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, and instruction booklet (in Arabic and English) – 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 matte black PVD-coated bracelet, box and instructions, nylon strap, rugged travel case, and springbar tool.
Full Set 1970's Dalil Matte Black PVD Automatic Compass Watch
DIAL: Quite detailed Dalil-signed (in Arabic) gold dial. Matching hour, minute, and seconds hands. Two inner chapter rings rotate separately via two crowns at the two and four o’clock positions. Outer chapter ring features city names in English.
CASE: Stainless-steel PVD-coated case measures 41mm (43mm w/crown) x 42.5mm stainless-steel case; coating is intact, with little wear evident on case, which remains in strong condition overall.
CRYSTAL: Crystal has numerous light scratches.
BAND: This Dalil comes with its original matte black PVD-coated stainless-steel bracelet in excellent condition, which will fit up to an approx. 7.50 inch wrist; it also comes with a black nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Swiss-manufactured A. Schild AS 2063 automatic mechanical movement.
Of note, this watch also comes with its original Dalil packaging, to include the Dalil case, Dalil instruction manual (in Arabic and English), and Dalil guarantee hang tag).
