Before a movement is even cased, it undergoes a transformation. This is where the cold metal is imbued with soul. Techniques like Côtes de Genève (Geneva stripes), perlage (stippling), and anglage (bevelling) are not merely decorative. They are a sign of respect for the mechanism.
A perfectly polished bevel on a bridge prevents the accumulation of microscopic stress that could lead to cracks. The black polish, or polissage, of a screw head is so mirror-like that it reflects no light, a process that can take hours for a single component. These finishes are the watchmaker's signature, a guarantee that no corner was cut in the pursuit of perfection.
