====== Dial ======
{{wst>image_cl|Rolex|Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona|The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona has one large **dial** on the face with three smaller **subdials**}}

A **dial** is a background used to orient the [[hands]] for timekeeping. The **face** of most watches consists of a large dial, sometimes with smaller inset [[subdial]]s.

===== Dial, Face, and Subdial =====
Most watches feature a dial that takes up most of the face, and these terms are often used interchangeably. However, the **face** refers to the entire area exposed to view at the top of the watch, while the **dial** is only the area used to orient the [[hand]]s. Many watches also feature **sub-dials** for timekeeping, [[small seconds]], or other [[complication]]s. Many modern designs feature overlapping dials, [[skeleton]]ization, [[digital]] counters, inset dials, and other design elements which expose or obscure the face or dial.

==== Dial ====
Most dials are decorated with [[marker]]s, [[numeral]]s, lettering, and so on. This ring of numerals or markers is often called a [[chapter ring]], though those that resemble a railroad are called a [[track]]. Dials that emphasize four quadrants are called [[crosshair dial]]s, and those with crosshair and track are [[sector dial]]s. Many dials are decorated using [[guillochage]] in patterns and textures.

Some watches have additional smaller dials for [[small seconds]] or [[complication]]s known as [[subdial]]s. These usually have their own [[chapter ring]] but usually have simpler decoration due to their size and function. A few special watches, such as the [[Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface]] have multiple main dials and subdials.

==== Face ====
{{wst>image_cl|Jaquet Droz|Hommage Genève 1784 Grande Seconde Email|Jaquet Droz leaves much of the face open, with smaller inset dials}}

The face of the watch is sometimes taken up by a single large dial but many designs use it in other ways. [[Jaquet Droz]] typically uses overlapping [[subdial]]s for hour/minute and [[small seconds]], and [[regulator]] watches usually have three or more smaller dials, each with a single hand for one timekeeping function.

An open space is required above the face and dial for the [[hand]]s to move. The outer area of the face or dial can be surrounded by a [[rehaut]] (flange) to separate the face from the [[crystal]].

Faces and dials can be plain, painted, [[enamel]]ed, or decorated with [[guillochage]] patterns or textures. 

Watches with an opening in the face through which the movement (especially the [[escapement]]) can be viewed are called [[open heart]] or [[openworked]], while watches with broader open surfaces are called [[skeleton]].


{{tag>Terms}}