Ebauche

Once referred to as ‘le blanc’ by early Geneva watchmakers the term ebauche refers to watch mechanisms which are supplied unfinished or incomplete. In early 19th century form the ebauche was comprised of the plates,bars, fusee, barrel, index, pillars and ratchet wheel. Some of the components themselves were only roughly finished and required polishing and decorating which was carried out by a specialist finishing workshop.

The modern ebauche is a rather more complete mechanism missing only the regulation components, mainspring dial and hands. It can be supplied with or without jewels.

Companies purchase ebauches from major suppliers and then customise them by adding complications, decorating them or simply adding higher quality components.