Good typography should be almost unnoticeable. Blending seamlessly into the rest of the design, it should tell you everything you need to know, without you being aware of it. Despite the many restrictions that are applied to dial layout, the creativity that can be seen in typography across horology is quite staggering. To put it simply, typography is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible and appealing when displayed. As the dial is the main point of interaction with a watch, it is arguably one of its most important parts, and certainly one that can produce the most emotion. This is why typeface can play such a vital, yet subtle, role in how we experience and feel about a certain piece.

 

Slim d'Hermes typeface numerals minimalist A Collected Man London

An original typeface that aimed to capture the sprit of a specific model, courtesy of Hermès.

 

Typography is a space where different dynamics collide and come at play. The iconic Breguet numerals can take many different forms and connotations, depending on when they’re used and by whom.  Some other designs – such as the omnipresent “flat top 4” – were born out of practical necessity and production constraints. It’s also clear that when some manufacturers dedicate themselves to creating their own font, the impact can be significant. With such a rich history to draw on, we thought we would look back at what we consider some of the core principles and themes behind effective typography, as well as list some of our favourite examples in the process.

 

Typography Can Evolve Over Time

 

A certain typographic-element can evolve over time. It can change its style, be used by different watchmakers and brands, and ultimately adopt different connotations. A prime example of this can be found with Breguet numerals, which have evolved in a rather intere