There were three metal objects with dials and switches; machines I'll call them, from which the wires ran.
I'm curious enough to fool around with my dials and trying to see the effect of different settings.
To modern eyes the unit does lack something in the way of bulk and the micrometer dials were obviously far too small.
Several models of toaster ovens use dials to set the temperature, cooking time, and baking setting.
Watch dials made with lumbrite hands and markers will glow, which makes it easy to read a Seiko watch in the dark without having to fumble for a tiny button on the side of the watch or flick on a lamp - very convenient.