More on Bulgari Case-making: Polishing & Assembly
pingtsai
More on Bulgari Case-making: Polishing & Assembly
This message has been edited by pingtsai on 2013-10-19 10:11:31
After case pieces have been designed, milled and stamped, they move on to turning and polishing to get closer to that finished refined look. All the polishing is done by hand.
Polished cases
A small assortment of cases in different stages of finishing
Final Assembly
The polished cases then move on to final assembly and quality control. In this step the crystal gasket is put in place and the glass is installed.
The glass is pressed in with a small press, securing the crystal in place.
More complicated cases consist of many parts that need to be assembled.
When the assembly of the cases has been completed, they are then tested for water resistance. The standard tests are for 30 meters, the tester in front, and 300 meters, the smaller tester in back. Actually the cases are tested to 40 and 400 meters and for periods of time of up to 3 hours.
The cases that pass the test for water resistance are then inspected again and are packed in soft resilient plastic to protect them.
Do you prefer polished, brushed or another type of finishing?
The next stop is Neuchâtel where we will see how the bracelets are made. To be continued...
This message has been edited by pingtsai on 2013-10-19 10:11:31
Comments:
nilomis October 19th, 2013-10:39
I have a profound admiration for the art of case making... Ping, Thank you for this wonderful photo report. I'm amazed to learn that Bulgari do all case finishing by hand and this, by my book, is a very important fact because requires very skilled and true artisans. After all, this is the main reason why we wear ...
pingtsai October 30th, 2013-23:03
Thank you for your comments! I am always amazed at the craftsmanship that goes into making cases. The photos were all taken by Mr. Don Corson
AnthonyTsai October 20th, 2013-10:43
Thanks for the report Ping I always prefer a case that has both polished & brushed finishing when it comes to sports watches such as the Bulgari Diagono X-Pro. This combination gives me a better visual impression of the case. For dress watches which are slim, my preference is p...
pingtsai October 30th, 2013-23:04
That would be an awesome report in itself... .....to see the making of a Diagono X-Pro case.
Bill October 20th, 2013-10:50
Great Report on the Bulgari case making The pictures and the process really help us understand how much manual work goes into the assembly of fine watches. It is always a pleasure to get a behind the curtain look at what goes on at the manufacture. Looking forward to more. Bill
pingtsai October 30th, 2013-23:05
Yes there is more to come Thanks to Mr. Don Corson for the photos, there will be more about Bulgari watchmaking in general.
Dr No October 20th, 2013-13:45
Depends on the metal, Ping. With steel, brushed . . . . . . polished, or a combination works for me, but given the warm luster of gold, a purely polished finish can come across as overly obvious. Restoring brushed finishes to cases and bracelets is a complex task; not every watchmaker has the artistic sensib...
pingtsai October 30th, 2013-23:07
Thank you Art I must credit Don Corson for the photos. I can't imagine the complexity behind finishing a brushed case. It must be difficult to get the surface looking even and uniform.
foversta October 21st, 2013-13:40
What I prefer... is the mix of brushed and polished parts! Thanks a lot Ping for the detailed and very informative post. Fx
pingtsai October 30th, 2013-23:13
Yes the variation of surface finishing... ...does add a dynamic character to the overall watch.
0-10-10
Load More Comments
Next Article
pingtsai
Bulgari Introduces New Berries Watches at Rodeo Drive Festival of Watches
pingtsai
Bulgari Showcases New Berries Watches At the Rodeo Drive Festival of Watches The Rodeo Drive Festival of Watches kicked off its festivities yesterday at 6pm in the heart of Los Angele's ultra luxurious shopping district. An hour before, things were already bustling on the streets and sidewalks lining the upscale boutiques as anxious spectators took notice of the standing signs and hanging banners that marked the event details and participating stores. Technical personnel were busy setting up projection equipment ... .
© 2017 - WatchProZine