QUALITY CONTROL
A number of quality checks (functions, adjustments, aesthetics, etc.) are undertaken during the process according to the manufacturer’s criteria and requirements. The various checks can be classified into the following categories. For each type of check, several methods and various means, machines, and measuring instruments are possible.
DIMENSIONAL COMPONENT INSPECTION
It involves verifying the correspondence of a component with its manufacturing plan. Measurement instruments ranging from basic tools like a ruler to those utilizing the latest technologies (laser, optical, etc.) are used for dimensional inspection.
FUNCTIONAL INSPECTION OF COMPONENTS AND MECHANISMS
The perfect adherence to the dimensions and manufacturing tolerances of a component does not necessarily guarantee its perfect functionality once assembled. Interaction with other components often requires adjustments or settings. Therefore, checking these at various stages of production is essential.
AESTHETICS CONTROL
Unlike most mechanical applications, horology places paramount importance on aesthetics. This criterion is integrated from the development stage of a watch, movement, or component. In watchmaking, the goal is not just to beautify a functional component but to produce one that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
CONTROLS OF TIMING AND ADJUSTMENT
The controls of timing and adjustment involve the fine-tuning of the movement to ensure its accuracy. Once the movement is assembled and functional, the adjustment stage aims to fine-tune the precision of the movement and the watch. Various measurements are taken, and if necessary, adjustments are made to meet the manufacturer’s tolerances.
WATERTPROOF CONTROL
Waterproofing serves not only to protect the interior of the case from water but also from dust and humidity. Different machines exist to perform this control. In dry machines, the watch is placed under a pressurized cover. The deformations of the case are then measured at different pressures to verify its waterproofness. In other machines, the watch is immersed in water contained in a similarly pressurized cylinder. The appearance of air bubbles at the case joints will reveal a waterproofness failure and the exact location of the defect.
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