A manufacturing route built around brittle-crystal reality
Complex sapphire parts succeed when design and process are planned together.
Sapphire is exceptionally hard, wear resistant and visually distinctive—but those same properties make it unforgiving. A beautiful CAD model can still be difficult to grind, impossible to polish inside, vulnerable around a sharp transition or expensive to inspect consistently. Our custom manufacturing process starts by reviewing the whole component as a functional part of the watch, not as an isolated shape.
Watch cases are our primary focus
Monobloc cases
One-piece sapphire case bodies developed for visual continuity, controlled movement insertion, crown access and reliable interface geometry.
Multi-part cases
Coordinated case middle, bezel, back and top-glass sets where the tolerance stack, visible alignment and assembly sequence are reviewed together.
Shaped & movement-specific cases
Round, tonneau, rectangular and free-form cases with custom cavities, lug structures and fastening features built around the complete watch architecture.
Bezels, display backs, crystals, links and special sapphire parts remain available as supporting components when they are part of a complete watch-case project.
Design-for-manufacturing review
Before quotation, we look for the features most likely to control yield, cost and lead time.
- Minimum wall thickness and local thin sections
- Internal and external corner radii
- Tool access to cavities and undercuts
- Hole diameter, depth, position and edge distance
- Datum strategy and tolerance accumulation
- Polishing access and cosmetic priority zones
- Assembly load paths and fastening method
- Packaging contact points and handling risk
Manufacturing sequence
- Engineering review: We compare the drawing, 3D model, movement envelope, mating components and visual concept.
- Material and blank planning: Material route, orientation, color, part envelope and process allowance are confirmed.
- Precision shaping: CNC and controlled material-removal processes establish the external profile, cavity, holes, steps and functional geometry.
- Staged polishing: Accessible visible surfaces are refined according to the agreed finish, while functional interfaces are protected.
- Inspection and assembly verification: Critical dimensions, appearance, edge integrity and sample fit are checked against the approved plan.
- Protective packaging: Finished components are separated and protected to avoid edge contact and abrasion during international shipment.
What to send for an accurate quotation
- 2D drawing with units, datums and tolerances
- STEP or other neutral 3D model
- Movement and mating-part information
- Target material, color and crystal orientation
- Cosmetic zones and surface-finish expectations
- Prototype quantity and expected annual volume
- Required inspection report or certificates
- Target schedule and delivery destination
Frequently asked questions
Can you work from a physical sample?
Yes. A sample can support reverse engineering, but a controlled 2D drawing is still recommended before production so dimensions and acceptance criteria are explicit.
Do you support prototypes?
Prototype feasibility depends on geometry, material availability and inspection requirements. We normally recommend validating complex structures before releasing a production batch.
Can every surface be optically polished?
No. Deep cavities, narrow slots and interrupted internal surfaces may have limited polishing access. Mark cosmetic priorities clearly so the process can be planned around the surfaces that matter most.