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Automotive

Perlée ...

 

Also known as “Engine Turning” or “Jewelling” in the automotive world, looks superb on the instrument panel of this pre war Mercedes Grand Prix car. 




The panel is made from sheet aluminium before the pattern is machined. 



In the 1920 and 30s the technique was applied to a variety of components including valve covers and even body panels. The Aircraft industry used a version on the nose cones of some planes for decoration. 



Charles Lindbergh in 1927, with his plane The Spirit Of Saint Louis, displaying the engine turned engine cowling.



A version of the technique is used today for the central console on the Bugatti Veyron. The pattern is determined by computer and not by hand. 



I couldn’t end without mentioning the finish that is synonymous with watch making. It’s a joy to see this technique precisely applied to a beautiful movement. 

Let’s hope that we see many more examples of this skill applied to our watches by hand in the future. 

The Captain 

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8 Comments view entire thread 

It was not just decoration

 
By: chippyfly : April 18th, 2020-05:31
Engine turning, especially on aluminium and similar metal, adds stiffening strength to the material without adding weight. The numerous "hills and valleys" created by the swirling (or other types of indentations such as numerous rows of very fine punch-ma... 

Hi Clive,

 
By: Cpt Scarlet : April 18th, 2020-05:43
Your absolutely right. The aircraft designer Fokker used a technique described as "dragged" engine turning on sheet metal and engine cowlings for a fighter plane in 1915. Many other aircraft designers have used it since.

F-5

 
By: Jurry : April 18th, 2020-06:21
Even the Northrop F-5 fighter aircraft (same as T38 trainer aircraft) had this kind of sheet metal around the engines to serve as heat shield protection the fuel tanks that was right above the engines

Great post -- thanks! [nt]

 
By: Moana43 : April 18th, 2020-07:07
The dashboard of the 1929 "Blower" Bentley also has this treatment. Since that Bentley served as the inspiration for Breitling's recent issue of the Bentley Centenary limited edition, that piece has a small plate on the side that features this treatment, ...