Prologue
Contrary to the opinion held by many: there is no such thing as a ‘watchmaking machine’; a piece of machinery which inputs raw material, and outputs a watch. A watch mechanism is a complex sum of parts where each component is designed, manufactured and finished to perfection. Even the most basic watch contains 100 or more parts. Actually, there is not even a machine which makes one single component ready to be directly installed into a mechanism. Each component undertakes a series of operations on multiple machines, and passes through various stages of post machining and finishing. Turning, hardening, polishing and blueing even a single screw takes time, complex machinery and very specific knowledge. In saying that, the dial and hands are the most demanding and most exquisite parts of a watch were the watchmaker is pushing himself to perfection, which is rarely attainable.
Sum of components
Watch dials and hands are often referred to as a ‘set’ containing not just the base dial and hands but numerals, batons, name plates, dial feet and fasteners as well as any other components. The MK2 dial set is entirely made from grade 5 Titanium, meaning every component in the set is made from Titanium. Grade 5 Titanium is used prolifically in the most advanced engineering applications, everything from bone implants and screws, to the blades of a jet engine, to Formula 1 piston rods!
Starting with a sketch
The design process starts with a notebook and pen. It could take weeks – or months- to refine an original concept or idea. Every component in the set is expected to work in visual harmony with the other components, like a finely tuned orchestra. Artistic skills are essential, and dial design is really a job for a professional designer. We are not professional dial designers, but our advantage lies in the fact that we are fully aware of a simple fact that not all designs can be translated into a reality. A designer without tangible manufacturing knowledge is a dreamer, and CNC operator without watchmaking expertise is just a machinist. Design is hard! |
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