WOOD. WOOD. WOOD. WOOD. WOOD
IN WATCHMAKING. IN WATCHMAKING. IN WATCHMAKING. IN WATCHMAKING
06 May 2025
Wood In Watchmaking
Wood may not be the first material that comes to mind in watchmaking, yet its presence has left a lasting imprint on horology.
Rolex famously introduced burl wood dials on select Datejust models, each piece cut from naturally occurring wood grain, ensuring no two were ever alike.
These dials, often made from mahogany, walnut, or birch, exude a deep, rich character that contrasts beautifully with gold or steel cases.
One fascinating detail? The process of preparing wood for a watch dial is anything but simple. Given its organic nature, wood expands and contracts with temperature and humidity, making stabilization a crucial step.
Beyond the wrist, Rolex also crafted exquisite desk clocks, housed in luxurious wooden presentation boxes.
Another fun fact: certain vintage wooden-dial watches are highly sought after today, with collectors valuing them not just for their rarity but for how the wood subtly ages over time, deepening in tone and character.
Whether carved, polished, or inlaid, it adds a warmth and organic beauty that no metal or ceramic can replicate.
