Base elements → Materials → Organic materials

WOOD

Table of main properties of wood

 

Property Typical Value Remarks
Density ~0.4–1.2 g/cm³ Very variable (species dependent)
Young’s modulus (E) ~5–20 GPa Low to moderate (anisotropic)
Tensile strength ~40–150 MPa Depends on grain direction
Hardness (HV) Not applicable Organic material
Thermal conductivity ~0.1–0.3 W/m·K Very low
Electrical conductivity Very low Insulating material
Thermal expansion Very low Strongly affected by humidity
Magnetism No Non-magnetic
Corrosion resistance Good Sensitive to moisture and biological degradation
Machinability Easy Cutting, carving, shaping

Wood is a natural organic material that has been used in watchmaking since its origins, mainly for peripheral applications such as clock cases, tooling, and certain finishing operations. Although its structural use in movements is now nonexistent, it still plays an important role in artisanal processes, particularly for polishing and handling delicate components.

Its flexibility, non-abrasive nature, and ease of machining make it an essential complementary material for certain traditional operations.

Main Properties

Wood exhibits properties that vary depending on the species, but generally:

  • Low density (~0.3–1.0 g/cm³)
  • Low to moderate Young’s modulus (~5–15 GPa)
  • Non-abrasive material (depending on species)
  • Good absorption capacity
  • Non-magnetic material
  • Sensitivity to humidity
  • Ease of shaping

These properties explain its preferred use in delicate operations.

1. Wood for Polishing (Major Technical Use)

Certain specific woods are used for highly precise finishing operations:

Boxwood

  • Very dense and homogeneous wood
  • Fine grain
  • Excellent durability

👉 Used for:

  • Anglage (beveling)
  • Manual polishing
  • Supports for abrasive pastes

Elder Pith

  • Very soft and fibrous structure
  • Very low abrasiveness

👉 Used for:

  • Cleaning pivots
  • Very fine polishing
  • Removal of impurities

Gentian

  • Fibrous and slightly abrasive material
  • Good paste retention capacity

👉 Used for:

  • Polishing steel components
  • Fine finishing operations

2. Wood for Tooling

Wood is used for the manufacturing of:

  • Tool handles
  • Workpiece supports
  • Holding elements

Hardwoods are generally used (boxwood, beech, and historically ebony).

Advantages:

  • Good grip
  • Thermal insulation
  • Vibration absorption

3. Wood in External Components (Historical Use)

  • Clock cases
  • Precious woods (oak, walnut, mahogany)
  • Manufacturing of clock housings

👉 Both aesthetic and structural function

4. Wood in Contemporary Watchmaking (Anecdotal Use)

  • Marquetry dials
  • Presentation boxes

Hardwoods with varied colors and tones are generally used.

👉 Rare use, mainly decorative

Finishing and Polishing

Tooling

  • Handles
  • Supports / fixtures
  • Tweezers
  • Auxiliary tools

External Components (Historical and Decorative)

  • Clock cases
  • Marquetry dials (rare)

Advantages

  • Soft and non-abrasive material
  • Ease of shaping
  • Low cost
  • Vibration absorption
  • Versatility
  • Natural material

Limitations

  • Sensitivity to humidity
  • Rapid wear
  • Properties vary depending on species
  • Low mechanical strength
  • Limited to non-structural applications