The Hands Part4- Finishing

Now that the profile of the minute hand is frozen, the two hands can be hardened. This is done by heating to red & quenching in water. The hands must be bound in wire since the heat treatment can distort them. After hardening the hands are tempered to spring. This ensures that they will retain their shape throughout the finishing process & indeed when the watch is serviced.

After tempering the absolute final shaping is done with the escapement files.


Then the flanks & top surfaces are finished with paper and the edges are bevelled.

This is the result........

A close-up...

Now all that remains as far as the hands are concerned is bluing.

Aditya