Henrik Korpela

In-Depth: Restoring and Recasing a Vintage Patek Philippe Movement

Building a case for a homeless calibre.

Artfully Bringing a 1960s Girard-Perregaux Watch Back to Life

A detailed, step by step account of the sympathetic restoration of an heirloom.

EXPLAINED: Restoring a 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6074

A well worn and treasured Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 6074 is brought back to life by Henrik Korpela, principal of independent Swiss watchmaking school KHWCC. Korpela himself explains the process of restoring the family heirloom, all the while maintaining its character, in enlightening detail.

EXPLAINED: How To Blue Steel Screws The Traditional Way – With A Flame And Lots Of Patience

Steel screws used in watch movements are often blue. Traditionally this is done by heating the screws, hardening them and also giving them an attractive blue colour, a process Henrik Korpela explains in this in-depth article.

EXPLAINED: The Fine Art Of Black Polishing AKA Spéculaire

Black polishing, also known as spéculaire finishing, is employed to finish steel parts in a watch movement to create a mirror-like surface. Used for steel screws, levers and bridges, true black polishing is done by hand and only found in the best timepieces. Henrik Korpela explains the technique here.
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