Franck Muller USA

Creating a Franck Muller dial involves a series of concentric steps carried out by a combination of specialized machinery and the skilled hands of talented craftsmen. The process begins with an oversized (50mm diameter by .5mm thick) blank piece of brass. Four small feet on the back of these discs hold them securely in place while any one of a variety of patterns is embossed - either by machine turning or high-pressure stamping. This step requires careful attention and quality control to maintain the integrity of the design while ensuring uniformity across the entire surface. Once these background patterns are applied, the next step in the process is to cleave the final dial shape from the oversize rounds. The excess brass is recycled, while the shaped element moves on to the next steps.

Massive stamping machines emboss brass disks Some dial patterns are applied via high-speed CNC machining

A close-up inspection of the brass blank – now with embossed pattern The dial is now taking shape after being punched out of the disc

After cutting away the excess material, the dials are to be polished to remove any rough edges and prepare the surface for the following steps of electroplating, enameling, as well as the application of numerals and other ornamentation that will grace the dial.

Polishing powder being applied to the raw brass before buffing

After polishing, the dial feet are electrically spot welded directly on to the back of the developing blank. The length and placement of these small metal protrusions is crucial for securing the dial to the movement and must take into account the eventual curvature and size of the specific dial on which they will be applied.

Following the application of the dial feet is electroplating. This process adds multiple layers of gold, silver, and rhodium to impart a lustrous base finish as well as offering protection against tarnishing and corrosion. Plating also creates a surface that will allow lacquer & enamel paints to adhere evenly.

Electroplating solution and cleaning tanks apply gold, silver, rhodium and other metals to the raw brass dials and other dial components.

Dials on the dipping tree before plating Transformation after electroplating

Each of these initial stages in the creation of a Franck Muller watch dial requires precision, expertise, and attention to detail that reflects the brand's commitment to excellence in every aspect of its timepiece production. At this stage, the developing dial is still a long way from finished but is starting to show some hints of what’s to come. In Part 2 we will show you how dials are enriched with color & character via hand-painting, applied elements, pad printing, and more.