Dalil (“guide” in Arabic) watches are quite distinctive in the watch world – according to the brand’s advertisements, “Dalil is the guide of the traveling Muslim” – with the distinctive purpose to correctly orient the faithful towards the direction of Mecca.
As such, and part of their unique nature, this watch features a rather unique complication, namely, a center-mounted compass, an aesthetic and functional feature not found on almost any other watch.
Dalil watches were produced in the 1970s, and the the most complex examples – like the one on offer here, which includes its original box, hangtag, instruction booklet, and informational flyer (both in Arabic, English, and French) – feature dual rotating rings at dial periphery, controlled by numbered crowns on the case side.
The outer ring features different city names around the world (in Arabic, English, or French, according to the model). The idea is to use the compass in combination with these features to find the direction of prayer from anywhere in the world.
Dalil watches are a quite interesting instance of watchmaking influenced by culture in a creative way. Although this watch may seem niche, there are more potential devout Muslim customers in the world than divers, pilots, or professional race car drivers — and how many watches are made each year for these?
This PVD Dalil comes with its original PVD-coated stainless-steel bracelet, box and instructions, premium nylon strap, hard plastic travel case, and springbar tool.
New-Old Stock 1970's Dalil PVD Automatic, Full Set
DIAL: Quite detailed Dalil-signed (in Arabic) black dial. Matching hour, minute, and seconds hands. Two inner chapter rings rotate separately via two crowns at the two and four o’clock positions. Chapter ring features city names in Arabic.
CASE: Stainless-steel PVD-coated case measures 40.5mm (42.5 w/crown) x 42.5mm stainless-steel asymetric case; coating is fully intact, with no wear evident anywhere on case, which remains in excellent condition overall.
CRYSTAL: Crystal is in flawless condition.
BAND: This Dalil comes with its original PVD-coated stainless-steel bracelet in excellent condition, and also a premium black nylon "seatbelt" strap, with stainless-steel hardware.
MOVEMENT: Swiss-manufactured A. Schild AS 2063 automatic mechanical movement.
Of note, this watch also comes with its original packaging, to include the case, instruction manual, informational flyer (in English, French, and Arabic, and hang tag).