CASING CUSHION
What is a casing cushion used for?
The casing cushion is a workbench accessory intended to receive and hold the watch case during the delicate operations of fitting and removal that take place between the movement, the dial and the case. Designed as a surface that is both soft and stable, it prevents the scratches, knocks and deformations liable to mar the appearance of the case components or the flatness of the exterior parts.
Its most common shape is circular, with a diameter suited to the dimensions of the piece to be supported. It generally consists of an outer covering of leather, suede or natural fabric, filled with soft yet relatively dense materials that provide both ballast and adjustable bearing comfort. This density gives the cushion a mass that prevents it from being inadvertently displaced on the workbench, while still allowing the material to yield slightly when the watchmaker applies pressure to it.
The cushion’s main use occurs during final assembly operations: encasing the movement within the middle case, fitting the dial, screwing on the case back, or adjusting the crown onto the winding stem. Depending on the operation, the case is placed crystal-down or crystal-up; in either case, the cushion simultaneously ensures its protection and its immobilisation, freeing both of the watchmaker’s hands to handle the tools.
Several variants coexist according to workbench requirements: small-diameter cushions for wristwatches, or larger cushions for pocket watches.