As we near the completion of our first new edition of The Kingsley built around a recommissioned Valjoux 90, allowing for triple calendar and moon phase indication, we wanted to share some of the processes behind our case making.
The case of every watch that leaves our workshop has been crafted using traditional techniques. One of the reasons we only make cases in precious metal is because it can be worked in this way, allowing us to keep control of the design, and create pieces that have an ergonomic feel which can only be achieved finishing them by hand rather than machine.
We use traditional boxwood turning to form our 18ct gold cases. Boxwood has been used by turners for centuries as it’s hard enough to hold the piece as it’s being formed, but, soft enough to allow easy removal of the case part without any risk of damage.
Craig learned this technique as part of a Scholarship funded by Royal Warrant Holding whiskey brand Johnnie Walker sponsored through the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST). QEST is a charity that supports artisans who want to bring new skills in-house and train apprentices. Craig’s scholarship allowed him to train with the last remaining full-time watch case maker in the UK, Adam Phillips, to bring this critically endangered skill back to our workshop.
If you know any UK-based craftspeople you feel might benefit from QEST funding – their next application round starts in January 2025.
Scroll through the photographs of the process below.
