Watch lathes have a long history. They were first made in Switzerland, Germany and the USA. Boley Company, Andra & Zwingenberger Company Wolf Jahn Company in Germany and Aero Company and Bergeon Company are the main manufacturers. The Derby Company in the USA, Switzerland. Company, Craftsman Company and T.C.M Company in UK. Lanco Company was also present. The earliest watches to be made were mechanical designs. Watchmakers had the complete responsibility of processing mechanical parts.
Watchmaking historyThe use of domestic watches machines and related knowledge was not well-known in the 1950s. Watch machines were largely imported from abroad. With the rapid advancement of watch parts production and other instrumentation, this trend has been observed, and the number who are able to use this lathe has steadily increased. Some domestic manufacturers also make their own watch lathes. Although there is a significant gap between the domestic and foreign markets, it generally meets all requirements. The Beijing Tool Machine Factory and Shanghai Watch and Mold Factory were the main domestic manufacturers who developed and produced these products. Figure 17 and 18 show the watch machines they make. They are mostly geodesic and imitation. The functional dimensions, weight, use methods, and diameter of each tool are similar or identical, however, there are differences in details such as the design and shape of the support legs and tailstock openings, as well the angle of the headstock opening. China product is 41 degrees, while Shanghai product is 40 degrees. deg All added rods, based on the design parameters are below Ph6 but must meet certain accuracy requirements. They can be still seen in many Chinese watch companies. Many companies that had been established in the 1970s and 1980s were either reformed or shut down. The decline of the domestic watch industry was also due to the influence of Japanese quartz watches. The industry saw the decline of staff in related industries, career changes, and the development and production of watch lathes was once stopped.
Watch machines and watch parts are inseparable. The development of watchmaking machines is closely related to watchmaking.industry. There are many types, with strong specialization. Switzerland is one of the countries where watchmaking machines were developed. The United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom are all examples. The "Kingdom of Clocks and Watches" is Switzerland. The Swiss watchmaking industry has more than 100-years of history and has accumulated rich experience. The USA, Great Britain, and Germany have no rival in the tool industry.
Watch lathes were first used in foreign countries as early as the 1700s. Domestic development is often behind that of overseas due to historical and industrial reasons. Most relevant developments did not occur until the mid-1950s, after the founding New China lathe.
Independent watchmakers and watch repairers should have a basic knowledge of the watch lathe, also known as the "small-pendulum lathe". While each watch machine produced by different manufacturers abroad and at home has its own unique characteristics and differences they all follow the same historical standard models from Europe and America. These points are the same: Most lathes have a main body that conforms to the "WW", or "Geneva" standards. The diameter of the headstock shaft can be divided into various specifications, including 6mm, 8mm 10, 10mm and 12mm. Domestic machine tool companies generally follow this standard. The differences include the shape and size of the bed. For example, guide beds can have an upper triangle, an upper circle, an upper plane, an upper circle, an upper circle, an upper circle, an upper plan, an upper circle, etc. Support methods include single foot support or double foot support.
The times are changing and CNC watch processing machines are becoming more popular. However, watch lathes can be small and light (the main body weighs only 3-10kg) and are affordable so they are highly preferred by independent watchmakers and watch industry companies.
Watchmakers have a variety of watches lathes to choose from, despite the long evolution of these lathes. The majority of modern watch lathes can be divided into two types: the lighter, "Geneva"-type lathes and heavier, "WW"-type lathes.
Charles S. Moseley, an American inventor of the Genevka type, invented it in 1859. A 6-8mm cartridge is generally suitable for high precision machining. He is more Genevan-inclined due to his work nature. He is the inspiration for Loft Craftsman. Type WW" (Webster Whitcombe) is the most popular and versatile type currently available in lathes. It dates back to 1889 and was also invented in America. The center height of the bed can be as high as 50mm. Some models have 65 and 70 mm. The top of the bed features a flat 37mm slot that can accommodate heavy handling. There are 60 degree bevels at both ends of the slot. The carrier head spindle can also be used to make 8mm, 10mm, or 12mm collets. This accessory package includes a complete set for watch lathe accessories. This complete accessory and tool set can be combined with the watchmaking lathe to make watch maintenance easy.
The accompanying drawings show details: lathe headstock and chuck (with several specifications), chuck for clamping the outer edge a round workpiece, draw chuck and brass wax head chuck (for heating the workpiece and gluing it), base, hand instrument holder, Jaco drum (extruded blank and polished), perforated topplate, lathe tailstock (with the thimble), lathe guide, sawblade chuck and grinding wheel chuck. Tailstock for drilling, cross sliding post,
A lathe is a valuable tool for hobbyists and watchmakers.
