HAND-SETTING PRESS
WHAT IS THE HAND-SETTING PRESS USED FOR?
The hand-setting press designates the workbench tool used for fitting watch hands in a more controlled configuration than that of the manual pusher. Where the hand-held pusher relies on the sensitivity of the gesture alone and on direct visual control, the press provides a mechanical vertical support, guaranteed by a column frame, which ensures the perpendicularity of the pusher and the regularity of the pressure applied. It is used whenever a more rigorous flatness is sought — particularly for fitting fine hands, hands with long pipes, or for series production work, where the repeatability of the gesture matters as much as the precision of each fitting.
The instrument consists of a heavy-footed frame on which a vertical column is fixed, of a movement holder resting on the base, and of a horizontal arm pivoting or sliding along the column. This arm carries the tool head, which receives the interchangeable pusher. The pushers used on the press are identical to those used by hand: a cylindrical rod terminated by an insert pierced with a central hole calibrated to the diameter of the hand’s pipe to be fitted. The geometry of the frame guarantees that the descent of the pusher takes place strictly parallel to the axis of the movement, without any possible lateral drift and without slipping on the dial.
The operation is carried out with the movement immobilised on the movement holder, the dial fitted, and the hand previously presented on its pipe. The watchmaker brings the arm above the movement, centres the pusher directly over the pipe of the hand to be pressed in, then lowers the head with a moderate finger pressure on the upper control. The descent, guided by the column, maintains perfect verticality; the pressure, applied under direct tactile control, remains fully mastered at all times. Furthermore, for a perfect fitting depth, the tool’s stroke can be adjusted and limited by means of a knurled screw. Once the hand is in place, the arm is moved aside to free access to the movement and to allow the next hand to be fitted. Several pushers of different calibres are placed within reach so as to cover in succession the hour hand, the minute hand and the seconds hand — driven by the motion work — without modifying the general configuration of the tool. The press is one of the precision hand-operated tools used during final assembly.