The Chameleon watch dial looks deep blue in one light, then moves towards purple as the viewing angle changes. A still photograph catches one moment. The short tilt clip below shows why Meidan gave this Rexx dial its name.
A Pattern With Raised Details
Meidan made the pattern with a fiber laser, removing the surrounding metal while leaving the hour markers, minute track and small star raised. Those light-catching details are part of the dial itself.
The repeated pattern becomes finer towards the centre. The larger hour markers interrupt that texture around the edge, while the star gives the upper half a distinct point of reference. That contrast between a busy field and a few larger shapes is one of the useful design choices visible in the photographs.
Black Base, Chameleon Paint, Exposed Metal
For this particular dial, the maker applied a black base coat and sprayed chameleon paint over it. After painting, he gently sanded and polished the raised areas to expose the metal again. The finish and the raised layout contribute different parts of the result.
See the Dial Tilt Under the Light
The clip is helpful because the object stays the same while its angle changes. It shows more about the visible colour shift than choosing one photograph as the definitive colour of the dial.
The matching workshop Short is also available below.
Choosing Hands and a Case Around a Changing Finish
This project is shown as a dial, so the next design question is what should surround it. Begin with hand contrast in more than one view. A combination that looks clear against the blue surface should also be considered when the dial appears purple or catches a brighter reflection.
Keep the size of the hands and the case opening in mind as well. The texture, hour markers and minute track already create several levels of detail. A visual mockup can help compare the overall balance, while the actual components establish whether the proposed arrangement fits.
Our dial-making guide separates the design, engraving, finishing and mounting stages. The compatibility guide covers the physical checks before a dial becomes part of an assembled watch.
Compare that shifting finish with the Honeycomb watch dial, made with one raised pattern and two background finishes.
Take the Idea Further
Explore a visual layout in the free Rexx Dial Studio designer on Reddit, or share an idea and ask for feedback in RexxDialStudio. Physical dimensions, mounting and hand clearance still need checking before a design becomes a watch part.
For the next workshop story and practical build notes, join The Watcher Insider.
The photographs, projects and films are by Meidan of Rexx Timepieces. The Watcher HQ and Rexx Timepieces share ownership. This article documents work from our own workshop; it is not an independent review of a supplied product.
