If a dial is very badly damaged, then for most modern watches the best solution is to replace the dial with a new one. However, for anything that is vintage or no longer in production, then instead restore a dial back to its original condition. In some cases it may not be possible to restore the dial to the exact original finish or colour and a customer must be made aware of the outcome of a dial restore as once the work has been done there is no going back on the process.
We suggest you customers contact these companies to find out if their dial can be restored. If you wish chealwatch ltd to remove the dial and send it to a dial restorer we will do so and we may recommend we service the watch during this process. If you are able to remove the dial yourself then please send it directly to the dial restorer.
Dial restoring from Chealwatch ltd – charges from £160.00 for service and dial restore Read More
Dial refinishing refers to the process of restoring a watch dial to its original appearance. Over time, when exposed to sunlight or moisture, watch dials (which are made of silver or silver-plated brass) tend to fade and oxidise, causing the dial to become unattractive or even unreadable. Dials can be restored in a similar style to the original finish and appearance although in some cases our restorer may not have the exact plates for the chapter rings or name lettering and in that case we will be guided by the customers instructions. If there is any doubt in the customers mind regarding the final outcome of a dial restore then it may be better not to go ahead with the work as once to dial has been refinished then there is no going back to the original. chealwatch Ltd will source the best dial restorer that can produce the finish that the customer would expect. Dial restoring and watch service will cost approximately £160.00 depending on the type and style ( dials with batons are the most expensive as is a satin finish) chealwatch ltd will restore a dial to customers written instruction and customer should not expect chealwatch to have knowledge of the original style and finish for any brand. A picture or illustration of the customers requirements will always be helpful and if we are instructed to ‘ restore dial ‘ then we will finish the dial in our interpretation.
Based in London, United Kingdom and with over 25 years of specialist experience, we use only the highest quality materials to provide the most authentic finish to the watch dials we restore and customise.
We work with many watch enthusiasts, collectors and dealers. We handle both antique and new watch dials as well as work with designers to create their prototypes. Let your imagination go wild with the newest trend of customised watch dials. Please see our Gallery / Instagram for examples of our work. We have worked with many prestigious clients from all over the world.
We pride ourselves with providing the best finish to our work but are constantly looking to improve our standards. To us, watch dials are the perfect combination of precision and creativity and is the pinnacle of the beauty of any watch.
If you would like a quote to restore or customise your watch dial please email us at contactus@vsonidials.com with a photo of the watch dial and details of the work required. Alternatively please contact us at the below: Tel: + 00 44 (0) 20 8903 8247
Visit by Appointment only: V Soni Dials 36 Mount Pleasant Wembley Middlesex HA0 1TY United Kingdom
David R Bill & Sons has been a leading and excellent performer in Great British design and craftsmanship, founded by David Roy Bill in 1962. Read More
David pursued his keen interest in horology at the age of 15, by first learning the restoration of luxury timepieces at Banda’s in Clerkenwell Road, London. By the time he was 18, he joined the army where he completed 2 years of service. Upon leaving the army, he joined Swiss Co working for Mr. Gerner. In 1956 David moved to Pittsburgh USA working for Kirk Dial, a very experienced dial artisan who taught him the foundations of dial restoration. In 1957 his progress did not go unnoticed and Kirk Dial offered David the chance to manage his own workshop in Texas but politely declined, deciding instead to return to London to raise a family. It was then that he started his own dial restoration company, David R Bill & Sons in London’s Clerkenwell Road, and finally in 1972 the business was relocated to just outside of London in the county of Essex. This current day, David Bill’s grandson Christopher Bill owns and runs Bill & Sons Ltd, using many of the original techniques that has been passed down through three generations whilst continually learning and growing with modern methods.
