At a time when industrial automation can churn out watches on a production line, certain Haute Horlogerie finishes remain the exclusive domain of the human hand. Hand-anglage is the perfect example.

This technique consists of bevelling the edge of a watch bridge at a strict 45-degree angle, then polishing that surface until it achieves a perfect mirror effect. Machines rough out this work and automation keeps progressing (CNC, assisted abrasive and polishing processes); on inward angles, however, the result of an angle finished by hand remains hard to match in series production. Final polishing is traditionally carried out using gentian-wood laps soaked in microscopic abrasive paste.

These artistic finishes are the visual signature of the greatest Swiss manufactures and give movements an incomparable aesthetic value.

Learn to appreciate and master aesthetic excellence. Discover the fascinating world of Haute Horlogerie finishing through Décalibre's complete digital training programme.

Hand-finishing is the last stage of a long path: the full progression is mapped in how to learn watchmaking online, and the first bench gestures in watchmaking for beginners.