What is the appeal of shell dials?

The face of a watch is the dial. Isn't the dial design the first thing that determines the impression when choosing a watch?
Every brand understands this point, so they create unique eye-catching designs and leave classic designs as traditions.
This time, I would like to touch on the existence of a "shell dial" that has a particularly strong individuality and a distinctive color.

～What is a shell dial?～

A shell dial is literally a dial made of shells.

BREITLING
Bentley GT Ref.A13362(A133628X/A786)
This model has a white shell.
A unique concave-convex pattern is drawn when light hits it.

The standard is the "white shell" that shines white, but other than that, it seems that the same shell such as black, blue, and pink is used according to the difference in color.

BREITLING
Chronomat 44 JSP Black Mother of Pearl Limited Ref.AB01152A/BH20
Even with Breitling, which is the same brand as the one above, the atmosphere of the shell changes dramatically depending on the color.
Also, this individual has a relatively thin pattern.

It makes sense that it would be rare if it were a natural material and had to be beautiful enough to be used in a luxury watch.

~ Charm of shell dial ~

The biggest charm of the shell dial is "strength of overwhelming individuality".

As mentioned above, the shell dial uses natural materials as they are. Therefore, even if it is the same model, it will not be a watch with the same design.
In other words, it is "a watch with an overwhelmingly strong individuality", and it means "you can get only one watch in the world".

ROLEX
Daytona Diamond Ref.116509NG
Even with the same white shell, it looks quite different from the Breitling above.
There is no such thing as a shell dial with the same pattern.
If you can see the real thing, it is better to see it once and consider it.

The sense of satisfaction and special feeling you get when you own such a watch will set you apart.

Secondly, the unique shine of the shell dial is also packed with great individuality.
Dials are usually made of metal materials such as brass, and the materials are processed to look in line with the brand design.

However, shells are said to be difficult to process unlike metals. Compared to metal, it is much softer and more prone to cracking, so it is often limited to minimal processing.
The result is a dial in its natural state, with a gentle, sparkling brilliance.
This brilliance is not the same as one, and it varies greatly depending on the viewing angle, the intensity of the light, and the surrounding environment.
The nature-derived design that cannot be artificially created is connected to the individuality of the watch itself.

- Disadvantages of shell dials -

A shell dial has many attractive points, but there is one disadvantage that occurs by owning it.
"Owning and maintaining is a little more severe than other watches."

This is because the shell, which is a natural material, is softer and more fragile than metal materials.
If it is a metal material, it may break due to the impact it has endured, and since it is a natural material, it is considered to be a material that deteriorates easily in the long run.
In terms of maintenance, if you try to replace the battery of a quartz watch with a shell dial, the price may be higher than usual, and if you request an overhaul at a repair workshop other than the manufacturer, you may be refused.

The only disadvantage of shell dials is that they are made of a severe material that must be handled with care even by watchmakers.

~ Shell dial recommended model ~

As introduced, the shell dial has its disadvantages, but it is packed with a lot of charm that goes beyond it.
Finally, we will introduce three recommended watches with shell dials that are available at our store.

• Rolex Daytona Diamond 116509NG

ROLEX
Daytona Diamond Ref.116509NG
Daytona with a shell dial is a rare model among Daytonas.
Like Meteorite, you don't have many chances to see them.

After all, the Rolex watch appears as a recommendation even on the shell dial.

This model is also decorated with diamonds, and combined with the brilliance of the shell, it is suitable as a top-class model.
Shell material is often used for dress watches, but even sporty models like this are overflowing with charm.

• OMEGA Seamaster 231.10.39.21.57.001

OMEGA
Seamaster Ref.231.10.39.21.57.001
A white shell type is also available in the same model.
The design which it is easy to use as a pair watch.

The next watch is this one from Omega's Seamaster series. It is one of the charms of the dark color, which is different from the transparent white.

It's not just gray, it's a watch that changes its expression depending on the viewing angle and how the light hits it, such as green or pink.
The contrast with the sparkling white diamond is also very attractive.

• CHANEL J12 8P diamond H3214

CHANEL
J12 8P Diamond Ref.H3214
It's hard to tell from the photo, but a shell dial is used

~ extra edition ~

This time, we focused on shell dials, but we also have unusual materials for the dials of the products we carry! I would like to introduce a few such watches.

• Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Berluti

HUBLOT
Classic Fusion Chronograph
Berluti Scritto Ocean Blue
Ref.521.NX.050B.VR.BER18

Hublot, which has gained tremendous support from young people, has collaborated with Berluti, a super prestigious leather brand that has been loved for many years.
The dial of this watch is made of Venezia leather.
In the past, no brand used leather for the dial, and it is a masterpiece watch that was created for the first time through the cooperation of Hublot, an advanced brand, and Berluti, who knows everything about leather materials.

• BREGUET Classic 5140 5140BB/29/9W6

BREGUET
Classic 5140
Reference 5140BB/29/9W6
The pinnacle of enamel dials known to those in the know

The next watch is a classic made by Breguet, a prestigious watch brand.
This watch uses a material called "Grand Feu enamel".
Although the appearance is transparent white, the surface has a finish like pottery.
It takes a lot of time and effort to make it, and it is known to the world as "the most beautiful dial in the world."

• Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Italia Independent

HUBLOT
Classic Fusion Chronograph
italian independent
ceramic pin strap
Ref.521.CM.2707.NR.ITI18

Hublot is here again.
Hublot, who specializes in advanced design, creates unique designs one after another. The watch introduced this time uses a fabric material for the dial.
It is combined with the design of the belt, so you can feel a sense of unity that is unparalleled.
It is a book that gives an interesting impression like a completed casual luxury watch.

~Summary~

A dial is exactly the face of a watch.
In addition to thinking in terms of color and design, if you look at it from the perspective of materials, you may discover a different kind of fun.
The more you look into it, the more you will be attracted to the existence of "the only watch in the world" made from natural materials.

Click here for the stock list of shell dials!

At MOONPHASE, we have a variety of shell dials in addition to the watches introduced this time, so please take a look!

Click here for other inventory lists!