It's not a secret that the industry uses software for modeling. But it still has skilled staff operating that software. When people emphasize the artistry and

It's not a secret that the industry uses software for modeling. But it still has skilled staff operating that software. When people emphasize the artistry and craftsmanship of mechanical timepieces at this price point, they're talking about two facts: 1. Most such watches are designed in-house according to rigorous specifications and long R&D cycles, with the majority of tooling and manufacturing processing being wholly original and unique to the firm, 2. The watches are assembled and serviced entirely by hand with a sophisticated precision that takes watchmakers years to learn. On the upper end of the spectrum you have independent watchmakers like F.P. Journe who singlehandedly design and build entirely new systems in their movements.