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Standing the test of time - a component journey
Luxury watchmaking
A luxury watch is a highly engineered, precision work of art, often consisting of as many as 300 components. Chronographs, pilot’s watches, diving watches, and mission timepieces are designed to perform both in demanding conditions but also in everyday life. While significance is placed on aesthetic design, the quality and longevity of components is equally important. Bodycote’s S3P (Specialty Stainless Steel Processes) technology provides the ultimate long-lasting protection against surface scratches whilst preserving the metal’s appearance.
The first step of the manufacturing journey involves a 3D virtual design of all the watch’s parts, such as bezels, seals, crowns, cases, backs etc.*
The watch case begins its journey as a steel billet. An austenitic stainless steel with high nickel and chromium content is selected for its non-magnetic properties and corrosion resistance. Quality and purity of the steel is critical to guarantee functionality and an optimal surface.
The case – a complex 3D shape – is machined from a disc or circular blank to tight tolerances, to meet the demands of specification and functionality.*
Grinding and polishing is used to achieve a smooth and uniform surface.*
Bodycote’s S3P technology is applied to bezels, cases and straps to provide an exceptionally wear and scratch resistant surface. The hardening process has no negative effect on the appearance or natural corrosion resistance of the steel.
The utmost precision is required when pressing the sapphire crystal glass into the hardened watch case.*
The individual watch components - up to 300 parts - are manually assembled.*
The watch is tested for performance - a diving watch, for example, must withstand a 125 bar (nominal) pressure test.*
End application - the perfect timepiece - a scratch resistant, high quality watch.
Bodycote component journeys
This is just one example of how Bodycote brings together the huge wealth of knowledge and expertise from across the Group to provide the vital engineering services our customers need.
For more component journeys visit www.bodycote.com
Denotes the parts of the component journey undertaken by Bodycote
* Photos courtesy of Sinn Spezialuhren GmbH and SUG GmbH