How to Measure the Watch Dial Feet | Complete Guide & Angle Chart

🕵️♂️ How to Measure the Dial Feet on a Watch Dial

Dial feet are small metal pins on the back of a watch dial that align with specific holes in the movement. Correctly measuring these feet is essential when replacing or installing a watch dial, especially when working with movements like Seiko, Miyota, or ETA.

🔧 What Are Dial Feet?

Dial feet are used to secure the watch dial to the movement. Most dials have two feet, placed at specific positions relative to the center of the dial (the cannon pinion). Each movement has a unique dial feet configuration.

📐 How to Measure Dial Feet Positions

1. Use the Clock Dial Method (Hour:Minute Format)

Visualize the watch dial like a clock.
Dial feet are typically placed at positions like 1:03 or 7:03, which convert to angles (e.g., 48° and 228°).
Each hour equals 30 degrees.
Each minute equals 6 degrees.
Example:
1 hour and 3 minutes = 30° + 18° = 48°

2. Measure the Angle

Use a protractor template or digital drawing tool to mark the angles from the center of the dial.
Common angles are 135° & 315° or 48° & 228°, depending on the movement.

3. Measure the Distance from the Center

Use a digital caliper to measure the radial distance from the dial’s center hole to each foot.
Most dial feet are 7.0 mm to 7.8 mm from the center.

4. Reference Your Movement

Identify the movement (e.g., Seiko 6R35, NH35, ETA 2824).
Check manufacturer diagrams or databases to confirm exact feet placement.
Each movement model has its own standard configuration.

🧰 Tools You'll Need

Digital caliper
Loupe or magnifying glass
Dial feet layout chart (optional)
Watch movement or case

💡 Tips

If the feet do not align with the movement, consider dial dots or replacing dial feet in the correct positions.
Always work on a soft, clean surface to avoid damaging the dial.

📊 Complete Dial Feet Positions Table

Clock Time	Dial Feet Position	Angle (°)
12:00	12 hour 0 minute	0°
12:01	12 hour 1 minute	6°
12:02	12 hour 2 minute	12°
12:03	12 hour 3 minute	18°
12:04	12 hour 4 minute	24°
1:00	1 hour 0 minute	30°
1:01	1 hour 1 minute	36°
1:02	1 hour 2 minute	42°
1:03	1 hour 3 minute	48°
1:04	1 hour 4 minute	54°
2:00	2 hour 0 minute	60°
2:01	2 hour 1 minute	66°
2:02	2 hour 2 minute	72°
2:03	2 hour 3 minute	78°
2:04	2 hour 4 minute	84°
3:00	3 hour 0 minute	90°
3:01	3 hour 1 minute	96°
3:02	3 hour 2 minute	102°
3:03	3 hour 3 minute	108°
3:04	3 hour 4 minute	114°
4:00	4 hour 0 minute	120°
4:01	4 hour 1 minute	126°
4:02	4 hour 2 minute	132°
4:03	4 hour 3 minute	138°
4:04	4 hour 4 minute	144°
5:00	5 hour 0 minute	150°
5:01	5 hour 1 minute	156°
5:02	5 hour 2 minute	162°
5:03	5 hour 3 minute	168°
5:04	5 hour 4 minute	174°
6:00	6 hour 0 minute	180°
6:01	6 hour 1 minute	186°
6:02	6 hour 2 minute	192°
6:03	6 hour 3 minute	198°
6:04	6 hour 4 minute	204°
7:00	7 hour 0 minute	210°
7:01	7 hour 1 minute	216°
7:02	7 hour 2 minute	222°
7:03	7 hour 3 minute	228°
7:04	7 hour 4 minute	234°
8:00	8 hour 0 minute	240°
8:01	8 hour 1 minute	246°
8:02	8 hour 2 minute	252°
8:03	8 hour 3 minute	258°
8:04	8 hour 4 minute	264°
9:00	9 hour 0 minute	270°
9:01	9 hour 1 minute	276°
9:02	9 hour 2 minute	282°
9:03	9 hour 3 minute	288°
9:04	9 hour 4 minute	294°
10:00	10 hour 0 minute	300°
10:01	10 hour 1 minute	306°
10:02	10 hour 2 minute	312°
10:03	10 hour 3 minute	318°
10:04	10 hour 4 minute	324°
11:00	11 hour 0 minute	330°
11:01	11 hour 1 minute	336°
11:02	11 hour 2 minute	342°
11:03	11 hour 3 minute	348°
11:04	11 hour 4 minute	354°