Source: Images and content by JAEGER-LECOULTRE PRESENTS ‘IN THE MAKING’ @ Jaeger LeCoultre.
FINISH
With the responsibility for bringing light and reflection to the visible part of our timepieces such as the case, bezel, lugs and crown, the polisher has the power to bring a timepiece to life in a magical way with every gesture.
In accordance with its belief that a fine watch should be beautiful not only on the outside but also in parts that are not immediately visible, Jaeger-LeCoultre attaches great importance to the fine finishing and hand decoration of watch movements. High complication watches require particular expertise, in keeping with their rarity and value. These finishing techniques range from the traditional, such as perlage, Côtes de Genève, blueing of screws, chamfering and skeletonisation, to modern finishes, such as micro-blasting.
Enhancing the beauty of components by making the edges shine and creating a play of luminous reflections, bevelling (or anglage) is a meticulous decorative technique that involves multiple skills, from hand-cutting internal angles to multiple variations of hand-polishing with a variety of metal and wooden tools. Finishing requires impeccable mastery of every skill and gesture in order to achieve consistent angles and reflections.
