Bead-blasted describes a watch case with a dull, non-shiny surface, made by firing fine abrasive particles at the metal under pressure. The texture is even, with no grain lines and almost no shine. It hides fingerprints and small scratches far better than a polished case. Dive watches often have it.
How is a case bead-blasted?
The case is blasted with very small particles of glass or sand. In micro bead blasting, also called shot blasting, tiny beads are fired at the surface. They are usually 20 to 100 microns across. Glass beads are the abrasive used most often. The result is a texture with no direction. A blasted case looks dull overall and reflects very little light. The work needs care. Too much pressure, the wrong angle or too long an exposure can deform the shape of the part being blasted.
Not to be confused with
Sandblasting and bead blasting are close relatives. Both are abrasive processes, but each gives its own texture and visual effect. Bead blasting gives a finer, more even result, closer to satin. Sandblasting gives a rougher one by comparison. Shot blasting is another name for micro bead blasting, not a separate finish. Whichever is used, the case ends up dull rather than shiny.
Can a bead-blasted case be restored?
Of the common case finishes, a blasted one is the hardest to bring back to its original factory look. In daily wear, a blasted case hides fingerprints and small scratches much better than a polished one. Once the surface is properly worn or damaged, though, no other common finish is harder to return to how it left the factory.
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