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1. Assembly of a Quartz Movement (video)
1. Assembly of a Quartz Movement (video)
2. Assembly of a Mechanical Movement (video)
3. Introduction
Many trades are needed to manufacture all the components of a watch. Once these are manufactured and decorated, it is up to the Horologist (watchmaker) to assemble them, adjust them and ensure the watch functions properly.
The Assembly of a watch is broken down into many steps depending on its complexity. For reasons of efficiency and logistics, the watchmaking industry divides the Assembly of a watch into four steps:
T0: Pre-assembly of components (e.g. driving in the jewels and pivots of a Main plate)
T1: Assembly of the Movement
T2: Fitting of the Dial, hands and casing
T3: Water resistance and fitting of the Bracelet / Strap
A variable number of quality checks (functions, adjustment, aesthetics, etc.) are carried out during the process, in accordance with the manufacturer’s criteria and requirements.
4. Pre-assembly of components (T0)
Before proceeding with the assembly of the Movement, certain groups of components must be pre-assembled. For example, the pins and thejewels will be driven into the main plate and thebridges. When it comes to small series or industrial production, this operation is often sequenced and entrusted to specialized operators.
5. Assembly of the Movement (T1)
Once all the components of a Movement have been tested, they are grouped into a kit and handed over to the horologist responsible for assembling the movement. The assembly chronology of a movement generally follows the order of its kinematic chain (Barrel, finishing train, Escapement, regulating organ…). Depending on its complexity, assembling a movement can require up to several weeks of work.
6. Fitting the dial (T2)
The assembly of the movement completed, it is regulated and the first chronometric measurements are carried out. It is now ready to receive its dial (or dials). Although it may seem simple, this step is important and can sometimes prove tricky. A fine stone dial will break at the slightest tension. Cleanliness is therefore essential right up to the completion of the movement’s casing. Moreover, this step and the following ones are frequently carried out in workshops located in controlled atmosphere zones (CAZ). Humidity and temperature are controlled there, the air is filtered, and the workshop is kept under slight overpressure in order to drive out any dust or unwanted particles outside the room
7. Fitting the hands (T2)
The fitting of the hands directly follows that of the Dial. This operation requires meticulousness and cleanliness. Thus, the hands must be indexed (e.g., at midnight, the hour and minute hands must perfectly overlap and precisely align with their index). Since the space between the top of the dial and the underside of the Crystal (watch glass) is limited, the hands must share the height precisely and evenly (e.g., in a split-seconds Chronograph, a minimum of four hands share the center axis and themselves pass above the off-center hands of the various counters).
8. Casing (T2)
Casing is the step during which the Horologist (watchmaker) integrates the entire Movement–Dial–hands to the Case and closes it again. Extreme cleanliness and a low humidity level are essential for the success of this operation. Generally, the Movement is fixed (screwed) inside the band of the Case middle. However, there are many ways to fix the Movement to the Case.
9. Water Resistance Testing (T3)
Every surface connecting two components of the External parts (case, dial, hands) (Crystals (watch glass), Case middle, Case back, bezels, Crown, pushers, etc.) must be watertight. Different types of gaskets and adhesives can play this role. Their proper selection and correct fitting guarantee optimal water resistance.
10. Fitting the bracelet / strap (T3)
This step is certainly not the most technical part of the assembly process, but it seals the watch’s manufacturing operations and gives it its final identity.
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