Customer testimonial – IWC Schaffhausen

When a supplier is seen as a true development partner.

Major watch manufacturers must be able to rely on trustworthy suppliers to develop outstanding products. The long-standing collaboration between IWC Schaffhausen and Lecureux in Biel is a perfect example of a successful partnership. Interview with Jonathan Goerke, Head of Industrialization for Watch Movements & Watches at the Schaffhausen manufacture.

Lecureux, based in Biel, is a manufacturer of precision tools that has acquired extensive technical expertise thanks to 60 years of experience in the market. The company's best-selling product is the screwdriver, but it has expanded its offerings to various areas of assembly and automation. "IWC's industrialization department is constantly striving to provide our colleagues in the assembly departments with the best possible technical solutions, and Lecureux offers us cutting-edge technologies in this regard," confirms Jonathan Goerke.

The advantages from IWC's point of view.

Lecureux screwdrivers are the standard in many watchmaking companies and offer a number of advantages that set them apart from the competition. Jonathan Goerke explains some of them. “First, flexibility: thanks to screwdrivers with different sizes and torques, we can use a single screwdriver throughout the entire assembly line.”

Secondly, the various control units, such as the E-Screw, allow us to measure torque at any time, with a display of the force curve and friction measurements.

This device shows us whether these curves are correct or not, so that we can adapt the Lecureux screwdrivers we have installed to our needs or those of others.

Thirdly, the screwdrivers can be used multiple times in the various control units. Another advantage is that by tightening the screws with manual torque screwdrivers, we can check and ensure the correct torque. Finally, the range of accessories, such as screw guards, is an ideal complement to the various installations.

…and the associated benefits

These innovative features and the high degree of flexibility naturally offer numerous advantages to users of Lecureux screwdrivers. At IWC, we particularly value the consistency of the tightening torque, which ensures consistently high quality, as well as the time savings during assembly processes. Selecting the correct screwdriver heads significantly reduces the risk of damaging screws. Traceability of the work steps is guaranteed by storing measurement data during production in an external database, leading to a better understanding in the event of problems.

Finally, regarding ergonomics, Lecureux screwdrivers are valued for their intuitive handling, which requires no prior watchmaking knowledge. Their safe and comfortable handling significantly reduces strain on the user. This is an advantage for the

The health of employees is a top priority at IWC.

IWC Schaffhausen and Lécureux: more than just a business relationship

The excellent relationship between IWC and Lécureux is more of a partnership than a simple customer-supplier relationship. This close collaboration is, firstly, the result of positive experiences gained with screwdrivers and other devices such as height measuring instruments (gear backlash checkers) or needle-adjusting machines. Secondly, it is based on the open-mindedness of the Biel-based company, which is always ready to pursue innovations together with IWC.

“I am thinking in particular of the joint development of a chronometry cell and the close collaboration that has accompanied it over the past few years. New innovation projects and developments are already planned. This reflects the shared spirit of our respective companies – a creative and innovative spirit in the pursuit of perfection ,” concludes Jonathan Goerke.