WATCHMAKING MACHINES AND TOOLS

While many contemporary artists replicate the same actions and use the same tools as their 18th-century predecessors, watchmaking machines and tools 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 and the industrial era brought one of the greatest revolutions in horology: the interchangeability of components. This concept enabled the industrialization of production, and cost reduction while enhancing the reliability and durability of watches. To achieve this, machines had to increase their precision and automation. Finally, the digital era has become indispensable in all horological applications, contributing to their rapid advancement.

Whether it’s a century-old tool or the most “intelligent” and automated machines, both are of no use without a skilled person who controls them.

HAND OPERATED TOOLS

Such crafting instruments are most commonly found on the watchmaker’s or artisan’s workbench. They require no power source other than the artisan’s hand. Tweezers and screwdrivers are the most common, but there are numerous tools dedicated to specific uses. It is common for an artisan-watchmaker to make their own tools that don’t exist or modify them when they don’t fully meet their needs.

MACHINES

This chapter lists all the machines that can be used in watchmaking, whether they are artisanal and manual or industrial and computer-controlled.

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