Witschi Training Course
Witschi Training Course
About us
• Watch service
Our know-how
For more than 60 years the Witschi Company has developed, manufactured and sold high quality instru-
mentation for the field of test and measurement technology. Right from the founding of the Company
the declared aim was to provide the watch making industry with the best possible measurement and test
equipment. This ambitious target has been consistently achieved. Now all famous enterprises are relying
on our products.
During the course of time it has been possible for us to develop ever better products which constantly
meet the challenge of the highest demands imposed and represent the yardstick for instrumentation to
cope with current market and customer needs. Thousands of satisfied customers throughout the world
give proof of that fact.
The potential of our highly qualified engineers and specialists is also a guarantee of trailblazing innova-
tion from the Witschi factory well into the future.
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Contents
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Mechanical Watches
Mechanical Watches
Testing Methods
Operating the Chronoscope S1 (G2)
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Mechanical Watches Basic Know-How
The first noise occurs when the impulse-pin of the roll strikes the fork of the pallets. This noise is tem-
porally very precise and is therefore used for the graph recording and for calculation of the rate deviation
and the beat error (repère).
A second noise is created when a tooth of the escape-wheel meets the pulse area of a pallet stone and
the pallet fork touches the impulse-pin.
This very irregular noise can not be used for an evaluation.
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Mechanical Watches Basic Know-How
The third and most powerful noise is created when a tooth of the escape-wheel meets the locking-
plane of the pallet-stone and the lever hits the banking-pin. This noise is evaluated for the calculation of
the amplitude.
The chart shows not only the rate deviation, but also other temporal irregularities in the beats, such as
beat error (repère), defective teeth of the escape-wheel etc.
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Mechanical Watches Basic Know-How
Rate Deviation
To calculate the rate deviation the differences between the measured period and the nominal value are
each averaged over the set measuring time, converted in s/24h and displayed on the screen.
t1 t2
Beat error =
2
Lift Angle
Functional principle Amplitude-Lift Angle
The angular velocity of the oscillating system (balance wheel with hair spring)
passes through the zero point is dependent on its amplitude. The speed is deter-
mined by the elapsed time between the trigger signal and the event of the escape-
ment. This period is called lift time of the balance wheel and the means of the bal-
ance wheel during this period traversed angle, Lift Angle.
While passing through this angle, the impulse-pin (ellipse) remains in contact with
the pallet fork. For the most of the standard watch movements the lift angle is
about 51°.
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Mechanical Watches Basic Know-How
Amplitude
The amplitude is the angle from the equilibrium (idle position of the balance wheel) up to the maximum
distance (turning point). The amplitude values of today’s popular wristwatches are located at about
260° - 310°. With increasing aging of the oils, this value decreases gradually.
To calculate the amplitude, the time between the first pulse and the third pulse of the beat noise is
measured.
Between these two pulses, the balance wheel rotates a certain angle. This so-called lift angle is deter-
mined by the construction of the movement and is entered as a parameter. The larger the amplitude of
the balance wheel, the greater is the speed with which it goes through these lift angle and the shorter is
the time it needs to traverse this angle.
The amplitude can therefore be calculated from the time between the first and the third pulses in the
beat noise, taking into account the beat number and the lift angle.
Remark
All Witschi testing devices are equipped with special, selectable test modes. These allow an accurate
amplitude measurement of watches with special escapements such as coaxial, AP etc.
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Mechanical Watches Basic Know-How
Oscillation
The oscillation of the balance wheel is the way from
a turning point to another, and back (A - B - A).
Vibration
Half an oscillation of the balance wheel is called
the vibration (A - B).
A/h
F=
2 * 3600
F Frequency (Hz)
A/h Number of vibrations per hour
►
Some examples:
18’000 A/h ► 2.5 Hz
21’600 A/h 3 Hz
28’800 A/h 4 Hz
36’000 A/h 5 Hz
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Mechanical Watches Main Components
Winding shaft/
crown
Furnishes the mechanical driving
energy needed for the watch’s func-
Main spring/barrel tion. Power reserve: approximately
48hours. Special watches up to
8 days.
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Mechanical Watches Measuring Signals
All rate measurements and analysis of mechanical watches are based on the acoustical signal
generated by the escapement (beat noises)
The beat noises, computed by the Chronoscope S1, supplies following results and diagrams:
Rate measurement
To calculate the rate deviation the differences between the
measured period and the nominal value are each averaged
over the set measuring time, converted in s/24h and displayed
on the screen. The traced diagram indicates the technical state
of the watch and its fault, if any.
Amplitude measurement
The amplitude is the angle from the equilibrium (rest of the
balance wheel) up to the maximum distance (turning point).
The amplitude values of today’s popular wristwatch are about
260 ° - 310 °.
Beat noise
The escapement noise gives informations about miscellaneous
fault sources in the regulating parts (balance wheel/balance
spring) etc.
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Mechanical Watches Chronoscope S1
LCD Screen The screen with 240 x 128 pixel displays complete information, i.e.
real time clock with date, parameter settings, system settings, di-
agrams, results, statistics, beat noises, calibration etc.
Four different display modes are selectable:
Cont Continuous diagram recording of the beat noise.
Vario Rate and amplitude stability check over a longer time
range, up to 100 hours.
Scope Graphic display of the beat noises with adjustable
time interval: 20, 200 and 400 ms.
Seq Only with the optional Micromat S for automatic
measuring cycle with 3 to 6 test positions.
Rotary Knob Rotary knob for selecting measuring functions and setting up pa-
rameters. It has a twofold function: functions or parameters are
selected by rotating the knob and activated by pressing it.
print Key for printing out the numerical test results or: graphic printout
of the screen content (print screen).
start/stop Key for starting and stopping a measurement.
signal LED showing the signal level.
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Mechanical Watches Chronoscope S1
Parameter Setting
For more details please consult the instruction manual Chronoscope S1.
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Mechanical Watches Analysis
Amplification adjustment of the equipment:
2 is standard adjustment. If the chart appearance is
disturbed, the signal amplification can be reduced
or increased by means of the rotary knob.
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Mechanical Watches Analysis
Balance wheel “knocks” occasionally. The cause
is a too high amplitude (<330°). Audibly in the
loudspeaker as double “tic-tac”.
Action: replace mainspring, pallet-stone
and/or escape-wheel.
Balance wheel “knocks” continuously. The cause
is a too high amplitude (<330°). Audibly in the
loudspeaker as double “tic-tac”.
Action: replace mainspring, pallet-stone
and/or escape-wheel.
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Mechanical Watches Analysis
Unlocking to strong
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Mechanical Watches Analysis
Additional friction
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Mechanical Watches Analysis
Weak amplitude
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Mechanical Watches Analysis
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Quartz Watches
Quartz Watches
Testing Methods
Operating the Analyzer Q1
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Quartz Watches Basic Know-How
Battery
Assembly of a Silver Oxide Cell Zn/Ag2O (cutaway).
1 Can
2 Cathode (Ag2O)
3 Support ring
4 Separator
5 Gasket
6 Electrolyte (NaOH / Sodium or KOH / Potassium)
7 Anode material (Zn)
8 Anode cap
Example
Capacity = 175 mAh
Example
Typical temperature effect of small-sized
silver oxide batteries.
Nominal Capacity in mAh (100%)
minus 7-8% after 10 years at 0°C / 32°F
minus 15% after 7 years at 20°C / 68°F
minus 30% after 4 years at 40°C / 104
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Quartz Watches Basic Know-How
Efficiency (voltage drop)
Low Drain Battery with
NaOH (Sodium) Electrolyte.
NaOh KOH
High Drain Battery with
KOH (Potassium) Electrolyte.
Quartz
Construction
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Quartz Watches Basic Know-How
Technical Features
Turnover Temperature
25°C / 77°F
0.00 s/d
Frequency response to the temperature
-0.32
s/d If the watch is worn on the arm, the
temperature inside the watch is about
-0.73 s/d 28°C / 82.5°F.
Conclusion
If the quartz frequency can be adjusted by
-1.00 s/d the out dated systems with trimmer, the rate
at room temperature should be set to about
+ 0.15 s/d.
-1.32 s/d
5°C 15°C 25°C 35°C 45°C
41°F 59°F 77°F 95°F 113°F
Trimmer system
The oscillator frequency is adjustable by
trimmer. Rate measurements through the
oscillator frequency or through the motor
pulses show the same result (out dated
system).
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Quartz Watches Basic Know-How
Programming systems:
EEPROM - Re-programmable.
OTP - One time programmable.
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Quartz Watches Basic Know-How
Step Motor
IC without adaptive motor pulses
The step motor is driven by bi-polar pulses
with constant pulse width. The pulses are
not chopped (no asservissement).
IC type which is mainly used for low cost
quartz watch movements.
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Quartz Watches Basic Know-How
IC with chopped motor pulses
The step motor is driven by bi-polar pulses
with adaptive motor pulses (asservisse-
ment). The two way controlled power man-
agement is adapting continuously the chop-
ping rate.
It reduces the energy consumption for the
mechanical drive. Thus, the battery life can
be extended.
IC type which is mainly used for high quality
quartz watch movements.
Detection phase.
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Quartz Watches Basic Know-How
Drive level:
56.25%
62.50%
68.25%
75.00%
81.25%
100%
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Quartz Watches Main Components
Battery The energy storage device
Gear train / hand train Moves the hands, the calendar and
other mechanical functions.
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Quartz Watches Measuring Signals
All rate measurements of quartz watches are based on the acquisition of following signals:
A
Adjustment of the quartz oscillator frequency with a trim-
mer (out dated) or a capacitor (fix cap).
The real rate measurement can occur over the quartz frequen-
cy or magnetically over the motor pulse.
B
The quartz oscillator frequency is not compensated (no trim-
mer). The frequency divider suppresses a programmable
number of pulses of the quartz oscillation during an inhibi-
tion period, i.e. they are not forwarded to the next divider
stage. The usual inhibited periods are 60s (for some IC’s
20s, 30s or every 2, 4 and 8 minutes for precision watches).
The measurement time must be an inhibtion period
or a multiple thereof.
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Quartz Watches Analyzer Q1/Twin
signal sensor Signal transducer for capacitive, magnetic and acoustic signals.
Rotary knob for selecting measuring functions and setting up parameters.
It has a twofold function: functions, parameters or information are selected by
rotating the knob and activated by pressing it.
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Quartz Watches Analyzer Q1/Twin
LED’s
step. motor Signal level of the motor pulses, signal acquisition magnetic or through the
supply current.
LCD display Signal level of the LCD signal (capacitive).
quartz 32kHz Level of the 32kHz quartz signal: acoustic, capacitive or through the supply
current.
mechanical Signal level of the watch noise (acoustic).
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Quartz Watches Analyzer Q1/Twin
Display Panel
The display panel, which can be tilted to the best viewing angle, is equipped with a back lighted 1/4
VGA LCD graphic screen (320 x 240 dots).
The display is divided into several fields:
• The right hand bar contains the symbols for the miscellaneous measurement functions. The selected
function has a white background and is indicated by a white arrow.
• The parameters and information belonging to the selected function are displayed on the lower hori-
zontal bar and can be selected there. The selected parameter has a white background and blinks.
• The current numerical and graphic results are displayed on a white background in the result field.
This field also contains information or parameter depending on the selected function.
• An information line under the result field contains information on the current measurement.
For more details please consult the instruction manual Analyzer Q1/Twin.
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Quartz Watches Operating Analyzer Q1/Twin
Test is OK if:
Test is OK if:
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Quartz Watches Operating Analyzer Q1/Twin
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Quartz Watches Operating Analyzer Q1/Twin
-B
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Quartz Watches Operating Analyzer Q1/Twin
Buzzer Test
The device provides a bipolar test signal with adjustable voltage and a fixed frequency of 2 kHz.
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Quartz Watches Operating Analyzer Q1/Twin
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Quartz Watches Operating Analyzer Q1/Twin
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Tightness Test
Tightness Test
Testing Methods
Operating the Proofmaster S
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Tightness Tests Standards
ISO 6425
Watches labeled as “Diving Watches“ must be tested in accordance with this standard.
ISO 22810
Watches labeled as “Water Resistant“ must be tested in accordance with this standard.
The label on wristwatches which meet the requirements of this standard must only contain a single
expression per language:
in German: Wasserdicht in French: Etanche in English: Water Resistant
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Tightness Tests Precautions
Precautions in use
To safeguard the characteristics of the watch for an extended period, knowing that water resistance is
not a definitive and acquired characteristic, the user is advised to:
• arrange for the water resistance of the watch to be checked by an expert, following the manufactur-
er’s recommendations and in every case the watch has been opened. In this case, it is recommended
to perform the air pressure test,
• make sure on purchasing that the bracelet is suitable for the intended use,
• avoid exposing the watch to excessively sudden temperature variations,
• preserve the watch against falls and shocks (arrange for the water resistance to be checked after
every violent shock),
• refrain from using the control elements, push-pieces or time-setting crown under water and outside
water when the watch is not dry,
• replace securely and screw on (if applicable) the time-setting crown and the push-pieces after every
operation,
• rinse the watch in fresh after use in sea water.
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Tightness Tests Test Methods
Test Methods
Three main methods are used for the tightness test in watch manufacturing and after sales service.
Condensation test
The Watch is first tested under pressure in water, then
brought to a temperature of 40°C to 45°C on a heating
plate for approximately 30 minutes.
Then a water drop (18°C - 25°C) is dumped down onto
the watch glass.
If the watch is leaky, water condensates on the inner
surface of the glass.
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Tightness Tests Faulty water resistance
The stress on the parts is very different according to whether the test is performed under excess pressure
or partial vacuum.
Vacuum test
The watch is deformed slightly outwards,
respectively components resist to the Main reasons / faulty water test
de-pressure by their own maintenance
force. • None conforme seals, e.g. to thin
(crown / bottom / glass).
• Sworth assembled glasses or seals
for crowns, bottoms and battery
container.
• Worse tube for crown.
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Tightness Tests Test Methods
Pressure curve
Watch deformation
Watch deformation
Vacuum curve
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Tightness Tests Test Methods
Methods Desrciption
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Tightness Tests Proofmaster S
print Button for printing the measurement log or transferring test results to a PC.
escape Button to stop a running test or:
- back to the program P1 Safe Test
- back to the main menu, if you edit a program.
select Cursor button. Selects a test program or changes a selected parameter by
pressing the button up or down.
Pressing the button to the left or right selects a parameter in the program-
ming mode, and the Leakfinder program in test and result mode.
enter Pressing the cursor button vertically confirms the selection and conitues to the
next input step.
LED signal Glows yellow as soon as the sensor has been correctly lowerde onto the
watch.
LED I Test 1 good (green), poor (red).
LED II Test 2 good (green), poor (red).
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Tightness Tests Operating Proofmaster S
Witschi’s Proofmaster S has been designed to be a very accurate and professional test instrument. The
multi-adjustable parameters make it possible, that almost all available watches can be tested. It provides
18 different test programs, such as:
- 8 predefined programs whose fixed parameters are optimised for different watch types.
- 10 customer-specific programs. The parameters can be adapted in accordance to the requirements.
The predifiend and customer-specific test programs can be selected by pressing the cursor button up or
down.
Below is an example - Editing a test program. Easy to handle with the Cursor Button.
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Tightness Tests Operating Proofmaster S
Leak Finder
The special Leak Finder Program opens a new dimension for the localisation of watch leakages in
water. Watches with or without bracelet can be tested.
Caution!
Remove the watch from the water if the formation of bub-
bles slows down in the case of a bigger leak. Water might
penetrate into the watch if the excess pressure in the
watch has entirely vanished.
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Tightness Tests Operating Proofmaster S
Preset Programs
Below the table of the 8 preset programs, that can not be modified. The pre-set universal programs are
optimised for different types of watches.
P1 - Safe Test This program can be used with all types of water-resistant watches with-
Test 1 - 0.2 bar out risk of damages.
Test 2 + 2.0 bar This programme gives unreliable results with hard watches.
P2 - Men Standard
Test 1 - 0.4 bar Standard program for gent’s watches, plastic or metal.
Test 2 + 3.0 bar
P3 - Ladies
Test 1 - 0.4 bar Program for small watches (lady’s watches).
Test 2 + 2.0 bar
P4 - Hard Case
Test 1 - 0.7 bar Program for hard, stable watches with ceramic case and mineral glass
Test 2 + 3.0 bar
P5 - Jewelery
Test 1 - 0.2 bar Program for jewellery watches and other watches with less stable cases.
Test 2 + 1.0 bar
P6 - Diver 100m
Test 1 - 0.7 bar Test for divers watches that are specified for at least 100m water depth.
Test 2 + 10.0 bar
P8 - Two pressures
Test 1 + 0.5 bar Double pressure test with one low pressure and a higher pressure. For
Test 2 + 3.0 bar watches that should not be vacuum tested.
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Program Size Vacuum Pressure Stabilisation Measuring Tolerance -% Watch case
Dial diameter (bar) (bar) time time resilience
C1 Big size standard > 40mm -0.4 +3.0 to +5.0 Auts Auts -0.5% Standard
C2 Big size diver > 40mm -0.6 to -0.7 +10.0 Auts Auts -0.5% Standard
Tightness Tests
C3 Big size hard > 40 mm -0.5 to -0.6 +3.0 to +5.0 Auts Auts -0.5% Hard
C4 Gents standard 20 - 40mm -0.4 +3.0 to +5.0 Auts Auts -1.0% Standard
C5 Gents diver 20 - 40mm -0.6 to -0.7 +10.0 Auts Auts -1.0% Standard
Customer-Specific Programs
C6 Gents hard 20 - 40 mm -0.5 to -0.6 +3.0 to +5.0 Auts Auts -1.0% Hard
C7 Ladies standard < 20mm -0.4 +3.0 to +5.0 Auts Auts -1.0% to -2.0% Standard
C8 Ladies diver < 20mm -0.6 to -0.7 +10.0 Auts Auts -1.0% to -2.0% Standard
C9 Ladies hard < 20mm -0.5 to -0.6 +3.0 to +5.0 Auts Auts -1.0% to -2.0% Hard
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C10 Gents soft 20-40 mm -0.4 +2.0 to +3.0 Auts Auts -1.0% Soft
Flat Gents soft 20 – 40mm -0.4 +1.0 to +2.0 Auts Auts -1.0% Soft
Ladies soft < 20mm -0.4 +2.0 to +3.0 Auts Auts -1.5% to -2.0% Soft
Too high pressure or vacuum may damage the watch being tested.
Refer to manufacturer’s specification.
Operating Proofmaster S
Watch case:
Standard for normal and robust watches with metal case
Hard for watches with hard case (hard metal, ceramics) and for diver watches.
Soft for plastic cases and thin metal cases
The customer-specific programs C01 to C10 can be adapted according to your the needs, to take into
account the specific characteristics of different watches. Some examples are specified in following table.
Tightness Test
The table contains the internal (vacuum) and external (pressure) force in Kilograms, which acts on
the glass and bottom of the watch case.
Force = P x 1.02 x r2 X 3.1416
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Measuring Tips
Witschi’s
Measuring Tips
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Witschi’s Measuring Tips Mechanical watches
Wind up the watch by turning The measured rate values become stable.
10-15x the crown. Before testing A regular diagram tracing is displayed.
the watch should run for
approximately 20 minutes.
Check that the hands are The date changing may momentary
not in the position just influence and falsify the measurement
before midnight (date changing) of the rate accuracy.
Push Crown to “O” (inside) position. Movement may stop in pulled position.
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Witschi’s Measuring Tips Quartz Watches
Visual inspection of the watch movement Remove any impurity, metal particles etc.
regarding cleanness, in particular the Those may block the gear train or the
rotor and the mechanical parts. step motor.
Check the battery voltage. The battery tests should occur with a
Nominal and voltage under suitable tester.
load must correspond to Tests with an ordinary multimeter are not
manufacturers specification. reliable and not recommended.
Clean the battery contacts, Running out acids and salt crystals can
especially the -contact and oxidice and destroy the contacts and
the battery emplacement. other parts.
Test time and date (quick date) When the hand setting shaft is pulled,
setting, the reset function as well the power saving function is activated
as the different crown positions. (motor pulses are disabled). Almost all
watches are provided with the reset
function.
Check the hands setting
in watches’ dial down The upper hand may touch the glass, or a
position. hand can affect another hand.
Place the watch on the sensor and If no signal is detected means that one
check if the signal of the quartz of the moduls’ component is defective
oscillator and/or motor pulses are (IC, quartz, etc.).
present.
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Witschi’s Measuring Tips Tightness Test
Visual inspection of the watch case, Watches with a cracked glass should not
glass, crown, pushers, gasket seals etc. be tested - a breakup of the glass may
on damage and dirt. damage hands and dial.
Remove any adhesive label/protection Embedded air in labels falsifies the test
from the watches’ glass and/or bottom. results.
If the test result is negative, it is recommended to perform Before starting a re-test we recommend
a second test. But not immediately after the first test to pull and to rotate a few turns the
cycle. It may take up to 30 minutes or more until the case is crown, then push it back.
re-stabilised after it has been deformed.
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