How to Measure the Dial Feet on a Watch Dial

🕵️♂️ How to Measure the Dial Feet on a Watch Dial

Dial feet are small metal pins on the back of a watch dial that align with specific holes in the movement. Correctly measuring these feet is essential when replacing or installing a watch dial, especially when working with movements like Seiko, Miyota, or ETA.

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🔧 What Are Dial Feet?

Dial feet are used to secure the watch dial to the movement. Most dials have two feet, placed at specific positions relative to the center of the dial (the cannon pinion). Each movement has a unique dial feet configuration.

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📐 How to Measure Dial Feet Positions

1. Use the Clock Dial Method (Hour:Minute Format)

• Visualize the watch dial like a clock.

• Dial feet are typically placed at positions like 1:03 or 7:03, which convert to angles (e.g., 48° and 228°).

• Each hour equals 30 degrees.

• Each minute equals 6 degrees.

• Example:
  1 hour and 3 minutes = 30° + 18° = 48°

2. Measure the Angle

• Use a protractor template or digital drawing tool to mark the angles from the center of the dial.

• Common angles are 135° & 315° or 48° & 228°, depending on the movement.

3. Measure the Distance from the Center

• Use a digital caliper to measure the radial distance from the dial’s center hole to each foot.

• Most dial feet are 7.0 mm to 7.8 mm from the center.

4. Reference Your Movement

• Identify the movement (e.g., Seiko 6R35, NH35, ETA 2824).

• Check manufacturer diagrams or databases to confirm exact feet placement.

• Each movement model has its own standard configuration.

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🧰 Tools You'll Need

• Digital caliper

• Loupe or magnifying glass

• Dial feet layout chart (optional)

• Watch movement or case

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💡 Tips

• If the feet do not align with the movement, consider dial dots or replacing dial feet in the correct positions.

• Always work on a soft, clean surface to avoid damaging the dial.

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📊 Complete Dial Feet Positions Table

 

🔎 This table covers dial feet positions in 5-minute increments. Full 60-minute granularity is available upon request.

 

🛠 Need Help Matching a Dial?

Feel free to contact us — we’ll help you identify whether a dial fits your movement and suggest alternatives.