Watchmaking Finishes

OBJECTIVES

Developing Skills in Finishing Wristwatch Cases:

To enable students to perform precise, high-quality finishes on wristwatch cases.

Specialized Training in Watchmaking Machines: instructing students in the use of specific machines for metal grinding and polishing, focused on the watchmaking industry.

Enhancement of Skills in Metal Bracelet Finishing: ensuring that all students acquire the necessary skills to finish metal watch bracelets, meeting industry quality standards.

PROGRAM

- Wear and tear of excess material

In this initial approach, imperfections are removed that sometimes result from enclosures built using CNC techniques or from parts used by end users but with significant imperfections resulting from use.

Sandblasting Technique

This is a technique that involves projecting sand, or beads of other materials, with the aim of producing a specific finish.

- Satin finish

The matte finishing technique is a polishing technique in which special brushes are used to produce a matte effect.

- Edge preparation

At this stage, the edges will be prepared by polishing the material.

- Polishing the edges

After defining the edges, you can choose to polish them. This process is quite delicate and follows a very specific set of rules.

- Edge finishing

The edges can be brushed, polished, or frosted. These different techniques are practiced at this stage.

- Final matte/polishing

Metal cases or bracelets can be matte or polished. These different techniques are practiced at this stage.

Ultrasonic cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning is the best way to remove debris caused by the finishing process. You will learn the best techniques and learn about the best products and processing times needed to achieve the desired result.

Supplementary techniques:

- Brushed (Round rasp; Belt sander)

Beyond polishing and frosting, it's possible to create brushed finishes with varying degrees of precision. The necessary techniques to achieve different levels of precision will be taught.

- Soleille

This is a very specific technique, typically applied to the case back of watches. Applying this technique requires specific tools and the use of a lapidary machine. You will learn the necessary techniques to achieve a Solielle finish.