Watch Dial Restoration & Refinishing
International Dial
The industry leader in watch dial restoration & refinishing. We are the guardians of horological heritage.
2-6 week turnaround on most projects.
A living archive
100+ years' print dies
Name dies
100,000+ on file
Heritage
100+ years of dial history
Turnaround
Typically 2–6 weeks
Mail-in
Insured & tracked
The Work
Dials brought back to life
Refinished. Re-printed. Re-lumed.
For much of watchmaking history, dial restoration was a normal part of caring for a timepiece. Older watches were rarely as sealed or protected as modern watches. Moisture, dust, age, and daily use all left their mark. Over time, dials faded, stained, cracked, or lost the clarity they once had.
Today, some collectors believe a dial should never be refinished. Sometimes, they are right. A pristine original dial should be preserved. A rare dial with historical importance may be better left untouched. We respect that.
But not every damaged dial is sacred. In many cases, a dial is simply in poor condition. It can hurt the appearance of the watch, reduce the owner’s enjoyment, and in some cases diminish the value of the piece. When a dial has deteriorated beyond what can reasonably be appreciated, careful refinishing can be the right answer.
As wearers and stewards of timepieces, we service movements. We replace worn parts. We restore cases, crystals, crowns, and hands. The dial deserves the same thoughtful consideration.
A properly refinished dial does not erase a watch’s history. Done well, it restores the spirit of the original design and allows the watch to be worn, enjoyed, and passed on for decades to come.
The Craft
A century of dial-making, in our hands
Why we are #1
For more than a century, the dial has been the face of horology. It is the first thing the eye meets, the element that sets the tone of the design, and the detail that ultimately defines the character of a watch. A finely restored dial is not merely a matter of precision; it is an act of artistry.
At our workshop, we are dedicated to preserving this tradition with exceptional care and craftsmanship. Our collection of dies and clichés is among the most extensive in the world, allowing us to restore or faithfully recreate dials for nearly every major American brand, including Hamilton, Elgin, Bulova, Gruen, Benrus, Waltham, Illinois, Longines, and Wittnauer. We also support a wide range of Swiss makers, including Rolex, TAG Heuer, Tudor, Patek Philippe, Omega, and many others.
Every dial we restore is approached with the same guiding principle: respect the original watchmaker’s vision while bringing new life to a piece that may be decades, or even more than a century, old. The result is a restoration that honors the past, preserves the design language of the original, and allows the watch to be worn and appreciated for generations to come.
Pricing & project assessment
We believe every dial tells a story, and every story deserves careful consideration. For that reason, our pricing is determined on a project-by-project basis, based on the complexity, condition, and technical requirements of the work.
Some dials require straightforward refinishing and printing. Others may involve multiple colors, layered textures, unusual finishes, rare typography, or the creation of custom dies and clichés. When additional die work or specialized preparation is needed, we discuss it with you directly, explain the process, and provide a tailored estimate before any work begins.
Transparency is central to our practice. You will always know what to expect, what the work involves, and what it will cost before we proceed. No project moves forward without your approval.
A tradition of craftsmanship
Dial refinishing is more than a technical procedure. It is a craft that requires patience, precision, and reverence for detail. Each dial passes through a series of careful stages, from cleaning and preparation to surface treatment and the precise application of typography, logos, and markers. Every step demands discipline, restraint, and an understanding of the original design.
We see ourselves as guardians of horological heritage. Many of the dials entrusted to us belong to watches passed down through families, carrying deep personal meaning. Others come from collectors devoted to preserving important pieces of watch history. In every case, our responsibility is the same: to honor the history embedded in the dial while ensuring the watch can be worn, admired, and appreciated for decades to come.
In horology, the dial is the soul of the watch. Our role is to restore that soul with the clarity, beauty, and dignity it deserves.
The refinishing process
Every dial we receive undergoes a meticulous series of steps. It begins with a careful examination of the dial to assess its condition, determine the original printing method, and evaluate any unique features. Once the plan of action is set, the dial is gently prepared, ensuring that any damage or aging is addressed without compromising the integrity of the piece.
Printing is performed using our extensive catalog of dies. Each die represents countless hours of horological history—typography, logos, numerals, and layouts that were once standard in the great watch factories. For collectors who request absolute fidelity, we match not only the design but also the subtle nuances of ink thickness, spacing, and texture. This is what sets our refinishing apart: it is not simply a reproduction, but a respectful continuation of the original maker’s work.
For projects requiring new die creation, we collaborate with skilled engravers and artisans who specialize in this demanding craft. Every new die added to our archive expands our ability to serve the collector community and preserve the legacy of watch design.
Our commitment to heritage & excellence
At its core, our mission is about more than refinishing. It is about stewardship: preserving the artistry, legacy, and beauty of watches that have stood the test of time. Each dial we restore serves as a bridge between past and future, allowing these pieces of history to continue to be worn, admired, and cherished for generations.
We are proud to serve collectors, jewelers, and enthusiasts who share our passion for horological preservation. When you choose our workshop, you are choosing more than a service. You are choosing a partner in preservation, a team that understands the value of heritage, and artisans who approach each dial with humility, respect, and skill.
Capabilities
What we restore / create
Dial Refinishing
From simple to intricate, we strip each dial to bare metal, prepare the surface, electroplate, and apply clear / colored finish.
Pad-printing
100+ years of print and name dies. Typography, numerals, and layouts from the greatest vintage & modern watch brands.
Custom Die Production
When an exact die/cliche doesn’t exist, we create new plates with skilled engravers and artisans to match your dial.
Modern Technologies
We utilize state-of-the-at technologies to preserve history and develop new dial creations
Lume Application
Expert-level lume appication for modern and vintage watches.
Mail-in, from anywhere
How it works
1
Request a quote
Message us about your watch: make/model, dial condition, scope, and photos. We reply with next steps.
2
Ship your dial in
Ship us your dial, or complete watch for review.
3
We assess & confirm
We examine your watch and provide an estimate. We only proceed once we have your approval.
4
Refinished & returned
Typically 2–6 weeks. We treat every dial/watch with care and keep you informed, then return it ready to wear and admire.
Start your project
Request a quote
Tell us about your project—please include your watch make/model, the dial’s condition, and the work you’re after. We’ll reply with next steps and a tailored estimate. You can email photos to hello@internationaldialllc.com
Prefer email? Reach us any time at hello@internationaldialllc.com.