Satin-finish or -polished is a term found commonly in watch case material specifications, denoting the kind of treatment done to the watch case. The usual suspects are polished, satin-finished, sandblasted or coated treatments which give different looks to a watch case. Today we cast our eyes to satin-finish, which when done right and well — provides a silky-smooth finish and touch to metallic components.
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Close up of Satin-finish seen on the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT
A surface with a satin-finish falls between the dull, non-shiny finish (matte) of sand-blasted materials and the bright and shiny finish (gloss) of polished materials. When observed up close, dense rows of microscopic parallel lines contribute to the satin lustre. As such, satin-finish can be extremely unforgiving as any deviation from a perfectly parallel orientation will be obvious especially when it catches the light.
Satin-finish can be found on watch cases and bracelets and can be used independently or commonly paired with polished surfaces to provide subtle contrast as the two treatments interact with light differently. Here are a few watches that feature satin-finish.
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Longines Spirit
Following on the success of the black, silver and blue dial versions of the Longines Spirit, the Swiss manufacture releases a brand new version in this year’s trending colour — green. The green dial is sandblasted for a matte finish that plays into the seriousness of the Longines Spirit. Satin-finish is used liberally for a more utilitarian outlook with polished surfaces applied to the angular bevels.
The Longines Spirit features the best-in-class COSC-certified automatic calibre L888.4 with a silicon balance spring. Its superiority is reflected in the five stars applied to the watch dial that attests to the quality and reliability of the movement.
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Bell & Ross BR V3-94 A521
Bell & Ross continues their partnership with Formula One racing after their existing partners Renault F1 team was restructured and renamed as the Alpine F1 team. As such, Bell & Ross presents the BR V3-94 A521 outfitted in Alpine F1’s blue, black and white livery. Fans of the collection will be quick to recall the striking black and yellow variations put out in earlier years.
The 43mm rounded case draws inspiration from Bell & Ross’s Vintage collection, utilising both satin and polish finishes on the stainless steel case. A series of alternating satin-finish strokes are used on the watch case which highlights the attention to detail that F1 race teams are known for, especially when shaving off precious milliseconds from race times. Alpine F1 team’s logo is used on the central chronograph seconds hand while the France flag below highlights the French roots of both Bell & Ross and Alpine F1 team. The BR V3-94 A521 is limited to 500 pieces and is part of the trio of watches made by Bell & Ross in partnership with the Alpine F1 team.
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Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar
Since 2014, Bvlgari has dominated the ultra-thin watchmaking segments, breaking multiple world records across various complications. 2021 sees the reigning king of ultra-thin watchmaking set a new world record for its Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar measuring 5.8mm thick and houses a 2.75mm (that is just shy of four credit cards) thick automatic in-house caliber BVL 305 that indicates the hours, minutes, date, day, month, and leap year.
The version seen here features a platinum case known to possess an incredibly dreamy lustre. Platinum is notorious to work with as it is much more difficult to machine compared to steel or gold. Crafting the multifaceted case with a series of satin-finished and polished finishes is a craft unto itself that displays the virtuosity of Bvlgari.
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