SARAUER
HOROLOGY
Finishing
All finishing work on my watches is conducted at my workshop in Saskatoon, Canada. The only exception to this is the hand-turned guilloché, which is expertly executed by a skilled watchmaker in the USA using a Rose engine. Rose engine work demands intense focus, precision, and a wealth of expertise.
While the prototype showcases a variety of finishing techniques, my capabilities extend beyond these, as I continually strive to enhance my skills and knowledge. The finishes applied to the watches include:
-
Black/Flat polishing: Among the most challenging techniques to master, this finish is applied to certain steel parts and screws. It results in a mirror-like effect by achieving a perfectly flat surface that eliminates imperfections, thereby reducing oxidation and enhancing shine.
-
Bevelling: Nearly every component features hand polished bevels using diamond pastes. The architectural design of the SH1 movement incorporates 8 inward angles, where two bevels meet to form a sharp internal corner. This specific style of beveling can only be achieved and polished by hand, underscoring a commitment to hand-finishing.
-
Perlage: Circular grained dots overlapping to conceal machining marks. Typically applied to non-visible areas such as the undersides of bridges, the dial side of the mainplate, and recessed surfaces.
-
Straight/Circular graining: Metal parts are meticulously moved across abrasive paper in straight or circular motions to create defined lines. This technique requires careful handling of flat components to ensure uniform patterns.
-
Snailing: Primarily used for wheels, this pattern involves applying abrasive paste in a swirling motion while rotating the parts in opposite directions, resulting in a distinctive snail-like pattern.
-
Frosting/sandblasting: Achieved by blasting small glass beads against the metal surface with compressed air, this technique creates a frosted texture. Varying the size of the beads allows for customization of the finish appearance.