uniqueManufacture

The specialists of the Raketa Watch Factory have an incredibly high level of watchmaking know-how. Reliable and well-maintained machines ensure a high level of quality of the manufacturing process. The Raketa watch factory continues to use traditional production machines operated by men and women (as opposed to computer softwares) who therefore transmit a little of their passion into each part they produce.

In the design office, a team of engineers and technologists develops drawings of parts, combining classical watchmaking principles with modern technologies. Using CAD systems and 3D modeling, specialists improve the kinematics of the movement, select the highest quality materials and check the durability of the movements. Each part undergoes multiple checks before the final version is approved.

The tool section is the heart of our production. Unique equipment is created and maintained here: from high-precision machines to specialized tooling, including molding forms. Particular attention is paid to casting molds, where surface smoothness is critical. Using hard alloys and diamond cutters, specialists ensure the highest quality of processing, right down to a mirror shine.

The stamping section is equipped with hydraulic and mechanical presses capable of cutting out bridge and plate blanks with an accuracy of up to 5 microns. After cutting out, the blanks undergo further processing on coordinate stamps, where the part acquires the exact final dimensions of the holes and their coordinates. To minimize production waste, modern software is used to optimize the cutting of metal strips.

The turning section uses Swiss automatic lathes capable of processing parts with a diameter of 0.3 mm and more with a positioning accuracy of 1 micron. Balance axes, pinions and other blanks of parts that require high precision of blank manufacturing and surface purity are produced here. Diamond and CBN cutters are used to work with various materials, from brass to special alloys. Each batch of parts undergoes constant random inspection on indicators and quality control devices for size and shape.

The gear milling section is equipped with specialized machines with electronic control, allowing the production of wheels with teeth having a module of 0.1 mm. The process of cutting teeth is controlled by specialists of the quality control department, which eliminates defects during processing. Finished gear wheels are checked on special devices that control the size of the wheel, the shape of the teeth, the runout of the gear rim and the appearance.

A multi-stage system for washing parts includes washing in ultrasonic baths using biodegradable solutions, rinsing in several glasses with distilled water and pure alcohol, drying in special ovens that provide the required temperature and clean air in the oven (absence of dust particles, etc.). For different materials (steel, brass, precious metals), individual cleaning compounds are selected to ensure surface cleanliness and protection against corrosion. The purity of the wash is controlled by checking each washed batch of parts under a microscope.

The tumbling process is designed to produce various types of surfaces – from a matte surface to a mirror shine. Ceramic, plastic and steel chips, balls, triangles, etc. with the required degree of abrasiveness are used. For delicate parts, vibration tumbling with reduced load is used. Tumbling control is also performed on microscopes of each batch that has undergone this operation.

For smooth and correct operation of axles and pinions in the mechanism's stone bearings, their journals must have a surface smooth to a "mirror shine". Polishing of these journals is performed using diamond pastes with a grain size of up to 0.25 µm. The process is performed on special machines. Machine adjustment for each specific part is performed only by the most experienced adjusters. Surface quality control is performed using electron microscopes, which allow detection of micro-scratches, nicks or chips with a depth of less than 0.05 µm.

Plate and bridge production is carried out on multi-operation machining centers that perform milling, drilling, and thread cutting in a single part setup. To ensure perfect flatness, finishing is performed on cast iron laps with diamond paste. Critical holes for stones and axles are machined with a positioning accuracy of ±2 microns.

In a watch movement, the most durable "union" of parts is the stone-metal connection. Stones are made of synthetic ruby and have various shapes and purposes. These are parts that require precise manufacturing and assembly, since the operation of all units in the movement depends on their quality. The accuracy of stone manufacturing reaches 0.003 mm. Pins in watches are used to position parts relative to each other. The more accurately a pin is manufactured and pressed into a part, the more accurately the next part will fit on these pins.

The heat treatment section of parts is equipped with vacuum furnaces with computer-controlled temperature modes, allowing for hardening in an oxygen-free environment, eliminating oxidation of the surface of parts. Individual heat treatment modes are used for different parts: hardening, low-temperature tempering, carburizing, etc. Hardness control is carried out on a special device according to the Rockwell and Vickers scales with statistics for each batch.

Surface decoration of parts is a large component of watch movement production. The decoration includes different types of processing: from sandblasting, which creates a matte surface, to applying decorative strokes of different shapes and depths, creating waves and circles. Or an engraved pattern is applied. Coatings with other metals (gilding), application of nanoceramic coatings of different colors and printing of patterns are also used. Ultimately, the part has a very noble appearance.

Balance springs are made of a special alloy. The alloy composition was specially developed so that it is not affected by the environment and the product made from it does not change its size, chemical and physical properties in any interactions with the environments in which they work. The thickness of the tape is thinner than a human hair, which is why the spiral is called a "hair". When making a hair, the wire from which it is made undergoes a large number of operations and checks using various precision equipment.

The quality control department is equipped with high-precision measuring devices, including electronic projectors with the ability to measure micron deviations in dimensions and coordinates. Each part is checked for compliance with drawings with tolerances equal to microns, and finished units are also checked on various devices for assembly quality. The multi-stage control system ensures that only parts that meet the requirements are sent to further stages of production.

Movements are assembled in clean rooms of class ISO 7 with controlled microclimate. Special microscopes with magnification up to 50x and tools made of antimagnetic alloys are used. Each assembly stage is accompanied by careful testing and adjustment of the mechanism units - from checking the smooth running of the wheels and their backlash to testing the operation of the entire movement for accurate daily rate and power reserve. Lubrication is performed with environmentally neutral synthetic oils with precise dosage and optimal viscosity for each unit.

The finished watch undergoes 21-day tests in four positions with daily accuracy control. Electronic chronometers are used, analyzing the balance amplitude and isochronism with an accuracy of up to -1/+5 sec/day. The tightness is checked in pressure chambers with a pressure difference. Only after this the model goes on sale.