Lasers bring technology to artisan watch crystal engraving
26 Jan 2021
EPFL project creates 3D structures within sapphire glass materials.
Keep watch: modern tool for artisan work
Watch crystals, the clear glass material on the front of any timepiece, have to be tough enough to survive everyday use but also suitable for engraving and customization by the watch manufacturers before the watch is assembled and sold.
Historically the preparation of a watch crystal has involved traditional artisan engraving and cutting tools, but a project at Swiss research center EPFL has now applied lasers to the task.
In a collaboration with watchmakers Vacheron Constantin, EPFL set out to use new technology to broaden the range of possibilities that craftsmen can explore, without losing their traditional know-how or the finesse of their movements.