Watchmaking

Surface and Dimensional Metrology for Watchmaking

Watch components demand the highest levels of precision in both surface finish and dimensional accuracy. From the roughest blank to the most delicate assembled movement, Altimet covers the entire quality control cycle with non-contact optical measurement systems.

Roughness and Surface Condition

The visual and functional quality of a watch component depends directly on its surface condition. Our systems precisely measure roughness parameters (Ra, Rz, Sa, Sz…) on all types of components: cases, dials, hands, casebacks. Measurements are performed without contact, preserving the integrity of the most delicate parts, including mirror-polished or satin-finished surfaces.

Dimensional Z — Heights and Flatness

Height dimension control (Z-axis) is essential to guarantee the correct assembly of movement components. Our instruments measure flatness, parallelism, thicknesses and geometric deviations on very small parts, with nanometric resolution — an indispensable capability for component validation before assembly.

Tribology — Wear and Durability

Wear resistance is a critical performance criterion in watchmaking, particularly on contact surfaces: bearings, gear teeth, escapements. Our solutions characterize surface condition before and after mechanical stress, quantify volume lost through friction, and compare the effectiveness of surface treatments or lubricants.

Assembly Quality — Flatness and Parallelism

Precise assembly is the sine qua non of correct movement operation. We measure flatness and parallelism of complex components to detect any defect liable to affect the kinematic behavior of the mechanism. These controls integrate easily into production workflows for systematic end-of-process validation.

Polishing Suitability

Before any polishing operation, knowing the relief of the surface to be treated is essential. 3D topographic surface analysis evaluates the distribution of peaks and valleys, optimizes pre-machining parameters, and predicts surface behavior under polishing tools — saving time and material for blank and screw-cutting workshops.

Laser Engraving Analysis

Laser engraving is now ubiquitous in watchmaking: markings, logos, decorations on dials and cases. The quality of these engravings — depth, width, regularity — can now be characterized objectively and quantitatively. Our instruments provide profiles and 3D topographies of engraved grooves, enabling laser settings validation and ensuring decoration reproducibility.

Defect Detection and Qualification

Machining marks, scratches, inclusions, surface treatment defects — their early detection is essential to avoid quality returns and non-conformity costs. High-resolution topographic analysis localizes, quantifies and classifies surface defects, whether from machining, polishing or handling.

Beat Measurement on Assembled Movement

Evaluating the dynamic behavior of a gear train in real operation is possible with our temporal measurement systems. Measuring the beat of a wheel through the watch crystal — without disassembly — offers an unprecedented view of the kinematic behavior of the assembled movement, for a final non-destructive and non-invasive inspection.