Precision Perfected at Watchmaker Bvlgari
By integrating a solution combining an ESPI Scanflash machine and Metrolog X4 software, the Swiss manufacturer has strengthened its quality control in production.
Based in Switzerland, the watchmaking division of Italian luxury goods group Bvlgari combines the brand’s bold aesthetics with the high standards of Swiss watchmaking expertise. Renowned for its ultra-thin models, including the iconic Octo Finissimo, the manufacturer controls the entire process, from the internal movement to final assembly.
Fine Watchmaking Excellence Relies on People and Technology
The quality department plays a key role in meeting these high standards. It must ensure that parts, which are often complex in shape, are manufactured at high speeds and with tolerances that are sometimes measured in thousandths of a millimetre. This is the context in which Mathias Kaufmann, a quality technician responsible for automated control, works. His mission: to make inspections more reliable while helping operators become more autonomous.
Limits Quickly Reached
Before the current solution was implemented, checks were mainly carried out manually. Operators used Excel spreadsheets and traditional measuring tools, such as callipers. “There were significant differences in measurements between operators, instruments were not always calibrated, and traceability was virtually non-existent,” recalls Mathias Kaufmann.
“This lack of standardisation led to misunderstandings in production and difficulties in analysing certain non-conformities. “For certain parts, such as the Serpenti case, with its 5-axis machining, we simply had no reliable means of control,” he explains.
Considering these findings, the need to structure quality control around an automated and reproducible tool became obvious.
Initial Focus on Hardware
The first step was to invest in a Scanflash TC three-dimensional workshop measuring machine, supplied by ESPI. Designed to operate in a production environment, this CMM stands out for its speed and accuracy, which are essential criteria for Bvlgari.
The machine allows checks to be carried out during production, several times a day, and meets internal requirements in terms of responsiveness and rigour. But very quickly, a limitation became apparent: “The programming time was enormous, the risk of collision was high, and programming complex shapes was virtually impossible,” explains Mathias. The machine therefore remained largely under-utilised.
Samuel Jabès, Co-Director of ESPI, points out that the ‘ease of programming’ component was missing for the machine solution to be fully effective and therefore adopted by the Bvlgari teams.
The Turning Point – Integrating Metrolog X4
Several years of joint development between ESPI and Metrologic Group, combining the power of Metrolog X4 with the speed of the Scanflash machine, have resulted in the launch of a high-performance tool that meets complex programming needs.
In 2022, an update to the Scanflash was offered to Bvlgari, now incorporating Metrolog X4 as the control software.
“From the very first demonstrations, we saw how much this software would increase our flexibility and speed,” says Mathias. Integration was quick and easy: “Within a week, the machine was running with Metrolog X4.”
For Alexandre Goupy, Sales Manager at Metrologic Group, this project perfectly illustrates the complementary nature of hardware and software: “The machine alone was powerful, but without a suitable interface, it remained underutilised. Metrolog X4 provided the ease of programming that was lacking. Today, they can’t do without it.”
Samuel Jabès of ESPI explains that ”not only does the machine offer unrivalled inspection efficiency in terms of dynamic performance, but thanks to MetrologX4, it is also easy to program. The advanced features of the software have enabled the Bvlgari teams to appreciate the programming and start trying new things by pushing the limits of the machine.”
In addition, offline programming via Metrologic Group Silma software now allows the quality team to create new programs while the machine remains available for production. The time savings are considerable, and operators are never interrupted.
Promotes a Collaborative Quality Culture
The benefits are clear. Inspection time has been reduced sixfold. The number of dimensional problems detected downstream has decreased significantly. Use of the machine has been extended to internal analysis and other departments.
“We now inspect 95% of our box production with this machine,” says Mathias. “Our analyses are more reliable and better understood, and I even have more internal requests to carry them out.”
This new organization also promotes a more collaborative culture of quality. Production is more stable and upstream adjustments are easier.
A Project Brought to Life
Behind this success is a key player: Mathias Kaufmann. He was the one who saw the machine’s potential, despite its initial limitations, and convinced management to give the project a second chance.
“Without Mathias, the machine might have remained in a corner. He was the one who believed in the solution, learned how to use Metrolog, and showed that it could work”, explains Alexandre Goupy
In addition to training himself in the use of the software, Mathias contributed to the evolution of the plans, the creation of complex setups, and the continuous improvement of the quality process. His commitment perfectly reflects Bvlgari’s values.
‘This project demonstrates our desire to be at the forefront of quality, innovation and performance. It allows me to be creative and make a tangible contribution to the excellence of our production.’ stated Mathias Kaufmann.
Leap Forward in Quality Control
The successful integration of ESPI’s Scanflash and Metrolog X4 software has enabled Bvlgari Horlogerie to take a leap forward in quality control. Faster, more reliable and more reproducible, the solution fits perfectly with the requirements of the watchmaking industry.
Samuel Jabès adds, “Today, this comprehensive ‘machine + 3D metrology software’ solution not only meets production needs but has also been extended to incoming inspection and certain prototypes or rapid tests. Bvlgari continues to increase the range of inspections carried out on our machine and has now also embarked on production control. With such rapid measurement results, production control becomes responsive and makes perfect sense. Its machine tool fleet will soon be able to be controlled automatically by the measurement results of ESPI’s Scanflash and Metrolog X4 software.”
Finally, this project demonstrates that the value of a tool is fully realised when it is supported by committed experts. At Bvlgari, Mathias embodies this dynamic: that of expertise that evolves without ever compromising on standards.
For more information: www.metrologic.group
