Count down begins

 With just one week left, everyone is busy. Time is passing by faster than expected, but that’s always the case. I have started working on my school watch, making the bridges out of German silver. Having drilled the through holes for the bridge screws on the jig borer. Then on the lathe, using the base plate to spot center the jewel holes and attaching the bridge to then drill. The George Daniel’s method.

Used a ball mill to make the slots for the winding stem and a mill for the winding pinion slot. Some fun lathe work.

Michael and Henrik are doing some demonstration of ratchet wheel decorations. Amazing how many different ways there are to decorate a single wheel. Here we can see the classic triple snailing along with the method made by an old student Ivan.

Mesmerizing 

Along with these, they are also showing prime examples of Geneva stripes, a very traditional and classy finishing technique, done on the mill. 

Up close

Sharp yet curvy 

Philip and Gary took their gear train exam today! Congratulations to them both. Caio and Gui have started working on the balance staff, a daunting yet rewarding trial.

Jaewon completed another pivot, can only be seen under the microscope.

 Meanwhile Joan is working on hairsprings, the most unforgiving part of watchmaking, one slip and it’s all over.

That’s it for this week! Until next time!