AP 3120 movement finishing question

[leisen]

Originally Posted by gretch6364

Not directly this at anyone in particular...but sometimes the obsession with "hand finishing" gets a bit over the top. The reality is (IMHO) many times machines can do a better job on certain parts.

I get that it takes more labor for each watch to do it by hand and that adds cost/value to the piece...but some of these machines also cost millions of dollars, which does the same thing.

Additionally...that hand tool used do the work is just that...a tool. If a tool is electrified and then controlled by hand...how is that different from a quality standpoint?

I feel it should be about consistency, beauty, precision, accuracy, sharpness...what ever you want to call it. I can hand make an entire watch with just my hands, fire and some rocks. It would suck and likely not work...but still.

You're right. But do not forget that tradition, and therefore handwork, is a plus in fine watchmaking. For that reason, the time dedicated to finishing a caliber is valued, even only in the romantic aspect of it. Just my 2 cents.