Watch case tests

The reliability of a watch case, particularly its water resistance and its wear and corrosion resistance, is the result of its design, as well as the choice of materials and surface treatments. Specific tests are applied to detect any weaknesses:

• Watch case ageing cycles: combination of mechanical, climatic and corrosion stresses
• Measuring the extraction force of crystals, bezels, case-backs and stem tubes
• Measuring the torques and forces of watch external functions: crown, push-pieces, correctors, rotating bezel, screw-down or clip-on case-back, unscrewing torque of external screws…
• Dimensional inspection and determination of compression ratio of gaskets
• Characterising gaskets: IRHD hardness, permanent stress deformation test, resistance to lubricants, cleaning agents and ozone, tensile tests…