Boucledor comes up with buckles and clasps

Active in the design and manufacture of buckles and clasps for prestige watches, Boucledor, with its wealth of experience, can satisfy the most demanding requirements.

Founded in 1965 in Geneva, Boucledor came into being following the demerger of the "Les Ateliers Réunis" group into two separate entities. Over the years, timepieces evolved and so too did their bracelets. The firm therefore adapted to market requirements. In 1988, it developed its offer to clients to include folding clasps in addition to simple pin buckles. The initiative met with success, and a few years later the firm moved to Meyrin to take advantage of larger premises. It also set up a Design & Development department to secure complete control of the design process, from the creation of new products to their delivery. In 2000, it extended its business to a second site close to its head office. In 2010, following a decision to increase production capacity, plans for a new construction were put on the drawing board. The two sites were brought under one roof a year later, in Meyrin. In 2014, the firm was acquired by the SwissTech Watch Components (STWC) group. Today, Boucledor operates from a brand new site of around 5,000 square metres in which all its activities are based.

To meet the most demanding requirements, Boucledor today offers to accompany its clients in the creation and design of highly complex products in a range of materials, including gold, platinum, palladium, steel and titanium. To this end, the firm boasts a cutting-edge technical department where engineers and designers are on hand to tackle even the most complex requests. The production engineering department then takes over and prepares the different manufacturing sequences.

Stamping
The shaping of different parts that make up the bracelet fastener begins, for most projects, with stamping. This operation produces complex and innovatively shaped components and also allows for personalisation of the product with the integration of a logo. The tools required for this process are 100% designed and manufactured in-house and can be used on various types of materials. This expertise allows clients therefore to offer buckles and clasps in different materials based on the same design. Stamping is the production process par excellence in terms of "cost" and allows small and medium-sized production runs to be delivered on a repetitive basis with extremely short lead times.

Machining
The firm has an inventory of modern high-performance machines equipped with 4 and 5-axis numerical machining centres assigned to the production of components from bars, as well as machines specially developed for specific production requirements. This high-level technological equipment guarantees consistent quality and optimal flexibility.

Polishing
This is an important and difficult stage in finishing a product. The polisher’s experience and dexterity are key factors in achieving an optimal result. In addition to this manual work and in the quest for regularity and consistency in terms of quality and visual appearance, Boucledor has developed polishing processes which use automatic machines. The expertise here lies in the ability to master the complex programming required by these machines.

Other finishing operations are also carried out, such as brightening, sanding and satin-finishing.

Assembly and inspection
These are the final stages, where controls of dimensions, functions and visual appearance upstream reap their reward in terms of high-quality assemblies. Modern and efficient methods, as well as the experienced eye of specialist personnel, mean that perfect functionality can be adjusted and guaranteed for each variety of products.

Certifications
Spurred on by the search for perfection and transparency, Boucledor has acquired ISO 9001 certification. It has also put in place an internal quality charter (CSQ - Certified Swiss Quality) which guarantees to clients a high level of excellence in all phases, from design to the delivery of products.

Strength and commitment
Buoyed by these certifications, Boucledor guarantees a very high level of performance. At every stage in the process, while maintaining irreproachable quality, it does everything possible to ensure a level of service that meets or even exceeds its clients’ expectations. Responsive at all times, it proposes innovative solutions, particularly in the design of new clasp mechanisms.

SwissTech Watch Components
Established by two Swiss partners and based in Lausanne, SwissTech Watch Components (STWC) acquired Boucledor in 2014. The group plans to acquire several Swiss SMEs active in subcontracting, and more precisely in the design and production of watch components intended to equip high-end watches. Its aim is to create an industrial platform which is innovative and independent, offering complementary high-quality products. Innovation, competitiveness and reliability are its watchwords.

May 26, 2016