FOCUS #8 - AT THE HEART OF THE ORION ASSEMBLY

Since last week, the Orion series has been in the assembly phase at Ph Saner in the Swiss Jura region. Each watch is assembled and inspected by hand in this family workshop, where the work is carried out without assembly lines or automation. From caliber adjustment to dial installation, each step is carried out by a skilled watchmaker, using expertise passed down through three generations.

Today we take you behind the scenes of this artisanal assembly, to the heart of a demanding and discreet workshop, to share the six stages that characterize the assembly of the Orion watch.

PH SANER

A renowned family workshop spanning three generations

Founded by Philippe Saner and now managed by the third generation, the workshop combines traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art equipment. Specializing in stages T1, T2, and T3, Philippe Saner assembles mechanical movements daily for independent manufacturers and established brands.

Each watch is assembled by hand, from the lubrication of the caliber to the casing and final inspection. Components are checked at every stage: movement adjustment, dial installation, hand-fitting, moon disc insertion, water-resistance testing, and final adjustment. Nothing is automated.

On a human scale, the workshop operates without a production line. Each station is staffed by a qualified watchmaker, trained in-house or from Jura schools. This approach allows for individual monitoring of each piece and complete traceability of assembly.

ORION SERIES ASSEMBLY

Understanding Orion Watch Assembly in 6 Steps

1. Caliber preparation and inspection

Each Orion is equipped with a Sellita SW288-1a caliber, modified to incorporate a realistic moon disc. Upon arrival at the workshop, the movements are first inspected individually.

The watchmaker checks the regularity of the rate, the amplitude, and the proper rotation of the moon disc. If a defect is detected—a sticking point, offset, or abnormal noise—the movement is partially disassembled for correction, then restored to working order. This step ensures that each mechanical base is fully functional before further assembly.

2. Installation of the moon disc and the dial

   
   

The luminescent moon disc is first placed on the caliber . The watchmaker rotates it manually to check its smoothness and ensure that no hard points are hindering the mechanism. This step also allows for the identification of any surface or alignment defects.

Once the disc is validated, a very thin metal piece — the tinsel , also called a spangle — is added. Slightly curved, it prevents any friction between the disc and the inner face of the dial .

The dial is then precisely positioned. It is attached to the movement by two invisible feet , inserted into holes machined for this purpose. The alignment is rigorously checked to ensure perfect reading and sufficient clearance at the disc.

3. Hands fitting

The hands are fitted using a centering jig on a semi-automatic press. Each watch is positioned in a custom-machined circular holder, which firmly locks it and ensures perfect alignment with the vertical axis. The hands are fitted one by one, in the order: hours, minutes, then seconds . The pressure is applied without shock or twisting, to avoid any mechanical stress on the movement's axes.

Each hand is individually checked for alignment. It is imperative that their position is perfectly coordinated at 12:00 during installation, without angular offset. Any contact, overlap or visible deviation results in an immediate restart of the operation .

4. Casing

   
   

Once the movement is fully assembled—including the dial and hands—it is inserted from the front into the case middle . This upper opening, machined to a hundredth of a millimeter, allows for precise positioning of the movement-dial-hand block without contact with fragile elements.

The movement is then stabilized by casing flanges (small side screws).

Once in place, the bezel is added with its sealing gasket, then mechanically pressed onto the caseband . It seals the dial while ensuring perfect watertightness on the upper side. Finally, the sapphire crystal case back is placed on the rear , then secured by four screws tightened individually in a crisscross pattern. A circular gasket ensures the watertightness of this side.

The crown stem is deliberately supplied too long by Sellita. Once the movement is cased, the watchmaker inserts it into the caliber via the caseband, measures the useful length, then cuts it precisely . The end is polished with a file to avoid any snagging.

5. Water Resistance Testing

   
   

Before proceeding further, each watch undergoes a water-resistance test. This is a dry, pressure-test that ensures no air leaks are detected through the case, back, or crown.

The Orion model is designed to withstand a pressure of 10 ATM, or 100 meters . This test is systematic: any part that fails is returned to the casing stage for correction.

6. Running test and final inspection

   
   

Each Orion undergoes a running test after complete assembly. At this stage, the watch is placed on a chronocomparator , a device that measures the regularity of the movement by recording the beats of the balance wheel. The tests are carried out in several positions (dial up, crown up and down, etc.) to ensure that the movement remains stable regardless of its orientation.

PH Saner must ensure that the movements of the Orion series benefit from an elaborate adjustment carried out in the factory by Sellita . This level of finishing guarantees a daily deviation contained within a range of ±7 seconds per day.

Finally, a visual inspection is then carried out with a magnifying glass to identify any dust, scratches, or anomalies on the dial and hands. The moon phase is tested in its various positions via the crown. Once validated, the watch is placed in a transport case, ready to leave the workshop for our offices in France.