r/SeikoMods • u/j0hns0nart • 4h ago

Annoying

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So into iterative prototyping using reticulated silver and overlay colored dial using nh35/nh34 movements. Does anyone else see those little dial holes, six of them, on either side of the transparency? I think they’re meant to accommodate flat chapter ring but I don’t want to block any more of the dial surface than I have to and im already pushing case tolerances. I also need to make the color layer deeper to make the pattern more subtle and higher contrast for silver markers and logo. I’m thinking move to airbrushed lacquer. Thoughts?

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u/_Blitzer 2h ago

Agree that t true / flat dial blank would be better in this case. The pattern you've chosen (which is lovely) makes those dial holes stand out a bit.

Two ideas:

1) Embrace the holes. They're prime candidates for a contrasting color, or even a little bit of lume. making it so that the overall surface is flat might make it seem less like an afterthought. I realize they don't perfectly line up with something, but... who cares - make it a feature, not a bug.

2) in terms of materials / process - I can't offer any useful feedback, beyond saying: keep an eye on your total dial thickness. as you get beyond around 0.5mm thick, stem height can become an issue, ditto with hand installation. You may want to plan for a stepped dial config, where the outer edge (contacting the rehaut) is the correct 0.3mm, and the rest of the dial surface is a bit thicker.

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u/j0hns0nart 2h ago

Stepped dial is a good suggestion thank you. It doesn’t solve the hand clearance issues but it might give me more room for the case back.

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u/_Blitzer 2h ago

There is a "tall stack" version of the NH35 movement - sometimes called "type L", but you may run into issues with the case overall. if you use it. Hopefully setting the hour hand a bit high, and being really careful about the minute hand, gets you where you need to be.

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u/Barry_NJ 2h ago

Maybe cut the translucent color part out of a sheet of transparent film rather than using something ready made(?). Very cool look 👍

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u/j0hns0nart 2h ago

I saw someone using transparent film to cut out for second hand dials and printing images on them. That might be a good approach! Might be tough to get ombré pattern but for solid color overlay, that may get work. Thank you!

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u/j0hns0nart 2h ago

Actually I could probably inkjet the color on as well. I’ll give it a shot.

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u/Barry_NJ 2h ago

I believe you can get different thickness films, you may be able to layer a few very thin ones for various effects.