Engine turning an oscillating weight. The engine-turning lathe, or rose engine, is a time-honoured instrument enabling the artisan to engrave tiny tenth of a millimetre motifs in gold using a traditional technique. The combination of straight and circular lines creates intricate yet elegantly restrained patterns.

Hand chamfering. Hand chamfering or bevelling is a meticulous and delicate finish that calls for a blend of know-how and dexterity. The operation consists of rounding off the sharp edges of watch parts using a succession of different files and then a buff composed of a lath of wood covered with emery paper.

Chasing a movement. Using one of the many scorpers or gravers that he himself fashions on a grinding-wheel according to the motif to be executed, the artisan engraves the drawings freehand. Gifted with artistic flair and exemplary dexterity, he contributes to the unique nature of each part.

Chamfering on a lathe. This finish is performed by hand on a lathe equipped with various grinding wheels, and requires considerable mystery: since a substantial amount of matter is removed, any mistakes would be hard to correct. The ultimate stage of this finish consists of polishing the chamfered part with a rubber block that gives the chamfer its full radiance.

Engraving an oscillating weight. Hand engraving is an art form that highlights the aesthetic beauty of the component and also endows it with unique character.

Die Uhr im Kontext

Führungen auf Anfrage

1 Stunde.
Auf Anmeldung.
In Deutsch, Französisch, Englisch oder Italienisch
CHF 150.–, zzgl. Eintritt.

Information & Anmeldung

Mo – Fr 09.00 – 12.30
T. +41 (0)44 218 65 04
fuehrungen@snm.admin.ch