WATCHMAKING MACHINES AND TOOLS
While many contemporary artisans replicate the same actions and use the same tools as their 18th-century predecessors, watchmaking machines and tools have continuously evolved over the centuries. Substituting hydraulic power with electricity significantly increased production rates and capacities, allowing brands to move away from riversides. The late 19th-century industrial era brought one of the greatest revolutions in horology: the interchangeability of components. This concept enabled the industrialization of production, therefore providing cost reduction, while enhancing the reliability and durability of watches. To achieve this, machines were automated, which increased precision. Finally, the digital era has become indispensable in all horological applications, contributing to their rapid advancement.
Neither a century-old tool nor the most “intelligent” automated machines are of any use without skilled people to operate them, however.
HAND OPERATED TOOLS
This chapter covers the light tools used directly by watchmaking professionals. These tools generally have a specific purpose and are used for a wide range of tasks, including manufacturing, decorating, and cleaning as well as inspecting and measuring components.
MACHINES
This chapter lists all the machines that can be used in watchmaking, whether they are artisanal and manual or industrial and digitally controlled machining centres.
MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES
Since the last decade of the 20th century, new technologies have been revolutionizing or are on the verge of revolutionizing the manufacturing of certain horological components. Often, these innovations involve new alloys or previously unused materials. Although frequently requiring complex equipment, this chapter focuses more on the processes rather than the various machines or equipment they require.
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