The case starts to take shape through a number of stages at CNC (Computer Numeric Cutting) machines. While it seems that this is simply a mechanized process, the actual reality is far from this perception. First, programming the CNC machine is more of an art form than a mechanical task. You are asking a machine to move and cut metal to a complex form and shape. It involves not only multiple changes in cutting tools, but changes in the manner in which the vice can hold the case shape. Although lasers are used for many stages of measurement control, human checking of the machine is constant, and human intervention is also required in the re-positioning of the case at each stage. Granted, it is an exacting form of art, but one small mistake and the case is sent back to the foundry to start life again in the form of a new blank!
Inside the CNC machine the blank is consumed in a deluge of oil and cutting tools. Little by little, in several stages using several different machines the reduced down until the finished piece finally evolves from the metal. Once out of the CNC machine, the case still has to be finished by hand, again in several stages and by different people, removing burrs, cleaning and polishing rough edges, and visually checking all parts for cleanliness of execution.
And the basic ingot emerges as something more familiar.
The case is then further hand finished and polished along all edges, and all surfaces, to ensure that the case will fit perfectly and there are no loose edges.
Once the case components are in their basic form, then further testing, finishing, and fitting the crystals are still required.