Masahiro Kikuno's Manual Watchmaking Process

KIH · 2015-03-15T04:50:10Z

Explore Masahiro Kikuno's manual watchmaking process for Baselworld 2015. KIH shares exclusive insights into his traditional craft and philosophy.

KIH

WPS member · Independents forum

13 replies7476 views0 photos

KIH offers an exclusive preview into the meticulous, manual watchmaking process of Masahiro Kikuno, leading up to his Baselworld 2015 unveiling. This detailed report, rich with photographic evidence, illustrates Kikuno's dedication to traditional techniques, providing a rare glimpse into the creation of each component and the philosophy driving his craft.

In less than a week, all the information of his new project will be disclosed to public. Before that, he provided PuristSPro with the process, how he makes the parts, and such with the detailed photos. So, before showing the final product, he shows PPro exclusively the "road to the Basel 2015". This report generally depicts how Masahiro Kikuno approaches the watchmaking in general, and at the same time, sort of the "teaser" for the new model to be shown soon.

1. Making a pinion.

Index disk for manufacturing gear/ pinion. One round of the handle rotates the main axis for 9 degrees.

Gear cutting cutter.

After gear cutting.

Quenching

Dip into the oil and hardening

Hardening alone makes it a bit fragile, so temper it to give toughness.

Polishing the surface of the tooth.

Putting the lathe dog - called "Between center" process.

Process the machining, with the "reference dummy" on the right.

"Tenon" polisher......

...until it gets to the right size.

Gear cutting.

Opening the center hole while chucking.

Drawing the line as it is set on the jig.

Process with the file.

Apply finishing, plating, and the put together with the pinion.

The gears made the same way to be used for the new watch.

2. Other parts

Machining the base plate.

Drawing for the base plate machining.

Making the case.

Processing the "slope" of the case.

Completed case.

Machining the "cam". What cam? Stay tuned....

Roughly finished "hands"..... What hands?

Finished "hands". The hands to tell the time.

Movement being assembled.

Back of the watch - the pattern, the holes were opened by the fret saw by hand.

Please stay tuned for the finished watch - after the opening of the BaselWorld. But his philosophy remains the same - use only the "old school watch tools" such as general purpose milling machine and watchmaker's lathe. He never uses CNC, Laser, wire cut electrical discharge machining device, etc. Extremely time consuming, I am sure. But for what? For his very purpose of being a watchmaker, of course.

Simply amazing and I am always impressed at his "purist philosophy".

Will report his finished watch later as well as the live pics from Basel. Please patiently stay tuned!

Best,

Ken

This message has been edited by KIH on 2015-03-15 05:47:06

Key Points from the Discussion

The discussion highlights the philosophical difference between modern CNC-driven watchmaking and traditional manual techniques, emphasizing the greater knowledge, finesse, and personal connection required for the latter.
Kikuno's philosophy is to create watches that would impress legendary watchmakers from 300 years of history, using similar manual methods, which is seen as a profound statement on watchmaking values.
A contributor questions whether, after proving mastery of old watchmaking techniques, it would be acceptable to use modern tools to increase production and make the work easier, drawing a parallel to Hajime Asaoka.
The author clarifies that Kikuno is not just selling watches, but the making process and the passion poured into it, suggesting it's for those who appreciate the journey as much as the finished product.
The detailed photos evoke a strong sense of passion and love for creating every single part of the watch, inspiring admiration for the craftsmanship.
The preview confirms that Kikuno's new timepiece will feature unique and impeccably finished components, from the case and hands to the movement, generating anticipation for the full reveal.

The Discussion

dsgalaxy1

Mar 15, 2015

that's the answer. each picture gives the sense of passion and love for creating every single part of the watch, i can only stand in silence and admire them.

KIH

Mar 15, 2015

.. he wants to make watches which would surprise the legendary watchmakers in the 300 years watch history with his watch made in the similar manual way.....

Ondrej Berkus

Mar 15, 2015

And this is going to be epic.

Darren

Mar 15, 2015

It's always a joy to get a peek behind the curtain in Mr. Kikuno's workshop, and from the teasers posted, his new timepiece looks like it's going to be something to behold. The case, hands, movement and virtually everything else shown in these pictures look unique and impeccably finished. Can't wait to see the full timepiece. Thanks for posting this Ken. Darren

Ophiuchus

Mar 15, 2015

Everyone is making watches now. But everyone is using CNC everything, edm, etc, which does make incredible things possible, if you just want dreams in front of you... Many more people in the world than you probably realize are capable of making most of a watch. Really, a lot of people are highly skilled in micromaching, and there are plenty of places that can make crazy small parts accurately. Much of that is due to watchmaking companies, and their legacy, that led to the technology that is main

KIH

Mar 16, 2015

.. but he is in Tokyo, so you will have to take Shinkansen, faster than ever :-) From the last weekend, they increased the speed and now it takes just 2 hours 22 minutes.... Ken

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