In today’s hectic, fast-paced world, where most things are simply designed for convenience and speed, it’s easy to forget the value of patience, precision and practical craftsmanship.
It is precisely for this reason that mechanical watches continue to hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and casual buyers. Today we take a closer look at the watchmaking process at Tufina Watches – a brand whose core principles are hand assembly and pure craftsmanship. Let’s get started.
It starts with legacy
Craftsmanship is not just about using the right tools and techniques. A brand must have its own story. For Tufina, this history is deeply rooted. A family-run, independent brand with roots in watchmaking dating back to the 19th century. In fact, some of their earliest timepieces included tower clocks, pocket watches, table clocks and early mechanical designs.
Their techniques and knowledge have been passed down through generations, just like a family heirloom. Each of these creations added something new while preserving the essence: the passion for watchmaking.
This long-standing tradition shapes the way Tufina watches are built today. Their collections reflect a sense of continuity, honoring their history, drawing inspiration from design elements of the past while creating something fresh, modern and wearable.
In the hand assembly process: The Casablanca theorema
We were able to observe the manufacturing process of the Casablanca Theorema up close. The detailed examination of the assembly work provided valuable insights into the level of craftsmanship. We’ll walk you through assembling this clock.
1. The mechanical clockwork
Casablanca is a mechanical hand-wound watch. Its movement is equipped with 17 rubies. Now, these jewelry pieces are not decorative (although they do look amazing thanks to the open design on the front and back). However, these are functional bearings that are used in certain places with high friction in the gear train and escapement.
Their purpose is to reduce wear, prevent metal-to-metal contact and ensure that the movement functions precisely even with regular use.
Each ruby is set into the base plate using a special jewelry press. The watchmaker then assembles the gear train, escapement, balance wheel and barrel. This part is a multi-step process that is very demanding as it requires incredible precision.
Think about it: even the smallest mistakes, such as: Misalignment of the pivot points or over-tightening of the screws can affect timekeeping or, worse, completely damage the mechanism.
After complete manual assembly, the movement is tested to evaluate factors such as beat accuracy, amplitude and position deviation. This is done using a timer. Any deviation is immediately corrected through manual and extremely sensitive adjustments to the controller.
2. Skeletonized dial and seconds display
Unlike traditional dials, the Casablanca features an openwork skeleton design. The skeletonization process allows watchmakers to showcase the movement from both the front and back. However, this technique requires extra precision in the finishing of each component as nothing is left hidden.
Then they fit on the subdial at 6 o’clock, which is used to display the seconds. This part is directly connected to the fourth wheel of the movement and requires proper and careful calibration to reflect accurate timing.
3. Luminous hands and dial placement
The job is far from over. The hands, in this case photoluminescent, are carefully assembled using special tools. The watchmakers apply just enough pressure to press them precisely onto the respective pinion without scratching or bending them.
The watchmakers then double-check the alignment and spacing of the hour and minute hands, ensuring that they do not touch each other (which would impede their movement across the dial) or the skeletonized dial itself.
4. IPG gold plated body and sapphire coated lens
Now it’s time to bring the movement home. The fully assembled movement is housed in a 5 micron thick IPG coated stainless steel case with 22k gold. Ion plating is a popular technique used in luxury watch manufacturing. The use of 22 karat gold ensures both fantastic shine and shine as well as resistance to fading even with regular wear.
Next, the sapphire-coated lens is mounted. This material offers amazing scratch resistance while maintaining a clear view of the mechanical design. Both the front and back of the case are open, with the rear crystal allowing the wearer a view of the oscillating balance wheel and gear train.
5. Leather strap and butterfly buckle
The brown leather strap is then attached to the case by hand. The leather is embossed with an alligator pattern. It adds style, but more than that, the material itself is comfortable on the wrist. The butterfly buckle is then installed and tested for smooth deployment and secure closure.
6. Final quality control
Now it is time for Casablanca to undergo a final phase of inspection. This phase includes several steps, such as:
- Control of the timing of movement at multiple positions
- Checking the light function in low light
- Pressure test of the housing seals
- Further aesthetic checks for polishing, plating and crystal clarity details
To ensure 3ATM water resistance, the watchmakers also conduct a case leak test. They use a device called Leak Checker Prime. This special precision instrument uses controlled air pressure to precisely detect leaks in the case and crown. Everything happens without actually exposing the watch to water.
By monitoring how the watch responds to pressure changes in a fully sealed chamber, the device confirms whether the watch meets the intended water resistance specification of 3 ATM.
This is a crucial step as it ensures that the watch can withstand long-term damage from moisture penetration.
Only after all quality controls have been passed will the Casablanca be packed and shipped.
Designs that reflect the inner life
The aesthetics of Tufina watches are based on the same philosophy that underlies their construction: transparency, beauty and intention. This is also one of the reasons why so many of their models feature skeleton dials or even open heart designs, because they want you to see and appreciate the movement inside.
So it’s not just about looks, although these designs are undeniably eye-catching. Their work is about showcasing the craftsmanship of Tufina watches to the fullest.
Final thought: Why craftsmanship still matters
In today’s culture, where convenient disposable items are often more popular than most, appreciating true craftsmanship seems to be a quiet rebellion. If you value quality over quantity, substance over speed, and purpose over mass production and fast fashion, then we believe exploring a Tufina watch will open your eyes to new horizons.
That’s why so many brands like Tufina continue to gain loyal followers from people who want more. Because in the end it is still the craftsmanship that counts, and that will always be the case.
