Oscillation celebration – The creation of a new Lang & Heyne watch Our in-house production of wheels and pinions includes polishing the flanks. Partially we buy several raw pieces in addition. We finish all pinions extensively with polish and Glashütter cut-in, the arms of the wheels are beveled, matted and gold-plated. The wheels of the CA LIBER V are manufactured in solid gold. The winding wheels are given a shiny, double sun-ray finish. Exceptional for a manufacture: the cases and clasps in different 18-carat gold alloys and platinum are made in-house from raw piece to this finished one. Goldsmith’s accompanies the watchmaker’s technology. Since 2006 we produce the specially designed Moustacheanchor in gold. The balance made in the Lang & Heyne Design is provided with a mainspring, of course with a Breguet overcoil, to achieve a harmonic oscillation. When all the pieces are manufactured and finished, the subassembly of the prototype follows. That is the real challenge for the watchmaker. Now, all the pieces have to mesh together, all the jewels and pivots have to be pressed fit, the wheels have to be adjusted. Any problems with the construction have to be corrected. Some parts may have to be changed or made in a completely new way. This is also the time when we fabricate the tools and devices of the series manufacturing. Finally, after all our hard work, we can celebrate the birth of a model but only when we hear the first tick-tock of the new watch. What a sound and what a sight! We are all proud. About eighteen months after we started with our first idea, finally preparation for the tradeshow presentation begins where we show our new baby to the world. But first, we have to pay attention to the „face“. The eroded hands will be filed in the bench vise and engraved under the microscope. Followed by the grinding, the polish, the blueing and the rivet with the hand collets. The dial made of enamel or silver receives dial feet and finally the movement can be put in the case. The fine alligator strap and the clasp complete the watch and we can feel it the first time on our wrist. The rest of the day we relax, pat each other on the back and sip champagne. Satisfaction is in the air. Let’s be honest: it’s still a miracle, isn’t it? Building the prototype of the Caliber V 31
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