AndrewD
[HoMe Moderator]
12829
No more Elves?
I guess I have outgrown the Swiss Elves story, so I can cope with a degree of automation. While I wouldn’t like to see watches assembled on fully automated production lines, I am content with this type of ‘assistance’.
It is probably true that some of this equipment deskills the watchmakers, but it also means we, the end-users, are more likely to get a watch that performs well. Ultimately this sort of equipment provides a more accurate and reproducible product. Hopefully this frees up the watchmakers time to pursue the value added stuff like hand finishing. Otherwise I might as well purchase a $20 Chinese movement.
Andrew
Ps. remember to be good because Santa will be here in about 4 months time. J
Integrating technology into watchmaking...what do you think of this?
Please have a look at Don's inside tour review of Montblanc's Le Locle facility click here What do you think about all the high tech equipment being used during the creation of the new Star Rieussec chronograph? This process reminds me of the one utilized...
These are just tools...
...the real skill and knowledge is determining just what the right amount of oil is...etc. Given that there's CAD-CAM involved in nearly all watchmaking, plus high levels of automation, I don't see problem.
So you are OK with these tools to check and verify
the proper assembly? Thanks. So your answer begs the question, is this method involving a form of "backup" as measured by a mechanized tool superior than a process without this type of checks? Best, Mike
Technology, progress, myths...
I am more than happy to see these tools being used. Why wouldn't I be? Do any of you object to vibrographs being used (are the digital ones OK or do you need a paper one?) or should all watches be checked against a regulator clock that the watchmaker made...
I think we are on the same page. I like the fact that there
are these types of second checks/controls. We would be foolish to think that no machines are involved in any manufacturing process today. The myth is propagated by the marketing departments. Best, MIke
Good tools are always welcome
The question that arises is how much of this, call it, equipment will be available for servicing the watches after a few or several years. If not, can a highly competent watchmaker still get along without it, or with no longer having the facilities at his...
enamored with independents as well but I think this is even a worse example
to use. Hi Amery! Thanks for your thoughts but I am not sure the Independent watchmakers would be as confident as you are about their abilities to replace and service their own watches decades down the line. While no large brands/conglomerates are immune ...
even worse to come
Hi Mike, and thanks greatly for bringing me down to Planet Earth again. The ideology and in its own peculiar way of marketing "independently" made watches that after 100 years or so could be serviced by any (!) competent (!) watchmaker, yes - That one jus...
blasted typing errors
Sorry about all the typographical mistakes, but can't get the "Edit " function to work on my Mac. Any - uh tips? - Really sorry, because the look downright - ugly. Amery
No more Elves?
I guess I have outgrown the Swiss Elves story, so I can cope with a degree of automation. While I wouldn’t like to see watches assembled on fully automated production lines, I am content with this type of ‘assistance’. It is probably true that some of thi...
Nice contrast within the Montblanc brand to have the traditional
hand skills found at Villeret and this type of assisted/augmented craft at Le Locle. Yes, I hope I am a good boy this year Here is my picture of a swiss elf... Somehow I don't think she is a trained watchmaker Best, Mike...
I vowed I would never go back to school …
But with elves like that, I just might take up watchmaking. A
Raise of the terminator
Oop i meant machine. Well man or machine does not really matter as long as the end product is good but what will be passed on to buyers? Charging the watch at a even higher premium than now because it is done by machine which can cost gazillion dollar? Wh...
Yes, but there is a contradiction
we see many "complaints" about problems missed by quality controls even with the most hand-made watches. The most die-hard fans dismiss these errors as "charming" marks left behind by the watchmakers. most consumers who pay for luxury goods demand near pe...
Mont Blanc
The machines used in mont blanc is as not to freaky compare to rolex where they produced like near to a million watches a year. I seriously think the watchmaker in rolex are super human robot man. The statistic are like ~2000 plus plus watches a day or ev...
man still rules the machines
Hello Mike, You have raised some interesting questions. At every stage (whether now or a 100 years ago), watch makers have utilized tools make better watches and better looking watches. The turning machine that puts on the guilloche patterns is a tool to ...
An interesting question proposed during an interesting time...
I too was intrigued when I read about the automatic oiling machine utilized by a certain Swiss company on their watches. At first, I was very impressed with this machine and its ability to conduct complex tasks, but after just a moment, I was wondering if...
The problem is...
...that the larger manufacturers/brands use the image of that independent watchmaker to create the myth of handcraftedness. This 'romance' that you speak of is probably the Swiss watch industry's greatest asset. I'm not sure of the Ferrari analogy. They u...
Mass Production, but in what degree of movement assembly?
The Ferrari analogy was only to be applied strictly to the practicality of Swiss watches, and the actual production method employed Ferrari to manufacture automobiles is not to be taken to context. When I was referring to mass production approaches, I was...
I definitely understand
...where you're coming from, however I doubt that human hands touch most movements...ever. Complete automation. Perhaps maybe a nudge of a regulator arm and then it's off to get cased. Not a master-craftsman in sight. Just a Production Manager. Of course,...
I've been subjected to too much propaganda...
I can't speak from experience. And I have to admit I may be naively influenced by the wonderful videos and brochures produced by the watch companies and given to clients about watch manufacturing that illustrate watch manufacturing and their adherence to ...
It's all about balance for me.
You have asked: 1. Does it take away from our "romantic" image of Swiss watchmaking? - While I enjoy the idea of little elves making our watches, or images of elderly Swiss gentlemen hunched under an oil lamp toiling away at springs, and gears, the truth ...
