CNC Machining for Watchmaking Precision

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  • Source:VeloMach



The world of horology is synonymous with uncompromising precision, intricate artistry, and flawless surface finishes. For watchmakers, every component—from the smallest gear to the most complex case—must meet microscopic tolerances to ensure longevity, accuracy, and aesthetic perfection. This relentless pursuit of excellence is why advanced CNC machining has become an indispensable technology in modern watchmaking, and it is this same standard that we apply to every project for our clients across diverse industries.


cnc machining center
At the heart of this capability is multiaxis CNC machining. While traditional machining operates on three linear axes, modern 5axis CNC systems allow for simultaneous movement, enabling the creation of highly complex, organic geometries in a single setup. This is crucial for manufacturing components like sapphire crystal bezels, intricately designed crowns, and skeletonized watch movements with undercuts and internal channels that would be impossible with conventional methods. The result is not just complex shapes, but also impeccable dimensional stability and repeatability across production runs.

Material selection is another critical pillar. The watch industry utilizes everything from 316L stainless steel and titanium to exotic alloys like bronze and even technical ceramics. Our expertise encompasses machining these challenging materials, understanding their unique properties—such as workhardening tendencies in stainless steel or the extreme brittleness of ceramics. Using stateoftheart tooling and optimized cutting parameters, we achieve burrfree edges and mirrorlike surface finishes that often require minimal postprocessing, saving time and cost.

Furthermore, the integration of CNC milling with Swisstype lathe turning provides a complete solution for watch components. Swisstype lathes are exceptionally proficient at producing small, highprecision pinions, screws, and axles with diameters often less than 1mm, holding tolerances as tight as ±0.005mm. This hybrid manufacturing approach ensures that every part of an assembly, from the largest case to the tiniest pin, is produced with the same watchmakinggrade accuracy.

Our commitment extends beyond watch parts. We bring this philosophy of "watchmaking precision" to all our clients in aerospace, medical technology, and electronics. By leveraging our deep understanding of microtolerances, superior surface quality, and complex geometries, we provide a trusted, onestop manufacturing solution. Partnering with us means your components are crafted with an attention to detail worthy of a luxury timepiece, ensuring superior performance and reliability for your most demanding applications.