Founded in 1952 by Albert Matthey, Matthey Décolletages SA is a family business based in La Chaux-de-Fonds and specialises in the manufacture of components for the high-end watchmaking industry. Initially focused on the production of casing rings, the company has expanded to offer a wide range of parts, including bezels, highlights and micro-components.
Part 1: The challenges for Matthey Décolletage
The successive managers of Matthey Décolletages have always been ahead of their time. The bothers Willy and Michel Matthey introduced innovative machinery and automated production processes. In the 1980s, Philippe Matthey, the founder’s grandson, continued this modernisation by introducing numerical controls and investing in state-of-the-art equipment, thereby consolidating the company’s position in the watchmaking industry.
In 2020, Didier Mathieu and David Parent took over the management of the company after 16 years of experience. Building on their expertise, they continue to develop the company by strengthening its technical, industrial and quality positioning. This dynamic development is in line with the constant desire for precision and innovation, fundamental values of Matthey Décolletages.
Faced with the challenges of researching and developing new, ever more complex microcomponents, the managers decided to seek the support of several specialist companies to further optimise their machining process.
Part 2: The DC SWISS solution
Recognised as a specialist in top-of-the-range threading solutions and with several years’ expertise in the watchmaking industry, DC SWISS, which has its own R&D department and the capacity to develop specific tools, was the partner to contact for the managers of Matthey Décolletages to meet the consistency challenges when machining threads.
As a result, DC SWISS SA has become a key partner in the supply of production and quality control tools adapted to the strict standards of the watchmaking industry.
A few figures
– A range of more than 5,000 threading tools for the watchmaking industry
– A range of more than 500 thread gauges meeting the NIHS 06-12 standard
– More than 300 solid carbide threading tools produced per day
– 1 SCS laboratory for the accreditation of any thread gauge under 2.74mm
– 1 new special tool developed every day
– More than 100 satisfied customers in the watchmaking industry
The results
Thanks to its collaboration with DC SWISS, Matthey Décolletages has maintained its reputation for excellence and reliability in the watchmaking industry. The tools supplied by DC SWISS enable the company to meet the most stringent requirements in terms of tolerances and performance. With tangible results such as tapping tools that have achieved more than 45,000 tapping cycles, Matthey Décolletages continues to exceed its customers’ expectations and consolidates its position as a trusted technical partner for the most prestigious watch brands.
"The growing demands of our customers and the choice of increasingly technical materials have led us to take up new machining challenges, to avoid tool breakage and guarantee optimum precision. Thanks to the tools developed by DC SWISS, adapted to the specific constraints of the watchmaking industry, we have been able to optimise our manufacturing processes and maintain an impeccable level of quality. This collaboration enables us to meet the highest expectations of our partners and perpetuate our commitment to excellence. "
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