The term “gilt” or “gilt/gloss” refers to dials that were created by a galvanic coating process and appears on the 1016 until ~1967. Galvanization generally refers to a method of coating metals with another substance through a chemical reaction that binds them together. In this case, the dials were dipped in an electrified black ‘paint,’ causing deposition of the liquid onto the dial plate.

In a multi-step process, the dials were first stamped with a coating that delineated the text and markers. This coating would stop the the black substance, which was applied next, from adhering to those parts of the dial. Subsequently, a clear lacquer was placed over the printing. After lacquering, further text (such as underlines, depth ratings, etc.) could be added. Finally, the hour markers in radium or tritium were applied.

Please use the drop down menus to navigate to each dial iteration and read more about them.