enamel Dials

By Nathan Moore

Pictured: Edge of 18-Size Soft Glass Enamel Dial by the Elgin National Watch Company, showcasing the two layers of glass (soft) enamel applied to the front of the dial. The.

Venetian Hard Enamel vs. English Soft Enamel Dials: Part 2 – The Development of Glass Enamel Dials in America

By Nathan Moore

In Dials , Elgin , History

Pictured: 18-Size Soft Glass Enamel Dial by the Elgin National Watch Company, showcasing the glossy reflection of direct light English Soft Enamel, commonly known as “Glass Enamel” in the trade, was used to create elegant glossy dials, contrasting the satin finish that characterized hard enamel...