A Timeless Trio: Three New Sector Dials Join Furlan Marri’s Cornes de Vache Collection

The sector dial is an instantly recognizable and popular design that has been prevalent in the world of watchmaking for over 100 years. The style is proof that simplicity does not have to be boring and that you can provide visual interest without compromising legibility. In fact, readability was important in early examples of sector dials.

The sector layout is typified by two concentric rings (one for hours and one for minutes) along with crosshair lines that divide it into distinct geometric sections or sectors to improve (you guessed it) legibility. Sector dials first appeared in pocket watches and later wristwatches in the 1920s from brands like Tiffany & Co. and Patek Philippe.

Heavy hitters have continued to incorporate sector dials in their collections over the past century, including the likes of Rolex, Omega, Longines, and Breguet. In the modern era, microbrands and small independents have also perpetuated the tradition of the distinct design.

Today, we get three more examples as Furlan Marri expands its Cornes de Vache collection with new automatic references.

All three new references joining Furlan Marri’s lineup share the same sector layout with all indications executed through double stamping, along with applied Breguet-style indices, which add depth and relief. However, between each of the three different colorways, the design gets its own nuance and personality.

For the white dial variant, you get raised applied hour-markers and curved hands in blued steel. Alternatively, for the salmon dial iteration, you have grained finishes, raised applied hour-markers, and curved hands with dark gunmetal PVD coating.
 

Lastly, the totally new blue version is the most refined with straightforward grained finishes, raised applied hour-markers, and curved hands.

For Furlan Marri’s line of sector dials, the signature aesthetic codes go a step further, extending to the case, as the name of the collection – Cornes de Vache – comes from the specific design of the lugs known as “cow horn” lugs. This build is notable for its curved shape and separate construction mimicking the “cornes de vache.”

Historically, this particular lug style has been associated with Vacheron Constantin. And while it has become something of a signature element for the storied Maison, many brands throughout history have employed the unique shape.
 

The distinct design necessitates a careful case construction completed through several stages, with the trademark lugs getting the most love, from the shaping to the finishing. In addition, the lugs feature dual spring-bar positions, ensuring the strap fits perfectly with either straight or curved bars. However, the lugs are not the only element of the case that gets special treatment. The bezel finishes are also done independently before being fitted to the case.
 

Here, Furlan Marri alternates between satin-brushed and polished finishes to highlight the case profile. Inside, circular graining extends from the bezel to the decagonal screw-down caseback, engraved with the brand’s name.

All three colorways of the newest automatic sector dials to hit Furlan Marri’s catalog arrive today, with the salmon and white dial executions restocking a previous production run and the blue model being brand new. Every model comes with two different colored strap options, each crafted from French or Italian leather and topped off with a quick-release system to easily change the personality between the varieties.
 

Each variation is priced at just CHF 1,250. For more information, head over to Furlan Marri’s website.