Cronal SA
Bold and dynamic, Cronal SA has been adopting emerging technologies in its field ever since it was founded in 1989. Specialising in engraving, the company added laser engraving to its mechanical and chemical processes in 1999. With 25 years' experience under its belt and the impetus of youth, Cronal puts all its energy and skills into serving its customers. The 40 employees are proud to work for some of the biggest names in the watch industry, who place their trust in Cronal's innovative brand. Fairness, sustainability and transparency: we guarantee compliance with these three criteria throughout our supply chain. Our long-term relationships of trust with our partners are essential in this respect. Together, we adhere to industry standards and are committed to exercising due diligence. Cronal is a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and its Chain of Custody Standards (CoC). These certifications attest to our sustainable practices and conflict-free manufacturing throughout our supply chain.
Competencies
Chemical engraving
The chemical process is a very old technique. It has enabled the industrialisation of engraving, which used to be done mainly by hand.
The workpiece is dipped in an acid that attacks only the exposed metal. The chemical solution is dosed according to the material and the desired depth of engraving.
Laser engraving
This new technique has completely revolutionised the sector. It can be used to produce special shapes, deep engraving, on cylinders or in 3D, and consecutive numbering. Laser engraving can be carried out on all materials: steel, gold, platinum, palladium, titanium, bronze, aluminium, sapphires, carbon, enamel, ceramic, stone, composite materials, resin, etc. Our lasers are equipped with cutting-edge sources, notably nano and femtosecond.
Whether it's technical engraving for chronometers, tachometers or prestigious diving watches, decorative engraving or consecutive numbers for numbered series, Cronal guarantees rigour and precision.
Mechanical engraving
With its many years of experience, Cronal's mechanical engineering department offers its expertise to the world's leading watch brands.
It responds to all requests with care and respect for deadlines. Whether it's 3D engraving or relief engraving, decorative engraving or consecutive numbering, machining of materials such as gold, platinum, titanium, steel and brass, on backs, cases, clasps and other components for single parts or large series.
Decal
Invented in the early 1960s, pad printing is an indirect printing process. The motif to be printed is first engraved onto a steel plate using a chemical process. The plate is then mounted on a pad printing machine. A cup filled with liquid ink moves back and forth over the plate, depositing the ink in the engraved areas. The design is finally transferred to the object to be printed using a silicone pad.
Cronal has been subcontracting this operation since 1999.
History
Cronal SA was founded in 1989 by Charles-André Mosset, Paul Giger and Gilbert Soguel. The company started with five employees. Gilbert Soguel left the company in 1994 and Paul Giger retired in 1998. That same year, Cronal SA moved to rue des Tilleuls in Le Chaux-de-Fonds. In 2001, the articles of association were amended to allow the company to become a limited company. In 2007-2008, the building was extended and renovated. Shortly afterwards, in 2011, Debora Vacheron joined the Board of Directors.
In 2020, Cronal became part of the group Cendres+Métaux. Today, the company employs around 40 people and focuses on the manufacture of high-precision components and the provision of services.
How to find us and contact us
Contact
Cronal SA
Rue du Collège 73
2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds
Tel: +41 32 914 75 75
Fax: +41 32 914 75 76
E-Mail: info@cronal.swiss
Opening hours:
Monday-Thursday: 08:00 - 12:00 / 13:30 - 17:00
Friday: 08:00 - 12:00 / 13:30 - 16:00