foversta[PuristSPro Moderator]
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The Art of Enamelling at Lange & Söhne
Nov 24, 2014,11:55 AM
As you know, the Lange One Tourbillon Handwerkskunst features a stunning black enamel dial. During the event organized in Dresden, Romy Zimmermann was preparing the specific powder used to create the dial. Lange published a few days ago pictures which describe the full enamelling process. I propose to share them with you.
Romy Zimmermann:
1 Preparation of the Enamel
First of all, the basic raw material, a special kind of glass, is
reduced to microscopic fragments by rubbing and crushing in a mortar, so
that it can then be sieved or applied wet with a brush.
2 Treatment of the Back
Counter-enamel is applied to the back of the dial. This is necessary to
prevent distortion of the enamel on the dial side through excessive
stresses.
3 Filling Interstices
Small interstices between letters and figures are filled with enamel using a fine brush.
4 Sieving
The fine enamel powder is spread evenly over the dial with a sieve. The
piece is then fired briefly at a temperature of several hundred degrees
in a special kiln. These steps may be repeated several times.
5 Enamel Dust
During sieving, the fine enamel dust is collected on a piece of aluminium foil.
6 Firing and Cooling
After each firing, the dial is cooled slowly on a fireproof support.
Only when the dial has been completely dried and cleaned can the sieving
operation be repeated. This process takes several days.
7 Metamorphosis
The more enamel layers are applied, the darker the final surface
appears. Thus, the blue shimmering enamel particles turn into the black
dial eventually.
And the result is even more beautiful when the watch is put on the wrist! Why? Because the dial creates subtle shades of light...
Thanks a lot to the Lange team for these great pictures.
Fx
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The Art of Enamelling at Lange & Söhne
By: foversta : November 24th, 2014-11:55
As you know, the Lange One Tourbillon Handwerkskunst features a stunning black enamel dial. During the event organized in Dresden, Romy Zimmermann was preparing the specific powder used to create the dial. Lange published a few days ago pictures which des...
Looks like...
By: Ares501 - Mr Green : November 24th, 2014-12:45
this is very meticulous and hard working process and it also looks like some text is missing :) Between picture 6 & 7 there are surely some important steps + is the dial of Lange one cut out before or after enameling to reveal tourbillon? Sincerely Da...
Awesome post Fx...............
By: TonyR : November 24th, 2014-15:31
Thanks for sharing, such a beautiful watch. There are 20 very lucky people out there! Tony
Thanks for sharing.
By: ianny : November 29th, 2014-07:58
I saw the watch in the metal. The dial is exquisite but it's not easy to photograph it. But I thought your pic came pretty close. Regards, Ian
very cool pictures
By: mjnoumoff : December 1st, 2014-10:40
and explanation of the enamel creation process...thanks for sharing!!