Signum
Newsletter·April 8, 2026
Inside the Craft: How Signum Creates Its Mineral Stone Dials
Signum Watches has shared an inside look at their intricate dial manufacturing process, revealing that creating a single dial takes twice as long as assembling an entire watch. The process begins with extensive sourcing of stones, minerals, shells, and bones, followed by a rigorous quality control phase to ensure the raw materials meet durability standards. The brand highlighted that some materials, like lapis, are particularly fragile, requiring the removal of iron to ensure structural integrity and color retention.
The manufacturing involves a high-risk cutting phase where approximately 30% of the mineral slices may break or shatter before they are hand-selected for further work. Once the thin pieces are secured, they undergo open-work fitting, drilling for hand axes, and the addition of features like window apertures and chapter rings. This meticulous craftsmanship is exemplified in models like the Signum Coral Bronze, which utilizes these unique mineral stone dials to create a connection to the natural world.