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THE HAND-FITTING STAKE

What is the hand-fitting stake used for?

The hand-fitting stake refers to the Bench tool intended for fitting Hands in a more controlled configuration than that of the manual Pusher. Whereas the hand Pusher relies solely on the sensitivity of the gesture and on direct visual Testing, the stake provides a vertical mechanical 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 fitting is sought — particularly for fitting thin Hands, Hands with a long Pipe, or for work carried out in series, where the repeatability of the gesture matters as much as the precision of each fitting.

The instrument consists of a base frame with a heavy foot on which a vertical column is fixed, a workpiece holder resting on the base, and 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 Hand-fitting stake are identical to those used by hand: cylindrical rods ending in a pad pierced with a central hole calibrated to the diameter of the Pipe of the Hand to be fitted. The geometry of the frame ensures that the descent of the Pusher takes place rigorously parallel to the Axis of the Movement, without lateral drift or slipping on the Dial.

The operation is carried out with the Movement immobilized on the workholder, the Dial fitted and the Hand previously positioned on its Pipe. The Horologist (watchmaker) brings the arm above the Movement, centers the Pusher directly above the Pipe of the Hand to be fitted, then lowers the head by moderate finger pressure on the upper control. The descent, guided by the column, maintains perfect verticality; the pressure, applied under direct control of the sense of touch, remains controlled at all times. Furthermore, for a perfect fitting depth, the tool’s travel can be adjusted and limited using a knurled Screw. Once the Hand is in place, the arm is released to free access to the Movement and allow the next Hand to be fitted. Several Pushers of different sizes are placed within reach to successively cover the hour Hand, the minute Hand and the second Hand, without modifying the tool’s general configuration.