CHRONOFIABLE Certification by Laboratoire Dubois
Developed and conducted by Laboratoire Dubois in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Chronofiable is a rigorous testing protocol designed to evaluate the durability and reliability of timepieces under accelerated wear conditions.
Origin and History
Established in 1948 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Laboratoire Dubois began as an independent institution specialising in testing and research for the watchmaking industry. Its mission was to ensure the quality and reliability of Swiss timepieces through scientific methods. In response to the growing demand for durable and reliable watches, Laboratoire Dubois introduced the Chronofiable protocol in the 1970s. The process was designed to simulate long-term wear and environmental stress on watches within a compressed time frame.
Criteria for Certification
To achieve Chronofiable certification, a watch or movement must pass a series of stringent tests that simulate the stresses of prolonged use. The criteria include:
- Accelerated Wear Testing
- Watches undergo a series of mechanical cycles to replicate six months to three years of wear. The testing includes winding, setting, and operating the movement under normal and extreme conditions.
- Shock Resistance
- The watch is subjected to shocks of varying intensities, mimicking accidental impacts during daily use.
- Temperature and Humidity
- Performance is tested across a wide temperature range (-10°C to 60°C) and under varying levels of humidity, typically reaching up to 85% relative humidity, ensuring the watch functions reliably in diverse environments.
- Vibration and Magnetic Resistance
- Watches are exposed to vibrations and magnetic fields to evaluate their resistance to these disruptive forces.
- Long-Term Functional Testing
- The movement is continuously operated for several weeks, simulating prolonged use and identifying potential weaknesses in the mechanism.
- Visual Inspection
- After mechanical testing, the watch is inspected for external damage, ensuring that materials and finishes withstand wear and tear without significant degradation.
Individual components, such as cases, straps, and movements, are tested for mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and material fatigue. Laboratoire Dubois collaborates with watch brands and engages in R&D to improve testing protocols and develop innovative solutions for durability challenges.