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quality-and-performance
QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE
Cartier watches must meet certain quality standards to ensure their precision and autonomy throughout their life.
During the development phase, the watches are tested using digital simulation models that are developed in-house, with each model taking 48 hours to calculate.
Once these tests have been validated, the Manufacture teams produce a prototype and a first series. These watches will then undergo more than 30 different tests, equivalent to 10 years of ageing. Some of the tests and equipment have been specifically designed by the Maison's specialists.
Finally, more than 100 checks are carried out through the manufacturing process of each watch, in addition to random checks during production.
During the development phase, the watches are tested using digital simulation models that are developed in-house, with each model taking 48 hours to calculate.
Once these tests have been validated, the Manufacture teams produce a prototype and a first series. These watches will then undergo more than 30 different tests, equivalent to 10 years of ageing. Some of the tests and equipment have been specifically designed by the Maison's specialists.
Finally, more than 100 checks are carried out through the manufacturing process of each watch, in addition to random checks during production.
MECHANICAL RESISTANCE
Finally, more than 100 checks are carried out through the manufacturing process of each watch, in addition to random checks during production. To simulate the daily handling that watches undergo over 10 years, thousands of manipulations are carried out: the clasp is opened and closed, the crown is pulled out, turned and pushed back in, the watch is removed and put back on the wrist, the push-pieces are pressed, etc.
Other tests are also carried out, reproducing more violent shocks that are perhaps rarer in the watch's life.
Other tests are also carried out, reproducing more violent shocks that are perhaps rarer in the watch's life.
RESISTANCE TO THE ENVIRONMENT
A Cartier watch is reliable wherever it is worn. To guarantee this reliability, longer-term tests will prove that the watch is resistant to all conditions, to all types of climate and thermal shocks.
Other tests reproduce the conditions associated with sporting activities, with synthetic sweat and UV light simulations: neither the strap nor the dial must change colour. Finally, the watch is placed for several hours in an abrasive environment to ensure that it is not damaged by dust or sand.
During each watch's assembly, the water-resistance is checked individually using a highly precise machine that detects the slightest variations in pressure in the case and by placing the watch in a tank of pressurised water under real conditions.
Other tests reproduce the conditions associated with sporting activities, with synthetic sweat and UV light simulations: neither the strap nor the dial must change colour. Finally, the watch is placed for several hours in an abrasive environment to ensure that it is not damaged by dust or sand.
During each watch's assembly, the water-resistance is checked individually using a highly precise machine that detects the slightest variations in pressure in the case and by placing the watch in a tank of pressurised water under real conditions.
CHRONOMETRY
Cartier watches are set to remain stable throughout the day.
Each movement is tested at least twice: first on its own and then when it is fitted into the watch. Each assembled watch is then checked over a period of eight days. In addition to the standard chronometry checks, the watch's stability is monitored by watching the hands' movement.
The entire movement cycle is tested to ensure it functions properly in all possible positions, thanks to a robot that simulates the random movements of the wrist.
Each movement is tested at least twice: first on its own and then when it is fitted into the watch. Each assembled watch is then checked over a period of eight days. In addition to the standard chronometry checks, the watch's stability is monitored by watching the hands' movement.
The entire movement cycle is tested to ensure it functions properly in all possible positions, thanks to a robot that simulates the random movements of the wrist.
NON-MAGNETISM
Magnetic fields can interfere with the balance of watches with mechanical movements, causing chronometric errors. To counter this, Cartier has developed a patented technology that shields the movement by protecting it from magnetic fields: it consists of a ring made of an innovative material specifically designed for this purpose and is present on all mechanical movements.
In addition to classic testing that subjects the watch to standard magnetic fields (60 Gauss), Cartier has developed an exclusive test that tests the watch's resistance to a 1500 Gauss magnet, which corresponds to the strongest magnetic intensity that can be found in everyday life (telephone/handbag).
In addition to classic testing that subjects the watch to standard magnetic fields (60 Gauss), Cartier has developed an exclusive test that tests the watch's resistance to a 1500 Gauss magnet, which corresponds to the strongest magnetic intensity that can be found in everyday life (telephone/handbag).