Beauty Of The Unseen

Compare and contrast the finishing techniques of industry stalwart A. Lange & Aohne and one of the industry's (comparative) newcomers, La Fabrique Du temps Louis Vuitton

- Jonathan Ho

Witness the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater, the first mechanical wristwatch with a jumping numerals display and a decimal minute repeater. The minute repeater offers a plethora of “canvas” for artisans to showcase their hand-finishing techniques.

Chamfering: At Lange, every single bevel on almost all parts is polished by hand, at an angle of exactly 45 degrees. Sharp inner corners are particularly challenging.

Contour grinding: The contours of all framework components are given a matte finish to create a vivid interplay with the polished edges. Sometimes, a Long Grain finish or “hairline”, often referred to satin finishing, achieves a similar contrast effect.

Occasionally, machine tools are used to assist the artisan on executing symmetrical patterns, like the circular graining is used on round shapes such as wheels. The watchmaker applies this by rotating components like mainspring barrels (i.e. power reserve) around the tool. Every balance cock is hand engraved with lavish floral elements by master engravers. No two watches are the same because there are no set patterns and these are determined by the engravers themselves.