AboutTime Issue # 17 Summer 2019 | Page 50

WESSEX WATCHES DYNAMIC WESSEX DIAL DESIGN W WATCH’S FABULOUS FACES OF TIME hile so many new and experienced collectors search for watches with movement “X” inside, the reality is that in almost every case the dial is the first thing on a watch that grabs your attention, or the attention of those around you. This is where the new brand out of the UK, Wessex Watches based in Wiltshire England has staked their claim. Founded by Jamie Boyd, Wessex watches creates a dial that creates the impression of hand-engraving by mastering a new manufacturing technique that bridges the gap between individually hand engraved dials that can cost thousands of dollars each, and mass produced dials stamped out by the thousands for pennies apiece. Handsome to the naked eye, Wessex dials look even more 50 | AboutTime Magazine impressive under closer scrutiny. While the overall patterns and depth of engraving look great at first glance, break out your loupe and you’ll be able to not only appreciate the finesse of the engraved images or patterns, but you’ll also see miniscule variations similar to a truly hand-engraved example. Clearly these are not the result of a 5,000 lb press stamping some faux guilloche’ pattern into hundreds of dials per hour. Crafted from brass, bronze or solid silver, each Wessex dial is in fact individually crafted and for those that want the next level of personalization they can also be embellished with enamel for added panache. If you’re going to these great lengths to come up with a new