AnOrdain takes fired dials to the next step with a jet black Model 2 Porcelain
Borna Bošnjak- Inspired by their trip to Limoges, AnOrdain’s artisans have created a clay-based, glazed dial for the Model 2.
- They’re aiming to produce around 30 dials per month, at the moment only available in the 39.5mm Model 2, with the smaller 36mm coming later in 2025.
- Powered by a La Joux-Perret G101, the Model 2 Porcelain is priced at £1,800.
AnOrdain has built its reputation on offering affordable artisan dials, mainly focusing on production of unique takes on vitreous enamel. The Scottish brand brought the art back to the British Isles, but is always looking for a new challenge. So, after a few years of dwelling-on and development, and inspired by a summer of ’21 trip to a chateau near Limoges, France, AnOrdain’s dial-making boffins got to work with the help of artisans from Stoke-on-Trent, and this is the result. The AnOrdain Model 2 Porcelain takes a wholly romantic, traditional approach to the craft, in an unassuming, all-brushed case.
No better place to start than the dials, of course. AnOrdain proudly mentions that the Model 2 Porcelain doesn’t simply use discs of zirconia ceramic cut into a circle with some holes for the pinions, unlike some other brands. Though, rather fairly, they’re also happy to point out that with simple, opaque dials in black or white, the finished product is fairly similar when putting enamel and porcelain next to each other. For the Model 2 Porcelain, the finishing touch is once again the style of numerals and hands, which is something AnOrdain always goes to great lengths to get right. The Art Deco typeface is a great fit, with white luminous infills contrasting against the gold tone of the hands and printing, with a flash of colour from the non-counterweighted red seconds hand.
And if you’re confused about the whole ceramic-porcelain-enamel thing, don’t worry – Buffy has you covered. But in a nutshell, AnOrdain’s enamel dials are composed of layers of painted-on, coloured glass powder that’s heated to bond with the metal dial blank. The porcelain dials, on the other hand, are a clay (silica and aluminium oxide) base, to which a vitreous glaze is applied and fired up to 1,300 degrees Celsius.
Though the dial is by no means overt, I’m glad AnOrdain chose an brushed case for this particular Model 2. It really lets the ceramic shine, though I will say, I would’ve appreciated a polished chamfer or two. Without them, the case falls a little bit flat for such a cool watch. In any case, the sizing is spot-on for a versatile wearing experience at 39.5mm across and 11mm in height, with a manageable 46mm lug-to-lug and 50-metre water-resistance.
Finally, though it’s not visible, AnOrdain continues its use of the La Joux-Perret G101 movement, which stands out from the ETA 2824/Sellita SW200 crowd with a vastly improved power reserve of 68 hours, and a prettier aesthetic. Architecturally, it’s a Swiss-derived cousin of the Miyota 9000, which any watch fan worth their salt will tell you is a great movement for its reliability, serviceability, and thinness. That said, you won’t be looking at it given the closed caseback.
AnOrdain Model 2 Porcelain pricing and availability
The AnOrdain Model 2 Porcelain is only available in the Large 39.5mm variant at the moment, with the 36mm Medium coming later in 2025. Price (exc. VAT): US$2,358, £1,800
| Brand | AnOrdain |
| Model | Model 2 Porcelain Large |
| Case Dimensions | 39.5mm (D) x 11mm x 46mm (LTL) |
| Case material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Black glazed porcelain |
| Bracelet and strap | Choice of leather or cordovan, steel pin buckle |
| Movement | La Joux-Perret G101, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 68 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$2,358 £1,800 |