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Snailing is a decorative movement finishing technique that creates circular spiral patterns on watch components, particularly ratchet wheels, barrel covers, and winding wheels. The distinctive snail-shell pattern is achieved by rotating a small abrasive tool off-center against a counter-rotating component, creating overlapping circular graining that catches light beautifully.
Snailing serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Aesthetically, it transforms functional components into decorative elements visible through exhibition casebacks, demonstrating the watchmaker's attention to detail. The texture also helps reduce reflections and glare within the movement. Its presence on components like ratchet wheels is a traditional marker of quality finishing in high-end watchmaking.
Snailing creates circular spiral patterns, compared to perlage (overlapping dots), Côtes de Genève (parallel stripes), and anglage (beveled edges). Each finish is applied to different components: snailing typically on wheels and barrel covers, perlage on plates, Côtes de Genève on bridges and cocks. Together they create visual contrast and demonstrate the range of hand-finishing skills.
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