Our Expertise
Pre-trimming
According to our request, we receive from our suppliers washers cut to different diameter and thickness with or without a laser hole. These washers are called "pre-trimmings".
Enlargement
Enlargement involves enlarging the hole to the required diameter and polishing it. The stones are first strung on a wire to form a chain. Using diamond-based abrasive products the hole becomes cylindrical and receives the finalized edge.
Turnery
The turnery allows the stones to attain the desired outer diameter in a very precise way. A stone chain is again formed on a wire and placed on a machine. The wire then passes between two grinding wheels, one of which has diamond. This movement is carried out until the desired diameter is reached.
Carving
A recess in the top a stone allows it to hold a drop of lubricating oil during the final assembly of a watch in order to reduce friction. It is obtained thanks to diamond grinding pins which, little by little, come to carve the stone.
Domed face jewels
The domed face finish is achieved by grinding the shape of the facet using diamond tools.
This peculiarity provides a more refined aestheticism and meets the "Poinçon de Genève" criteria. In the industrial sector, this technicality is used for the manufacture of fluidic nozzles.
Olived holes
The olivage is a process in which the cylindrical shape of the hole is modified by giving it an "olive" shape, while guaranteeing a high degree of accuracy in the pivoting diameter. During this step, the stones move on a diamond-laden wire. This movement then gives them this specific shape.
An olive-shape stone reduces friction at the hole and promotes lubrication of the pivot over its entire reach. It also limits the risk of thrusting (poor alignment of the axes).
Polishing
Polishing is the ultimate step in making a stone. It consists in brushing the stones glued on the plates with diamond paste in order to thin them down to the specified thickness. This operation offers a beautiful glossy appearance to the stone, free of any grittiness and defects.
Inspection and packing
A meticulous visual inspection is carried out on all the stones. Those which do not meet the criteria are removed. The order is then packed according to the customer's request in numbered bags, thus providing a traceability of the manufacturing process.
Quality Control
In order to guarantee the quality of our products, a rigorous control is carried out during the various phases of machining and on all the manufactured series. A final check on the material, shape and dimensions is performed during packing.