Subassembly of various parts are done prior to assembly of the movement. This includes things like fitting of pinions to wheels and pressing of jewels.
The movement itself is then put together in another workshop, assembly line style with each watchmaking fitting certain components.
Below: Diagrams illustrating what a particular watchmaker assembles
Below: Tools for oiling components
Below: Lubricating the anchor
Below: Fitting a wheel
Below: The tool allows the wheel to be pressed in with constant force each time
One of the interesting aspects of the assembly area is the air curtain fitted in each of the booths. These laminar flow booths create a local clean area which allows the movements to be assembled in a contaminant-free zone. This is unusual and not common in Swiss watchmaking (Seiko assembles high-end movements in clean rooms).
After assembly each movement is tested.
Below: Completed movements
Like the machining workshop, the assembly area has significant space for expansion as part of the brand’s plan to grow production of the UNICO calibres.
Movement assembly depicted here is for the entry- to mid-range watches, like the UNICO, not high complications. The latter is entirely done in the Confrérie Horlogère Hublot atelier.