Beginner

Decorating techniques in watchmaking

To both the untrained and shrewd eye, the beauty of a watch often lies in the detail of its finishing. Well, did you know that originally, the first ornamentations were in fact due to functional, not esthetic concerns. Ever since, mixing tradition and modernity, artisans and manufacturers have continued to apply these decorative processes to the art of watchmaking.

As a buyer, knowing about these different methods and their nuances will allow you to better appreciate the value and expertise behind any model of timepiece. Beading, latticework, engraving, damaskeening, chasing, chamfering; these terms will no longer hold any secrets for you. So let's look at an overview of the main decorative techniques in watchmaking!

Débutant

5 essential actions for maintaining your mechanical watch

A beautiful mechanical watch is like a piece of high-end jewelry: well-maintained, this accessory will last a lifetime, if not more. Good maintenance involves a handful of essential actions that will help your timepiece travel through the ages without problems. Whether manual or automatic, check out the 5 instincts you should adopt in order to extend its longevity and enjoy it for many a year to come.

Beginner

What exactly is a chronograph watch?

Among the various complications that might complement our timepieces is the chronograph. This function, which allows the user to measure relatively short time intervals, is one of the most complex movements in watchmaking to create. But what exactly is a chronograph watch and how does the mechanism work? Allow us to explain.

Advanced

The different materials used in watchmaking

Sure, you love watches. But have you ever asked yourself exactly what materials are used in watchmaking? Whether manufacturers mostly prefer steel, gold, platinum, titanium, or even ceramic for adorning their watches, the range of materials grows even larger when we're talking about movements. 

Beginner

What is a mechanical watch?

It's not always necessarily straightforward to differentiate between mechanical and quartz watches. While both show the time, their movements don't work in the same way.

Intermediate

Affiliation marketing: the future of watch retailers?

CODE41 explores the advantages of an affiliation marketing model between watch brands and retailers, and how retailers can maximize their competitive advantage by becoming business contributors.

Beginner

Women in the history of watchmaking

Watchmaking has always been a men's world. Once reserved for the elite, watches were a symbol of wealth, education and membership of a higher social class. In addition, the watchmaking profession has always been the domain of men. 

Beginner

Prices in Fine Watchmaking - The X41 revolution

In this article, we'll explain in detail the reasons that have led market prices to their current level of around 20,000€ (and even more in some cases) for high-end pieces similar to the X41 watch.

Intermediate

X41: the conquest of Fine Watchmaking

The X41 project was born from a rather crazy idea: creating a manufacture movement in line with the finest traditions of Swiss Master Watchmakers, and making this high-end timepiece available to as many enthusiasts as possible.

Beginner

X41 movement: diving into the heart of Fine Watchmaking

For a number of years now, interest in "skeleton" watches among watch enthusiasts has been on the rise. The choice of such watches has expanded considerably, from entry-level models for a few hundred francs to high-end pieces that can go for hundreds of thousands of euros.