Jaeger Le Coultre: Trying Perlage

A quick clip from when I tried out the technique of perlage at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Stories exhibition in Paris, just before attending the Atelier d'Antoine workshop.

I didn't know much before about perlage (also known as 'circular graining'): it's a decorative technique using small, overlapping circles that are sometimes applied to watch movements. The word 'perlage' literally means 'pearling' — the overlapping circles ground into the metal resemble the shape of pearls.

Apparently, this finish is one of the few not yet to be automated — a watchmaker's hand is still required to apply the circular graining. The technique requires precision, attention to detail and a great deal of muscle memory in order to create a uniform finish. Needless to say, I don't think I cracked it, but it was fun to try!