TAG Heuer: precision with increased productivity

• Delivery of a state-of-the-art testing solution in record time.
• Access to Zühlke’s cross-domain expertise in optics, electronics, and mechanics.
• Best-in-class measurement stability and accuracy across all key parameters. 

TAG Heuer demands the highest accuracy and quality at every stage of production. The running precision of each movement is checked several times to verify key performance indicators, including: 

• Frequency (± 0.1 s/day): which directly affects the precision of time measurement.
• Vibration amplitude (± 1°): a benchmark of assembly quality affecting both power reserve and long-term accuracy. 

With rising production volumes, existing measurement systems failed to deliver, with results becoming inaccurate and unreliable. TAG Heuer needed to preserve Swiss-level precision while achieving higher throughput, prompting Zühlke to develop a quick, reliable and high-performance testing solution. 

Zühlke devised an entirely new measuring method and developed a bespoke testing system that significantly exceeded expectations for both reliability and precision. Working closely with specialist partners, Zühlke implemented the testing system successfully. 

In a joint workshop with TAG Heuer and two other partners, Zühlke engineers documented the complex correlations affecting movement accuracy and established the measurement system’s requirements, strategic priorities and interfaces. 

Zühlke’s optics experts examined the optical properties of the balance and identified a state-of-the-art sensor that, combined with a sophisticated algorithm developed specifically for this application, enabled precise measurement of frequency and vibration amplitude. This integrated approach produced a robust, future-ready testing system for TAG Heuer’s production needs.