The Hong Kong Dial II
Building on the success of the original Hong Kong Dial, The Armoury is proud to introduce the Hong Kong Dial II, a refined evolution of this distinctive timepiece. Inspired by our journey through Scotland, the Hong Kong Dial II retains the signature 35mm 1970s-style C-shaped case that first captured our imagination in Glasgow. This new iteration continues to celebrate The Armoury’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, now with subtle design updates that enhance its timeless appeal while staying true to the charm of the original California Dial-inspired layout.
The Origin
The origins of the dial’s design actually hark back to Rolex’s earliest marketing of this style of dial which was known as “Error-Proof” but for various reasons is better known as a “California Dial”. These dials emphasized clear legibility using heavy graphics, such as the triangle at 12, and fonts, which matched well with Paulin’s bold graphic style. We adapted Chinese characters to suit these characteristics and were especially pleased to be able to use Chinese for the bottom half of the dial as 4, 5, 8 and 9 are visually the most interesting of the 1 - 12 required on a dial.
For more info about the “Error-Proof” and “California Dial” history, please see - https://revolutionwatch.com/california-love/
Quartz!?
We have a soft spot for thin, center-hand watches and one of the most economical and effective ways to achieve this is by using a quartz movement, which can be made thinner than a traditional manual wind movement. Furthermore, a quartz movement is convenient. Instead of having to wind the movement or re-setting the time when the watch has stopped, you simply change the battery every few years.
Case Design
We love working with the people at Paulin and anOrdain. Unusually for a watch company, they make little reference to classic watch design and instead progress in their own very distinct and quirky way with a heavy emphasis on graphic elements.
Their case design reflects their pragmatic, function-led approach to watchmaking. The black ring that surrounds the dial of the watch is a modular spacer that allows them to adapt the case for different sizes of movements while also adding an interesting design detail.
Color — How to wear it
The Hong Kong Dial II introduces a versatile array of dial colors—viridian green, dusty blue, radiant burgundy and white silver—each offering unique styling opportunities. The dusty blue dial is a sophisticated match for a crisp blue shirt and dark blazer. The white silver dial, with its understated elegance, complements neutral tones and pairs effortlessly with a linen suit or a minimalist ensemble. The viridian green dial brings a rich, earthy vibrancy that works beautifully with casual outfits, while the radiant burgundy dial adds a bold touch, ideal for accentuating warm hues in your wardrobe.
