THE MACHINES
From centuries-old manual Bench machines, still often used in some contemporary workshops, to the most sophisticated digital machines associated with high technologies, this chapter aims to list all the machines used in the process of manufacturing a watch. The operating principles of each machine, the advantages and disadvantages they may present, as well as the Materials they use, are detailed here for a better understanding of how watches work and how they are made.
THE BURIN FIXE
This term refers to a type of manually operated Bench Lathes, particularly appreciated for machining the contours and recesses of the bridges and the platines.
MACHINING CENTERS
This is a large family of machines capable of autonomously carrying out a defined sequence of machining operations using different tools. Machining centers appeared during the 1980s with the arrival of computing, and are therefore CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machines
THE AUTOMATIC LATHE
The automatic lathe is an automatic lathe. It appeared at the dawn of the 20thcentury and its automation was then mechanically controlled by cam systems. Since 1980, electronics and computing have made it possible to digitally control Automatic lathes in a completely autonomous way.
THE MILLING MACHINE
The Milling machine is a motorized machining machine, fitted with a movable rotating spindle carrying the Cutting tool (the Milling cutter), whose shape is adapted to the operation assigned to it.
THE WIRE ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINE
This is a machine for cutting the profile (outline) of components. The electrical discharge machine cuts materials conductive materials by burning the material using a controlled electric arc. It is valued for cutting complex profiles, thin and brittle components (springs), as well as for small batches and prototyping. Only materials that conduct electricity are eligible for this technology.
THE “STRAIGHT LINE”
The straight line is a traditional mechanical instrument used in guilloché (engine-turning) for engraving linear and repetitive geometric patterns on metal surfaces, particularly on dials and watch cases. Emerging during the 18th century, this machine is based on a system of cams, levers and slides allowing the controlled movement of agraver along a straight path.
THE DRILL
Watchmaking mainly uses pillar drills of various sizes and degrees of sophistication depending on their use. In addition to drilling, they are commonly used for tapping ordecoration.
STAMPING PRESSES
Stamping presses are used to cut, stamp and bend material (usuallymetal) using a die and a punch. Stamping presses can be operated manually or hydraulically. Depending on their design and the intended use, hydraulic presses can be automated to perform sequences of operations through successive strikes (progressive stamping).
LATHES
Manual or motorized, lathes are machining machines primarily used for manufacturing circular parts.
THE ROSE ENGINE (GUILLOCHÉ LATHE)
This is a manually operated machine, designed to engrave concentric geometric patterns. The graver is guided by a combination of cams that the guilloché engraver combines to define the engraving pattern. Historically, guilloché (engine-turning) is a decoration that is applied mainly to backs of case as well as to dials.
THE TAPESTRY LATHE
The tapestry lathe is a mechanical guilloché (engine-turning) machine, mainly used for reproducing complex decorative patterns on dials or case backs. This tool stands out for its unique ability to faithfully reproduce figurative patterns engraved on a die, called tapestry patterns, which give their name to the technique.
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