Turning the Ordinary into the Extraordinary. Bespoke Watch from Old Parts and Sleepless Nights.

[@seagew]

Repeatedly states that he's not by any means an expert, then proceeds to carry out a range of tasks like an absolute boss far beyond the skills of 99.9% of people. Nice work! I would love to be able to create something to that calibre (🙄) and if I could I would wear it with pride everyday!

[@joeldowty]

Can’t say anything that’s not already been said…please just do whatever the hell you want & post it! Thank you David!

[@Saving-Time]

Next week, on saving time, Morris dancing: :D Or maybe some more dials. Thank you for the kind words.

[@davidsanov3240]

You don’t have to be interested in watch making to be thoroughly entertained by this content. I watch for the comedy!! 😂😂. Please keep ‘em coming David!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you sir

[@yareunvus]

Excellent work for first effort on that dial. There is a lot to be said for the aesthetics of something that was hand made. Even classic Rolls Royce and Ferrari bodies did not match exactly from one side to the other, because they were hand made by artisans. The ability to create something that we dreamed up has nearly become a lost art. Most things we use today were stamped out on a machine, 100's or 1000's at a time. But what you have there is something that there is only one of, with the marks of your workmanship on it. I like it!

[@shervinnaimi3028]

2:08 "So all I have to really put this back together is my own intelligence and knowledge, so we might be in trouble." The way that you nonchalantly slip that piece of gold into your commentary is the real charm of this channel 😂

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it the world needs more people who take themselves less seriously ;)

[@rweakley]

How bout the dial stretcher ?? 😅

[@GentlemensWatchServices]

David! Everything about this is fantastically, gloriously nuts, right from “ I know! I’ll make a dial myself!” to actually doing it. Genuinely inspirational. And plenty of laughs too. Thank you for the kind words, wishing you and the lovely Mrs SavingTime a great Christmas. Alec.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you. Everyone who reads these comments. Go watch this guy; he's great. Right back at you with the Christmas wishes, sir. I still need to watch your latest one KZbin did not tell me it was out, even though i asked it to, Bloody algorithms

[@TheCountofMonteChristo]

Great job on the dial! Has a unique upscale handmade look without being too rough.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@VistaNic]

Dear Mr. Saving-Time, I know it has been 7 months but just discovered your channel and love it. I especially like the history lessons, strap making and dial making. I vote for keeping this format.

[@richf5967]

Awesome job You’re genuinely trying to do the whole thing You’ve given us all something to aspire to

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you. I'd like to learn more, maybe not master everything, but at least know the basics of all aspects of watchmaking. I'm happy you got something out of it

[@jayson4777]

Well done and great work, far better work than I could have done and was a pleasure to watch your processes

[@jeffwilton-love]

Great video. I'm just starting out myself into watch and clock repair. People like you inspire me. Thanks for the great content, this upload is amazing.

[@reginaldbowls7180]

WOW! Amazing amount of work you put in here! It’s pretty impressive that you’re able to also film your process and share with the world. You should be very proud!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you so much! Filming makes it a lot more difficult but i do enjoy it.

[@ArjenJongeling]

I came here for inspiration on making a dial from scratch but my word, what a lot of other inspiration I got! And I love the subtle sarcasm here and there. I don’t think I’ll make a dial like that in the end but I watched the whole video in one go! Thanks for the effort.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks for your kind comment sir, much appreciated! A new dial video is in the works, hopefully it doesn't kill me off before I get to finish it :)

[@lorenknowles1521]

Years ago I took a silversmithing class, so I understand the challenge of fabricating and finishing small pieces. I have learned from your video that I will not be attempting dial making. You did an amazing job with budget basement equipment!

[@Saving-Time]

Dial making is tough, so is silversmithing. Making anything well is always very hard. Thanks for your kind comment, I'm working on another dial project with a monster for my next video (now that I've recovered from the last one).

[@jclark2752]

The idea of designing and creating my own dial is a concept I really like! Your work is quite inspiring! Thank You for All the Work!

[@joefisher7431]

The watch looks very impressive and is sure to attract attention. I like the watch strap you paired with it as well. Thankyou for posting this.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks Joe, glad to hear you enjoyed the video!

[@michaelmiller2893]

I would say it is a lovely dial. Thank you for the inspiring video!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you, new one is coming soon

[@jika3355]

Brilliant work David. I love the extras - strap making, dial making.... They're are already TONS of videos on watch cleaning, assembly, etc. Thanks for the work. Fascinating and great outcome!

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you like them! Thanks for letting me know :)

[@DavidSandersT]

I've been recently smitten with this hobby. Watches, modding, and now building. After watching your video this seems obtainable (explaining this is your first time CNCing as well) and not, as you put it, Swiss black magic. I love that you showed the quality band-making as well! Your narration is the perfect blend of informative, self-reflection, and humor. Thank you so much for your time putting this video together and the quality of editing! You've earned my sub and a like. I'm excited to go through the rest of your videos! Cheers!

[@Saving-Time]

Hi David, bit of a late reply here but I just wanted to say thanks for your kind comment it made me happy to read. Watchmaking is a great hobby, although sometimes frustrating. Good luck to you, just keep at it!

[@TerryClarkAccordioncrazy]

Your humility is as impressive as your skills. The painstaking detail work really paid off in a stunning and unique result.

[@Mars-zgblbl]

Thanks for this! Having watched hundreds of watch repair videos, I believe yours might be the only video on YT of a self proclaimed amateur successfully making a gorgeous dial from scratch. Cracking job!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you so much. I'm very happy you enjoyed my efforts. Cheers

[@endy_fx]

Absolutely fantastic. I'm so impressed at the dedication to learning and improving. For a first stab at making a dial, you must be over the moon at the result. Also, since you started it, I'd like to let viewers know that David sourced a part for me, and also graciously refused to take money for it. What a gent. Happy holidays to you and Mrs ST.

[@Saving-Time]

Hey Endy It's good to see you back, mate. No worries on the part; plenty of people helped me get here, so I'm just paying it forward where I can, so to speak! I was pleased with the dial, and Mrs. ST was pleased that the huge amount of swearing and throwing things around stopped. I think during this video I used up all the swear words; there are none left for anything else. Happy holidays to you and all of yours!

[@endy_fx]

Ypu keep making the videos, and I'll keep watching them :)

[@garykasper2003]

Fantastic You taught me so much!!! You are such a great teacher Words cannot express my many thanks I truly believe I have learned more on this video that any of the other of the hundreds of overhaul and service videos that have seen My complements for your superb efforts GK

[@Saving-Time]

Wonderful! Thank you I'm really happy you got so much out of it.

[@thatwontwork9046]

Wow, incredibly nice job. Inspirational

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much!

[@lichtuberstromt]

Thank you so much for making this video! I've been wanting to make a dial that is similarly complex, and being able to see someone do it and point out the potential problems and how much work is involved, is incredibly helpful. I definitely underestimated the time and work required to clean up the mill work. Having a 3D printer for templates and fixtures is also something I'm going to have to do. Really impressed with how well this turned out. This looks nothing like a first try - Really lovely looking watch!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you, A 3D printer is helpful for this sort of thing; it's not 100% necessary, but it will save you quite a bit of pain and suffering. I'll have another dial video out at some point; it's a hard thing to do but I believe it's in reach of anyone who wants to put a bit of work in. Good luck to you wit yours

[@MattTofield]

Great video and really impressed with your courage to have a go at a really complicated and time consuming project. It has given me inspiration to continue on my own journey. Please continue with more videos along the same line. Cheers.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you! Good luck to you, and if it helps, I filled up an entire bin full of dials before I got something that I was even vaguely happy with.

[@MattTofield]

@@Saving-Time good to know 😉

[@adamsmith6594]

OK Numbers - solder two posts to back using silver hard and corresponding drill holes and solder post using silver solder (soft) you've basically made a flat earing so you need earing posts or silver wire and make your own posts. Or position and solder straight on. These days they use microwelds to solder but we used hand held guns and two pipes with a bottle next to our legs lmao. Edit when you solder on it will leave a tiny cone of solder round the base of the post which will leave the number slightly proud. To stop that 1) File it away using much finer needle files till they sit flat. Drill through watch face. Push posts through holes. Nip ends off and file. Now either toffee hammer them flat and make a kind of rivet head by doing it (no solder method) 2) nip off flush, file flat and solder with silver soft file flat with dremmel or pendant drill and soft rubber wheel. (no idea what they're called now but that's what we used to call them. Same constancy as the ink rubber on an old school rubber. Polishing and filing nightmare had me biting my hand. The saw frame will make a lovely edge which would just need a light sand wrapped round a dremel frazing ball or old dremel drill bit. But if you want it shiny then use a pendant drill with black polishing wheel (slightly abrasive rubber) then finish off with flour sand paper. We used to get letter transfers and put them on the silver sheet and use saw frame to cut round them. We wouod practice cutting the letters out of two pence You also need finer needle files yours was like a bastard file lmao. I'd struggle with that. That effect you were looking for with brushed metal you did OK but the reason it wasn't great was paper was too rough and you can't keep angle exact. My first job every day was to make up the sanding batons. A piece of hardwood 30 cm long and 8 or 10ml by I'd guess 20ml. Sheet of sanding paper in 3 grades. Fold them round the batons and tape at one end. As you use it up you rip it round the baton to expose fresh. Hold item on a jewllers pillar to catch light and in one smooth motion slide the paper across. Never back and forth. One slide along by hand. Blowing debris off each swipe. But what we had great success with later on with was doing that then barrel rolling rings in a barrel with soapy water and metal beads. Balls and rod like beads the size of small rice. For an hour or so. Rings sanded then barrel rolled. The shanks had such crisp clean edges it was gorgeous and they had a matt finish. Good luck hope that's helped

[@Saving-Time]

It did help, and that was really helpful. Thank you for taking the time. Most appreciated. I'll keep working at it. I was hoping some people who knew more than me would chime in to tell me where I was going wrong.

[@adamsmith6594]

​@@Saving-Timeoh god no you're not going wrong you made a beautiful job of it I'm just saying what we did to get a slightly cleaner result in a fraction of the time. And er .... I am looking to do my first watch and I know its gonna end up in a bag until I watch more videos 🤣

[@ProtonOne11]

Pretty cool what you can acheive even with very basic tools. It may not be absolute perfection, but as you said, to master a craft, you have to start doing something, or you'll never improve and get better at it. It's really looking very good for a first try, and knowing what you would do better or different the next time is important too. Honestly i would not have expected a low cost chinese cnc to be able to make anything useful at that tiny scale.

[@Saving-Time]

It's pretty cool what you can do with limited equipment, glad you enjoyed having a look at my efforts

[@nomadhawg]

That dial is incredible. Great job!

[@jeremiahleak9371]

I loved that video. Plenty of plain watch restoration videos out there, but I loved the way you explain your steps, and attempt something more complex and difficult than just putting it back together.

[@redminute6605]

The dial looks warm and casual, and not only the story behind is beautiful, but I have to say: also the dial looks really charming, despite having imperfections.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you; that's very nice to hear. Glad you liked it

[@MelliKeppler]

An idea brought to reality. Unique. Something you can be proud of.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you, sir. Happy new year to you!

[@DangerDIY]

Very nice work. Thanks for sharing your work.

[@JuiGpser]

That's a lovely finished dial

[@GAlvarado]

This is amazing, as creatives we always want to push for perfection for the next piece however this (even as a first go) is class. Wonderful design, patience, and craft. Respect. Best wishes on more custom watches/dials. Salud!

[@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove]

I think it's an excellent direction.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you for letting me know

[@Edmund_Mallory_Hardgrove]

@@Saving-Time I would really like to see more custom dials, perhaps using different techniques. One that would be tough to do but I'd love to see is making an enameled watch dial. But it might be impossible, or at least very expensive (need a small kiln $1000+) to do a one off enameled dial.

[@leliazification]

amazing work you are doing there... keep it coming :)

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you so much!

[@jae2249]

I enjoyed every minute of this video. Very rustic dial but amazing. I could not do anything to this level so kudos to you sir.

[@Saving-Time]

Many thanks for your comment, dial making is tough. My next video is on making a custom monster dial but it's taking some time, hopefully it will be up in the next week or two but it's as per usual full of unexpected challenges. An optimist would say it's part of the fun.

[@jae2249]

@@Saving-Time I can imagine. Which is why I have the utmost respect for people who do what you do and further more pass on what you have learned. I recently saw your dial restoration video where the lady in Switzerland fixed up the broken battered Seiko dial and it really puts into perspective the level of craftsmanship needed to make these things. When I used the word rustic, I in no way wanted to detract from the level of effort and skill required to achieve these results. I love the look of this dial, it has character and uniqueness.

[@Saving-Time]

@@jae2249 I'd say rustic is pretty bang on, we're not quite at the level of Patek Philippe yet and Mrs Saving-Time reckons it's the dial of a cartoon villain 😄Lindsay did an amazing job on the battered dial, and maybe even more so her father who must have been exhausted after all that manual labour.

[@chopsjazz1]

I enjoy your lighthearted, self-aware, self-deprecating approach to your work. Especially because your work is so F-ing precise and well finished.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you, sir. I am glad you are enjoying the content. I put my trousers on one leg at a time, the same as everyone else :)

[@richardmcgovern4092]

My gift to you is this...a watch innards are a mechanical marvel but the dial can be an expression of the artist within and need have NOTHING to do with precision.....only beauty.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you I appreciate that, Maybe one day i'll manage both.

[@42Hertzer]

Cool, definitely more of this!

[@Saving-Time]

I'm working on it 😀 I need to sound prof my CnC a bit or ill be sleeping on the dog bed lol

[@jonrutherford6852]

Dial is a lovely piece of work, first job or not. Eye-catching without flamboyance. As for future videos, I think you should pursue whatever projects bring you the best balance of challenge vs. satisfaction, and rest assured others will find the work just as absorbing as in this one.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you; that's very nice of you to say. I'm happy you found it interesting

[@robertmabry6998]

Amazing results!

[@kikerz4071]

You are a master my friend.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you, appreciate that

[@andrewalfe8433]

The dial looks good. I, too, like to learn and build “things” to keep my mind occupied and one thing I have learned is the simple fact that the more you do it - the better you get at it. I say keep it up and you can only get better! So, go do more.

[@TheImmortalSoul]

this video is a piece of art

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you glad you liked it.

[@bigb0r3]

Great video, I was glued to it from beginning to end. As far as your channel, viewers will always want to see content creators push to the edge of burnout for their entertainment while they sit comfortably in judgement. Do what you are comfortable with, I suspect it will be entertaining no matter what you decide to pursue.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you. I'm happy you enjoyed it. I expect you are correct; if I just did what the audience wanted, I'd probably end up doing a restoration while skydiving.

[@erikalmighty]

I love learning this way also. Its like taking an adventure!

[@gunnarnielsen4288]

Great job! There are not many dial making vids. This was great!

[@deanbrown4083]

Job well done! Enjoy your videos and the fact that you use close up to record the work. I have learned from your videos and may attempt to try cleaning and lubricating a few of my old pocket watches. Thank you and keep the videos coming.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much!

[@GrahamRiverProductio]

Please keep doing the custom dials. I’m starting a company that makes them and it’s super fun!

[@mikejiron77]

VERY GREAT!!! WOULD LOVE TO SEE AND LEARN MORE. THEY ARE GREAT.

[@Saving-Time]

Many thanks!

[@grumpyguy8102]

Very informative and entertaining.

[@maxegarots1507]

What a great channel. Fantastic commentary. Brilliant craftsmanship. Wow. Please more dial making.

[@Peoppell]

Great dial! Well done, I can appreciate how time consuming the whole process was…you have my admiration. Regard from Sydney, Australia.

[@kevindegliesposti8876]

Hi David, I'm extremely impressed by your work, this is amazing to try like this and to keep going. Love it, continue like this, this is what we like.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks, will do! Glad you liked it.

[@BruceFord-kx9sl]

Super effort, brilliant outcome, Cheers.

[@joeskeptical4762]

The work put into the video, not to mention the guts of the watch, made for an enjoyable experience. The dial making was great to observe! My congratulations on creating a unique looking timepiece!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@Mtlmshr]

Well done, keep going!

[@oilguygamer1744]

Absolutely Fantastic! The best thing that I have watched in a long time. I was totally riveted to the screen. I am so glad I found your channel and I will be an avid watcher. Your narration is also fantastic as is your workmanship. I also have been a watch collector and am a newbie to watchmaking. It is really interesting to me. Great stuff and long may it continue. Thank you very much.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words

[@JohnnyG1956]

WOW! I would be happy to own and wear that watch. I would be even more happy if I made the watch face. Thanks for the hours you put into repairing the watch and making the face.... and the many many hours of video editing that it takes to make a video like this.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks for watching! The editing is a bit of a nightmare lol

[@davidstewart3868]

You are incredibly talented. Keep up the amazing work.

[@SkyBlue-le7cd]

Wow, that was nuts in the best way. Really awesome result especially because your printer is so reasonable. Terrific video, especially because the concept of “can’t do” doesn’t exist here. Thanks.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you glad you enjoyed it.

[@yveslauwereyns6677]

Amazing video as always, was laughing the whole way through, I love it

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed Thanks :)

[@ctdavis3277]

Nice! Yes, please do more dial making stuffs! Thx!

[@Saving-Time]

More to come! Glad you are enjoying the videos

[@xevi2889]

Thats so cool!! I would like to make some sort of skeleton watch transforming one of those vintage watches, and this has inspired me!

[@xavierrouet3654]

I am amazed by the Colors : when you look upward it seems with yellow Colors with less constraint than when looking from little aside where you almost see dark numbers and light plate (sorry for the English). Thus is a really good job.

[@andresullivan2933]

I absolutely thoroughly enjoyed this video

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know.

[@AnotherAccount-b7r]

Dial making is a very interesting topic and there is not a lot of infirmation on the surface abiut it. I would love to see more of it!

[@Saving-Time]

I will be doing more for sure hopefully with better processes once i learn myself :)

[@jamesonguti1849]

This amount of effort you have put in to give this time piece a new lease of nice is incredible. This is a fantastic job done!

[@royowens6427]

Fantastic.. I loved watching.. Truly an incredible piece of art.. I loved the watch.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much!

[@patrickandrews4206]

Groovy job with the dial!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you! Glad you liked it

[@mrsispup6660]

It came out nice , good job !

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@donnyboon2896]

I like your homemade watch dial. 😊

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you!

[@MrBraveservant]

Very nice looking watch you did a good job!

[@vidsantoro]

Absolutely amazing.

[@constantindanieltira]

Amazing work !!!

[@Trymon1980]

What a great project and result. While I'm not skilled at all to replicate such a project I'm on the search to find the right tools to make my own watch straps. Your video is a perfect instruction on how to make them.

[@michaelkeats1313]

That was the best watch repair video I’ve seen for a long time. Your work on the dial was super impressive and making the strap just so good to watch. More like this please. 👍

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you liked it! Thank you very much for the kind words.

[@Js2060]

Thanks! Exceptional production. I really enjoy all your videos, your humor, and skill. I too 3d print and have made some accessories for watchmaking. Great job on this. Get yourself a few pints on me.

[@Saving-Time]

To generous, sir, thank you! As it happens, I was just about to order some new filament, so I will indeed have a few prints on you! Thank you. Probably some pints as well :D

[@arthurheusdens]

I’ve recently stumbled upon channel, and I have to say your cool British humor together with your knowhow is very appealing! I would like to see more of the “doing it yourself” content!

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you! 😃I'll be making more in the future. Glad you liked it

[@j.conxcara381]

im not a wachtmaker or jeweler or nothing, but holly mama, i absolutly love the wacht you made.¡¡¡¡¡ thanks from spain

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks for watching! Hello from Prague

[@marko60marko44]

Well David, I never subscribe, but your skill, humour (launched into the Swiss space program) and your soothing voice made me log on to the medium and subscribe. This is rare for me. I personally have just started tinkering with watches and broke a LH threaded screw on my first attempt at a Ricoh watch that I have fallen in love with. Its brown dial raised chapters and raised Ricoh logo that puts a smile on my face. I have yet to figure out how to get the screw out, which of course led me to watch your whole video. Bravo chap. You have some seriously good skills. Now I'm off to watch your other collection of videos.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you. I appreciate that. Alas broken screws are not uncommon, you could try one of these: www.cousinsuk.com/product/screw-extractor I think they have them on AliExpress for even cheaper than this one, if you don't mind the wait.

[@CrimFerret]

It was wonderful watching you figure things out as you went along. I'm certainly not going to critique your dial seeing as how I've never made one and you have. you ended up with a wearable working watch and that is just cool. Good job.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you i'm happy you enjoyed the journey.

[@anthonybruno2069]

Beautiful ! Fantastic dial job !

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you very much!

[@prathithshetty2958]

Great work, welldone.

[@Saving-Time]

Many thanks!

[@cliveb9771]

Strap making and now dial making are what sets this channel apart from the others. Good work.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you nice of you to say!

[@leothomasjohnson6698]

Yes. I love it. I’m a goldsmith, please keep making content like this I want to see your progression. Great stuff.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you. I imagine you're a tad better with a jewellery saw than me, lol, but I'll do my best. I appreciate the kind words!

[@mpruitt756]

Wonderful job!

[@garrycornel2371]

Thanks!

[@Saving-Time]

Very nice of you. Thank you!

[@terraaustralis1000]

Really nice!! Going from straps to watch repair and to watch dial making. Amazing. Keep going.

[@Saving-Time]

Thanks, will do! Nice of you to say

[@bradcaldwell9158]

Very impressive. Well done. Thank you for sharing.

[@jacktoddy9783]

A very enjoyable video. Please make more. A very good dial idea - but it needs finessing and adjustment respecting scale and proportions. I thought the concept of the dial's design was excellent. However, the collective combination of the parts I thought was too chunky. Mies van der Rohe said it all when it comes to design - "Less is More". I liked the strap dial colour combination.

[@tomhavinga1712]

Honest to God, I think this design is incredibly striking. I love what you've done.

[@Saving-Time]

Glad you like it! Thank you for letting me know.

[@BridgeWatches]

For a first time custom dial, absolute fantastic. Especially considering the CNC used. You might consider a fiber laser in the future to help with some of the detail.

[@Saving-Time]

I'd love a fiber laser; however, if i bring anymore tools into the house right now, i'll be sleeping on the dog bed. Thanks for the kind words

[@christophersprake2302]

Best watch repair channel on KZbin, great video and I would like to see more videos like this well worth the watch 😉

[@Saving-Time]

More to come! Thank you for the kind words means a lot!

[@stevew7308]

Fantastic first dial attempt David! I can't imagine the hours of work, in all of the different disciplines, that you have your busy hands in. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do next.

[@Saving-Time]

Thank you; hopefully I won't disappoint!

[@hermankriel6176]

Please, please, please make more of these!!!

[@Saving-Time]

Will do thanks for watching

[@d.dranner5150]

Magical 🎉 great job!!!!

[@_GOD_HAND_]

Hi there, I've also been working on custom silver watch dials for the last few years, although I haven't posted any videos. I have a tip for you about beveling/anglage. The progression of abrasives should be: (1) #6 Swiss file, (2) ruby file, (3) Gentian wood charged with fine abrasive compound, (4) steel burnisher. This will give you a beveled edge with a mirror finish. For milling/CNC, run the spindle at the highest speed your machine can handle and take passes no deeper than 0.1mm until you reach desired cutting depth. On brass and precious metal, lubrication really doesn't make a difference. Sometimes it even gets in the way by clogging the cutter with chips. Circular grain looks better than straight grain, IMO. The easiest way to do this in on a lathe of course, but you can make a simple jig with two flat plates and an arbor through the center hole. Fasten the dial to the bottom plate face up, and charge the top plate with abrasive. Then rotate the top plate by hand back and forth to achieve a circular grain. George Daniels covers this technique in his book. I also have been racking my brain to figure out a way to make dial markers with posts to avoid adhesive. As I'm sure you know, in industry these are made by stamping with very expensive dies. I think I've figures out a way to replicate this with CNC, but I only have manual machine tools, so I haven't been able to test it out.