Force testing of watch components and attachments

Solution

• Motorized tensile and compression testing system with advanced software control.
• Load cells are selected according to precise force measurement requirements.
• Specialised fixtures designed for accurate positioning and loading of miniature components.

Benefits

• High-precision measurement to enhance product durability and tactile quality.
• Consistent and repeatable testing across multiple component designs.
• Better confidence in the reliability of the product and its usage.

Requirement

Mechanical watches are still of high appeal despite the accuracy of time that the digital devices have; this is because of the craftsmanship and engineering. Yet, on top of aesthetics, these products need to be able to endure day-to-day wear while remaining consistently performing and quality-impressive.

To achieve this, manufacturers must validate the mechanical integrity of various watch components. Crowns and push buttons, straps and systems of fastening—all these undergo repeated functions and should be relied upon to perform effectively. Strength testing is a significant factor that will test whether such components have achieved the functional expectations as well as the brand standards.

Solution

Watch manufacturers all over the world are heavily relying on mechanical testing systems that provide reliable operation of the product in all its components. Manual tensile and compression tests can be performed to test working parts, including crowns and push-pieces, with a smooth and consistent actuation.

Pull and durability tests are done on straps that have been made out of materials such as silicone, leather, and metal in order to check whether they are strong in attachment in the long run. These assessments are consistent with the set of standards, including NFS86-604 in the case of metallic and NFS86-606 in the case of non-metallic varieties of bracelets. Bonded loops, even those that are secondary, are evaluated as having structural integrity.

In the case of specialized products such as diving watches, the tests go a notch higher as per ISO 6425 requirements. This involves force applied on crowns and control elements, and the measurement of the healthy attachment, in which case spring bars should be able to withstand 200 N in multiple directions.

The small components need to be held securely, and controlled loads need to be applied at specific positions using precision fixturing. This permits manufacturers to do standardized and even customized testing themselves, which allows full quality assurance.

Test equipment

• Software-controlled tensile and compression testing system.
• Load cells matched to application-specific force ranges.
• Custom fixtures for accurate gripping and load application on small components.

Test standards

• ISO 6425
• NF S86-604
• NF S86-606