Well it's a closely guarded secret, only divulged to the initiated. I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
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What exactly is zaratsu polishing
I keep seeing the term. I definitely see the results. Is there some place where I can read more about it. So far all I have found is, not sure which is true or not
-it was a technique used to polish swords
-only two people who make grand seikos are allowed to do this technique (seems false)
Other than that I can't seem to find much else.
-it was a technique used to polish swords
-only two people who make grand seikos are allowed to do this technique (seems false)
Other than that I can't seem to find much else.
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First rule of Zaratsu polishing is you don't talk about Zaratsu polishing.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Damn it...I have cookies to trade for secrets.First rule of Zaratsu polishing is you don't talk about Zaratsu polishing.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I understand that a tin plate is used for polishing. Something about taking the distortion out. Too high a heat via rpm or grit can leave a wavy finish.
Here is a short explanation I came across:"Every surface of each case and bracelet is polished by the experienced craftsmen. The mirror finish on the case side surface has no distortion. The process is known as Zaratsu or blade polishing and is made by carefully applying a rotating tin plate against the case at a very precise angle. This process is entrusted to only the most skillful and experienced craftsmen."
basically, it's tin polishing for the case. The same procedure (polishing steel on tin plates with ultra fine diamond paste) is done by brands like Glashutte Original for their swan necks and other brands for steel components to attain what is known as black polishing, where the surface is so highly polished it looks black from certain angles.
Here is a short explanation I came across:"Every surface of each case and bracelet is polished by the experienced craftsmen. The mirror finish on the case side surface has no distortion. The process is known as Zaratsu or blade polishing and is made by carefully applying a rotating tin plate against the case at a very precise angle. This process is entrusted to only the most skillful and experienced craftsmen."
basically, it's tin polishing for the case. The same procedure (polishing steel on tin plates with ultra fine diamond paste) is done by brands like Glashutte Original for their swan necks and other brands for steel components to attain what is known as black polishing, where the surface is so highly polished it looks black from certain angles.
It is basically watch case / bracelet polishing.
"Zaratsu" is a marketing name used by Seiko. Like how Apple chooses to call their displays "Retina" displays or how Rolex calls their lume "Chromalight".
"Zaratsu" is a marketing name used by Seiko. Like how Apple chooses to call their displays "Retina" displays or how Rolex calls their lume "Chromalight".
lol doesn't matter what you call it, at the end of the day its still polishing and not rocket science. At the end of the day Grand Seikos just like other Japanese products are all very well made.
So the main point is to get a mirror finish shine with no distortion. That is what I wanted to know. ThanksI understand that a tin plate is used for polishing. Something about taking the distortion out. Too high a heat via rpm or grit can leave a wavy finish.
Here is a short explanation I came across:"Every surface of each case and bracelet is polished by the experienced craftsmen. The mirror finish on the case side surface has no distortion. The process is known as Zaratsu or blade polishing and is made by carefully applying a rotating tin plate against the case at a very precise angle. This process is entrusted to only the most skillful and experienced craftsmen."
basically, it's tin polishing for the case. The same procedure (polishing steel on tin plates with ultra fine diamond paste) is done by brands like Glashutte Original for their swan necks and other brands for steel components to attain what is known as black polishing, where the surface is so highly polished it looks black from certain angles.
The GS polishing is beautiful, excellent. But, I never really understood this "no distortion" business. Any polished surface, no matter how flawlessly done, where the surface has any curvature (as on most surfaces on a watch case) is going to present a distorted reflection. And then the polish on the sides of the snowflake case has that very fine "orange peel" dimpled texture... I think it's nice and all personally, but isn't that distortion?
Well you can see with a distortion free surface, even if it has some curvature, the reflection is ultra clear like a mirror.
A poorly polished surface will show waves or ripples among its poor reflective qualities.
It really isn't a difficult concept to grasp, especially if you have had a hand at polishing.
This isn't to say that other manufacture's can not compete with GS in this area, a few do.
But in the end GS is exemplary.
A poorly polished surface will show waves or ripples among its poor reflective qualities.
It really isn't a difficult concept to grasp, especially if you have had a hand at polishing.
This isn't to say that other manufacture's can not compete with GS in this area, a few do.
But in the end GS is exemplary.
Hmm, ok. what's kinda funny is that I spend time closely examining and admiring the very very faint characteristic wavy texture of the zaratsu on my 44gs case lugs. Same with the aforementioned dimpled texture on the sides of the Snowflake. It is quite lustrous, but they're not truly distortion free surfaces. I happen to enjoy the characteristic faint patterning left by the zaratsu application though.
Just wondering, is it really that hard to get a mirror-like finishing with no distortion??
No not really but it takes a series of steps and knowhow in refining the grit so as to polishing/remove the higher girt marring.
Also factors such as heat (speed of buffer wheel) buffer material used in what stage etc.
Just need all the correct materials an some practice and knowhow.
I have never worked with the "tin plate" so I have no clue as to this method.
It does present very good end finishing no doubt.
A shiny surface isn't always the best reflection. You need smoothness of surface to really get the reflective light to excel.
Just look at a new car paint finish. It will be real shiny but if you look closely and at an angle you will see orange peel or wave like surface in the paint. This is because the paint isn't smooth get it smooth and the paint will have more depth of reflection and really look totally different. This can be accomplished with sanding and is a touchy endeavor but it is what all the show cars do to achieve the amazing reflection and depth in the paint.
It truly is a craftsmen job.
Also factors such as heat (speed of buffer wheel) buffer material used in what stage etc.
Just need all the correct materials an some practice and knowhow.
I have never worked with the "tin plate" so I have no clue as to this method.
It does present very good end finishing no doubt.
A shiny surface isn't always the best reflection. You need smoothness of surface to really get the reflective light to excel.
Just look at a new car paint finish. It will be real shiny but if you look closely and at an angle you will see orange peel or wave like surface in the paint. This is because the paint isn't smooth get it smooth and the paint will have more depth of reflection and really look totally different. This can be accomplished with sanding and is a touchy endeavor but it is what all the show cars do to achieve the amazing reflection and depth in the paint.
It truly is a craftsmen job.
No it isnt hard to polish titanium. I polish Titanium all the time to a mirror surface. To me its a marketing term they use to try to sell there product as being Superior. I would say its harder to machine titanium than polish it.Just wondering, is it really that hard to get a mirror-like finishing with no distortion??
From what I have heard, it is rather difficult to do with titanium, as titanium is too "gummy" (their word, not mine) to be high polished in most situations.Just wondering, is it really that hard to get a mirror-like finishing with no distortion??
Regards,
Alysandir
And is your teenage son using your account again? :think:Don't you know..its the bosses teenage son in the back room..does all of that..Zaratsu stuff..he get $4.75 per hr...lol...
curious: you do this for a living?No it isnt hard to polish titanium. I polish Titanium all the time to a mirror surface. To me its a marketing term they use to try to sell there product as being Superior. I would say its harder to machine titanium than polish it.
What Ti grade do you mirror polish all the time ?No it isnt hard to polish titanium. I polish Titanium all the time to a mirror surface. To me its a marketing term they use to try to sell there product as being Superior. I would say its harder to machine titanium than polish it.
Not trying to get orders since I havent taken them in a very long time. Smyth Custom Knives I mainly work in 6AL4V titanium but also specialize in Timascus and Mokuti polishing/coloring. To me all Ti works about the same. To machine it, it is gummy compared to other metals. But for polishing its no big deal. The skill IMO comes in on polishing it and not rounding off sharp corners.
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