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Clueless_Collector initiates a compelling discussion on the nuanced world of watch finishing, moving beyond the superficial 'how much' queries often seen on social media. His inquiry delves into the subjective value of hand-polishing and intricate movement decoration, questioning whether such artistry is a mark of independent watchmaking mastery or simply a matter of resource allocation. This article explores the community's diverse perspectives on what constitutes 'enough' finishing, from functional necessity to haute horlogerie artistry.
But I heard bad stories of watches not working right for the first Blue versions. I wonder if the issue has not been resolved. Is this the highest you will go or you will go to the levels of GF/PD etc?
But what does good enough even mean to most? Their really are two types of finishing: decorative and functional. Only functional is really needed - the finishing of surfaces that actually contact one another. The rest is just fluff to make it pretty. Now, now, hold on. I can hear the clicky clack of people typing angry responses now: "Striping is designed to catch and hold debris keeping it away from moving parts!" "Chamfering is designed to preserve delicate edges to prevent chipping!" Yeah, ye
I am doing exactly that. In my industry, there are BKMs - Best Known Methods for certain way of doing things, I’m curious if there are BKMs in watch making, assembling parts, finishing and polishing? I’m guessing not because it is all the technical knowledge and free expression of art?
And having a bunch of MB Minerva I cannot confirm that there are a lot of quality issues compared to other brands. E.g. when I sent in my Lange for a maintenance to Glashütte it was returned with both hands floating on the dial when the AD unpacked the watch. Surely also something that does not happen too often and should not lead to avoidance of ALS. So only because there is a long thread of an unhappy repair affair on the blue MB 16.29 I would not care in case you consider one of their chronog
Not to distract from the importance of all the various finishes that the above artisans produce, but I can live without all that. As you said a Patek/Lange/VC/ Breguet( totally random ranking) level is good enough for me... But as with all other things, some like fast cars, others like comfort.🥂
I’m sure every brand has their stories, so are the top high end brands.
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