anOrdain Model 2 Porcelain Introduces New In-House Porcelain Dial 

Scottish watch brand anOrdain are one of the foremost specialists when it comes to creating artisinal dials within the British watch-sphere. By which I mostly mean Grand Feu enamel (aka vitreous enamel), a material they have truly mastered with references like the Model 3. However, with the launch of the anOrdain Model 2 Porcelain they’ve added a new material to their in-house repertoire – if you can’t work out which material that is, I’m not sure how to help you.

Porcelain’s production actually has several similarities to that of Grand Feu enamel, which is why it makes logical sense for anOrdain to expand in this direction. Both materials are fired in kilns from a combination of minerals. Although a key difference is that enamel is based on a glass powder while porcelain is glazed clay. Another major difference is that enamel is so delicate and the process is so demanding that it’s only realistic to produce a single dial at a time, but with porcelain it’s actually possible to create small batches.

In terms of production output, that simple fact means anOrdain can create many more porcelain watches than enamel in the same time. In fact, during the 3-year research period that it took to perfect the technique, the very first finished examples of the anOrdain Model 2 Porcelain were offered to people on the waiting list for their enamel watches. The official launch of the Model 2 Porcelain marks the first time the watch is being sold to new customers.

Diving into the details of the new dial, it’s made from porcelain with a glaze that incorporates an iron oxide compound, which is what gives it an intense black colour. Building on that are gold-plated hands and Arabic numerals that give the watch a sense of Gatsby era Art Deco style with a hint of luxury. That aesthetic becomes doubly apparent when you consider the stylisation of the Model 2’s bespoke typography. Adding a spot of colour is a red lacquered seconds hand with arrow tip.

Powering the anOrdain Model 2 Porcelain is a movement that has rapidly become an industry staple, the La Joux-Perret G101 with 68-hour power reserve. It’s one of the most popular movements among high end independent brands that don’t have an in-house manufacture. It’s protected by the Model 2’s 39.5mm diameter steel case.

At £1,800 (excl. VAT) it comes in as one of anOrdain’s most accessible watches to date, beaten only by the lacquer dial of the Fabrik Model 1. It currently has a 6-month production lead and is limited to one watch per customer. It’s always exciting when anOrdain expand their limited number of models and seeing them embrace a new material makes it doubly so. You can discover anOrdain at Hands On Horology in London on June 14^th, secure your ticket here.

More detail at anOrdain.

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