Its all about end product - If machines cud ever achieve equivalent level of human 'calibre' I dont think I wud compensate more for 'handmade'. Not even all CNCed parts are equal- If you...

Mar 22, 2019,06:07 AM
 

....luk at some recent luxury skeleton or extra-thin watches, for strange reasonin in my mind durability of some of the parts is questionable. I am probably wrong as they likely don't need to be as sturdy anyways but they certainly look flimsy. A certain thickness is essential to get that 3D surface effect, play of light etc. Then again these flimsy luking parts can be mirror polished and cud come out better luking than a mvmnt with sturdier parts. All in all, its the final presentation that matters. 

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CNC cut parts vs handmade opinion

 
 By: KLC8 : March 21st, 2019-17:54
some independent's workshop adopt CNC machine to make parts and then hand finished, polished, vs total handmade by old fashion, do you find difference in terms of final watch? let's assume all done by same watch maker, but different method of making parts... 

Interesting...

 
 By: mdg : March 21st, 2019-20:48
...I was just mentioning this to a fellow WIS tonight over a drink. He was showing me his beautiful new LE Lange and talking about how he was getting more excited about independents. I mentioned the fact that I really would love (someday) to have a watch ... 

Atelier de Chronometre

 
 By: sham1 : March 21st, 2019-21:02
based in Barcelona do not use CNC machines and the watches are completely made by hand. I am sure there are a few others who practise this craft.

Thanks...they are very nice...

 
 By: mdg : March 22nd, 2019-19:59
...didn't know about them before.

Not really...

 
 By: watching00000 : May 19th, 2019-01:44
It is true that they don't use CNC but the movement itself is a factory produced one. It handwork based on the work of CNC machines. Those watches are not completely made by hand. Otherwise, based on that logic for example ETA could produce a movement, th... 

It is quite interesting

 
 By: sham1 : March 21st, 2019-21:08
that the majority of independents use CNC machines. The rationale behind this is that the watches would offer better accuracy and that it would allow an increased production rather than a watch made without the use of CNC. Also the use of CNC machines wou... 

A total handmade watch would have more charm and character imo

 
 By: Watchonthewrists : March 22nd, 2019-00:19
But will also be priceless .

There are degrees & differences...

 
 By: watching00000 : March 22nd, 2019-03:21
For me personally, there are degrees to how much CNC is done during the production of an independent watch. For example, you can produce plates and wheels on a CNC (turning) or just plates and do the wheels by hand. The crucial information for me is: Has ... 

Its all about end product - If machines cud ever achieve equivalent level of human 'calibre' I dont think I wud compensate more for 'handmade'. Not even all CNCed parts are equal- If you...

 
 By: redcorals : March 22nd, 2019-06:07
....luk at some recent luxury skeleton or extra-thin watches, for strange reasonin in my mind durability of some of the parts is questionable. I am probably wrong as they likely don't need to be as sturdy anyways but they certainly look flimsy. A certain ... 

Atelier de Chronometrie does everything by hand.

 
 By: Indigo : March 22nd, 2019-07:18
Worth checking out!

Most independents use CNC parts.

 
 By: Euroasianstar : March 22nd, 2019-07:30
The only one I know who has tried to go as much as possible without computers and CNC is Best Haldimann His watches are unique, expensive and not to everyone’s taste - but there is no arguing that he is one of the most vertically integrated and handcrafti... 

I've struggled with similar question

 
 By: Watch_time_it_is : March 23rd, 2019-00:33
To add to the debate however - for me personally - there are talents to be found in each stage of bringing a piece to life from design to development to assembly. Some amazing pieces are the result of deep artistry at each stage - amazing design, amazing ...  

CNC

 
 By: tristan.led : March 23rd, 2019-01:34
I know of very few people who make a watch entirely by hand. The use of CNC (be it milling or turning) doesn't necessarily means that the independant watchmaker wants to increase production. It's also a way to get the parts within tolerances. Better toler... 

This an interesting discussion

 
 By: David Walter : March 25th, 2019-17:49
CNC does not necessarily improve tolerances, with good, high precision manual machines in the hands of a skilled operator manual work can be and is just as accurate. What CNC does offer is repeatability, and that is more difficult to maintain using hand o...  

Nice!

 
 By: tristan.led : March 26th, 2019-03:19
Thanks for chiming in, as a maker of watch it's nice to have your point of view. I agree with you that CNC doesn't always mean accuracy. I just bought my second jig borer (Hauser 2A3) so I am lucky enough to tingle a few microns every now and then. But wh... 

Machining................

 
 By: David Walter : March 30th, 2019-09:48
Accuracy is the fundamental foundation for repeatability, in the use of manual machines this requires intense concentration as well as having machines that are capable of achieving the desired accuracy. The case is .925 Platinum, I obtained a suitable siz...