Glossary · Trade

Snailing

A circular, overlapping-arc decorative finish applied to wheels and plates.

Explanation

Snailing is the decorative finish of overlapping circular arcs applied to wheels, barrels and plates, giving a spiral, shimmering effect. It is one of the standard movement finishes alongside Geneva stripes and perlage (circular graining). On fine work the pattern is regular and reaches the edges of the part.

Related visual reference

F】 How Watches Work: What Is Snailing? — fratellowatches.com, Rights unverified — web image search result, review pending. Web page (fratellowatches.com)

Snailing pattern decoration - General Tools & Equipment - Watch Repair Talk — watchrepairtalk.com, Rights unverified — web image search result, review pending. Web page (watchrepairtalk.com)

The photograph illustrates a related mechanism or component; consult its caption and source record for the exact object shown.

Cross-references

Nearby trade terms

Rose engine: A specialised ornamental lathe used to cut repeating guilloché patterns.
Size system: A convention for stating movement dimensions.
Skeleton clock: A clock with pierced plates displaying the mechanism.
Sponsor's mark: The registered mark of the party submitting an item for assay.
Sponsor's mark: The registered mark of the person submitting precious metal for assay.
Staking set: A boxed set of interchangeable stakes and punches used with a small anvil to fit and remove parts under controlled pressure.