Movement Decoration: Why Pretty Movements Matter
Movement Decoration Explained
Open a display caseback and you will see decorative patterns on the movement's bridges and plates. These are not just pretty — they serve functional purposes too.
Common Decoration Patterns
- Côtes de Genève (Geneva stripes): parallel wave patterns on bridges — the most common luxury decoration. Originally functional: the waves trap dust particles away from critical surfaces
- Perlage (circular graining): overlapping circular patterns on base plates. Also traps dust; creates a uniform matte appearance
- Snailing: spiral patterns on rotors and small components — adds visual interest to rotating parts
- Blued screws: steel screws heated to 290-300°C until they turn blue — creates a distinctive color contrast against silver-toned bridges
Why It Matters
Decoration quality correlates with overall finishing quality. A movement with clean, precise Côtes de Genève indicates attention to detail throughout. A movement with sloppy decoration often cuts corners elsewhere too.
Decoration Levels
| Level | What You See |
|---|---|
| Basic | Unfinished or lightly brushed — no decorative patterns |
| Intermediate | Machine-applied perlage or striping — consistent but not hand-finished |
| High | Hand-applied Côtes de Genève, beveled edges, blued screws |
| Haute Horlogerie | Hand-engraved, polished bevels, gold chatons — hundreds of hours of handwork |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does decoration affect accuracy?
No — decoration is aesthetic. It does not influence timekeeping.
Can I see it without a display caseback?
No — if your watch has a solid caseback, decoration is invisible. That is why display backs exist.
Do our watches have decoration?
The NH35/NH34 movements have basic machine finishing. Enhanced decoration requires higher-tier movements.