Firstly prepare the proper size brass plates acc to watch dial diameter. it is quite imporant part. workers calculate the size and cut a piece brass for test. of course, before that, we have the mould for the dial diameter and central hole and install it on the machine. all these works take more time than actual punching. this is why we said the samples making and mass production take same time. no much different. adjusting each machine really take more time than you expect. for the watch dials manufacturing, this is the first step. if the size is not right, then it may not fit the watch case for assembly.
of course you see our worker take the brass by hand without gloves. don't worry, there is a plastic cover on the brass to protect it in good condition. it would be teared after we punch all holes, dial legs, cd pattern, before we do the process on the surface, like Sunray finishing, or brushed or blasted. we have one worker to do this job properly.