How anOrdain is Reviving Enamel Dial Artistry in Contemporary Watches

The world of modern horology is often defined by technical innovation, avant-garde materials, and complex mechanical feats. Yet, in this era of rapid technological advancements, anOrdain, a small independent watch brand from Glasgow, Scotland, has carved out a niche by reviving one of the most challenging and revered traditional crafts: enamel dial artistry.

While many luxury watch brands rely on mass production techniques, anOrdain takes a different approach—handcrafting exquisite enamel dials in-house, blending old-world techniques with contemporary design principles. This dedication to traditional craftsmanship has propelled anOrdain to the forefront of independent watchmaking, earning them a cult following among collectors and enthusiasts.

At Coveted, the premier destination for expert watch insights and comparisons, we explore how anOrdain is bringing enamel dial artistry back to life in modern watchmaking.

The Heritage of Enamel Dials

Enamel dials have a storied history in horology, dating back centuries. Often associated with high-end watchmaking, enamel dials are prized for their deep, lustrous finishes, exceptional longevity, and resistance to fading. However, they are notoriously difficult to produce, requiring meticulous craftsmanship, patience, and multiple kiln firings at extreme temperatures.

The art of grand feu enamel, one of the oldest and most revered enameling techniques, is especially challenging. Only a handful of watchmakers in the world, including Patek Philippe and Jaeger-LeCoultre, continue to produce such dials today. anOrdain is among these select few, but what sets them apart is their modern interpretation of this ancient craft.

anOrdain’s Unique Approach to Enamel Dials

Unlike traditional watch brands that outsource their dial production, anOrdain creates its enamel dials entirely in-house—a rarity among independent watchmakers. The brand employs a small team of expert enamellists who meticulously layer and fire enamel on each dial, ensuring a rich, glass-like finish.

Key Elements of anOrdain’s Enamel Craftsmanship:

✔ Grand Feu Enamel Dials – Each dial undergoes multiple high-temperature firings, ensuring an incredibly smooth and durable surface. ✔ Hand-Crafted Process – No two dials are identical, as subtle variations occur during the firing process, making every anOrdain watch truly unique. ✔ Innovative Color Variations – anOrdain experiments with rare enamel shades, such as moss green, translucent plum, and vivid blue, pushing the boundaries of traditional enamel artistry. ✔ Custom Typeface – The brand developed its own proprietary font, inspired by cartographic maps, adding to the uniqueness of its timepieces.

Exploring anOrdain’s Watch Collections

anOrdain Model 1: The Purist’s Enamel Watch

The Model 1 is anOrdain’s signature watch, perfectly encapsulating the brand’s dedication to enamel dial artistry. It features a clean, elegant design with minimal distractions, allowing the dial’s beauty to shine through.

Specifications:

• Case Size: 38mm

• Case Material: Stainless Steel

• Movement: Swiss Sellita SW210-1 (Manual)

• Water Resistance: 50m

• Dial Colors: Fumé Blue, Parisian Blue, Moss Green, White, and Plum

✔ Ideal for: Watch purists, collectors of independent brands, and those who appreciate artisanal craftsmanship.

✔ Pros: Timeless design, impeccable enamel craftsmanship, in-house dial production.

❌ Cons: Limited production means long waitlists, manual winding may not suit everyone.

anOrdain Model 2: The Adventure-Enamel Hybrid

The Model 2 takes the beauty of enamel dials and merges it with a more rugged, field-watch aesthetic. Unlike the Model 1, the Model 2 features shorter lugs and a more compact case, making it highly versatile.

Specifications:

• Case Size: 36mm

• Case Material: Stainless Steel

• Movement: Sellita SW210-1 (Manual)

• Water Resistance: 50m

• Dial Colors: Racing Green, Midnight Blue, and Flamed Orange

✔ Ideal for: Everyday wear, adventurers who want a robust yet artistic timepiece, and those who prefer a slightly smaller case size.

✔ Pros: Distinctive enamel dial in a compact, rugged design, comfortable on the wrist.

❌ Cons: No automatic movement option, limited availability.

anOrdain Model 3: The Future of Enamel Innovation

While details are limited, anOrdain has teased the release of the Model 3, which is expected to push its enamel expertise even further. The anticipation around this model reflects the brand’s growing influence in the independent watchmaking world.

How anOrdain Stands Out from Other Independent Watchmakers

The independent watch scene is booming, with brands like Ming, Baltic, and Fears gaining recognition. However, anOrdain’s devotion to in-house enamel craftsmanship sets it apart. Here’s how it compares:

Brand	Specialization	Unique Selling Point
anOrdain	Enamel Dial Watches	In-house grand feu enamel craftsmanship
Ming	Modern Minimalism	Unique case designs and collaborative production
Baltic	Vintage-Inspired Watches	Affordable yet high-quality mechanical watches
Fears	British Heritage	Blends classic British styling with modern mechanics

Unlike these brands, anOrdain prioritizes artisanal dial work, making its watches a rare fusion of tradition and modernity.

Pros & Cons of Owning an anOrdain Watch

Pros:

✔ True Artisan Craftsmanship – Handcrafted dials using grand feu enamel techniques.

✔ Highly Unique Designs – No two dials are alike, offering exclusivity.

✔ Resale & Collectibility – Limited production increases desirability among collectors.

✔ Independent Watchmaking at Its Best – A refreshing alternative to mass-produced luxury watches.

Cons:

❌ Limited Production – Long waitlists due to high demand.

❌ Higher Price Than Mass-Produced Watches – Handcrafted artistry comes at a premium.

❌ Manual Movements Only – Might not appeal to those who prefer automatic watches.

The Future of anOrdain and the Revival of Enamel Dials

anOrdain’s success signals a resurgence in demand for traditional crafts in contemporary watchmaking. While mainstream brands often focus on technological advancements, anOrdain proves that heritage craftsmanship still holds immense value in today’s market.

With continued innovation, new colorways, and possibly future automatic models, anOrdain is poised to expand its influence beyond independent watch circles.

Final Thoughts: Why anOrdain is a Brand to Watch

anOrdain is more than just a watch brand; it is a testament to the timeless beauty of artisanal craftsmanship. By reviving the painstakingly complex art of grand feu enamel dials, anOrdain bridges the past and present in a way few brands can.

For collectors and enthusiasts seeking something truly unique, historically significant, and impeccably crafted, anOrdain watches stand as an exceptional choice.

At Coveted, we recognize anOrdain as one of the most exciting independent brands in modern horology. Explore our in-depth reviews and expert insights to stay updated on the latest from anOrdain and other leading watchmakers.