News

More compact, PX calibres transcend the Sphérillon Published on 15 December 2025 The horological UFOs known as Sphérillon—a contraction of “sphere” and “tourbillon”—are undergoing a revolution: now more compact, promising additional functions, and even capable of evolving into automatic calibres. The most avant-garde watch brands are set to experience new, improbable thrills. Under the name PX, the art of the tourbillon enters a new dimension. At EPHJ 2025 First unveiled in Geneva in 2022 at the high-precision trade show by Purtec, the company of “crazy movements” founded in 2021 in Vallorbe by Arnaud Faivre and integrated into the Tec-Group Swiss, this invention by master watchmaker and Gaïa Prize laureate Éric Coudray now opens up fresh applications. “Talented designer and master watchmaker Éric Coudray named his tourbillon ‘Sphérillon’ to simply define its main technical specificity,” noted journalist and watchmaker Vincent Daveau in a Swiss horology journal. He recalled that “in 1801, Abraham-Louis Breguet also christened his cage ‘tourbillon,’ as it performed a regular rotation to cancel out balance defects of the regulating organ inside—because once the watch was running, the component seemed to whirl.” A Concentration of Feats Inspiring Creativity Rarely has a mechanical calibre embodied such a blend of enchantment, kinetics, chronometric complexity, and precision. Now, under the PX designation, the celebrated Sphérillon has been reduced in size, making it more accessible for those returning to the design of timepieces with more “reasonable” dimensions—aligned with the global trend back to 40 mm diameters, or even smaller. This roadmap also brought an inevitable gain in reliability thanks to fewer components overall. Notably, the thickness remains at 9.46 mm—even in “full options” versions—and the 50-hour power reserve is still guaranteed. ‘A calibre housed in a case that stays true to the current trend of watches returning to around 40 mm in diameter, with a tonneau and square shape.’? Photographer and graphic artist Jérôme Saillard has demonstrated through case studies that countless combinations are possible. “The mainplate has been optimized to optionally integrate additional functions: two options for power reserve display (at 6 o’clock or 4 o’clock), the addition of a seconds hand aligned with the off-centered hour track while preserving clear legibility of the hour and minute hands, and not forgetting the automatic winding system,” explains Bastien Maillefer, Purtec’s head of watchmaking.  Prestigious brands lining up Under the PX designation, these evolutions of the Sphérillon are hyper-complex micromechanical constructions, already being tested for months on the wrists of Purtec’s watchmakers. There is little doubt that this vast territory of new technical and aesthetic possibilities will soon inspire the most prestigious houses of haute horlogerie to create pieces that go far beyond mere “talking pieces.” https://purtec-movements.com PX Purtec calibres 21,600 vph, technology and materials With reduced diameter and thickness, the PX calibres fit seamlessly into tonneau cases (32.8 mm from 3–9h and 34.3 mm from 12–6h), as well as square or round designs. The rotation speed of the titanium outer cage of the tourbillon remains at 30 seconds, ensuring extraordinary visual appeal. To achieve greater inertia despite the smaller size, the balance arms and weights are crafted in solid gold. Meanwhile, the outer terminal curves of the Breguet spirals at the heart of these calibres—beating at 3 Hertz, or 21,600 vibrations per hour—are shaped internally in the “Philips” style. Joël A. Grandjean / 1876 News Sienna Private Equity joins TEC Group On October 17, 2025, TEC Group, founded in 2008 by Arnaud Faivre, announced the entry of Sienna Private Equity (SPE), a European mid-market private equity fund, as an investor. The transaction coincides with the acquisition of AMC Technologies, a leader in precision tool manufacturing. The combined group will be led by Arnaud Faivre and Stéphane Vagne. TEC Group is a recognized supplier to Switzerland’s luxury watch industry, specializing in the production of essential components for mechanical movements and partnering with some of the most prestigious watchmaking houses. With SPE’s backing, TEC Group aims to accelerate its growth trajectory—both organically and through strategic acquisitions—while expanding the range of services offered to its clients. News 15 December 2025 More compact, PX calibres transcend the Sphérillon 15 December 2025 Innovation Digest EPHJ 2025 – The Future of High Precision, Down to the Micron! 15 December 2025 Best wishes ! 15 December 2025 Strategic acquisition in the world of custom packaging Show all news Facebook Twitter Youtube Share this article

Innovation Digest EPHJ 2025 – The Future of High Precision, Down to the Micron! Published on December 15, 2025 A comprehensive overview of the 85 innovations set to transform watchmaking, jewellery, medtech and microtechnology. The EPHJ Trade Show, a true international platform for high precision, has released its Innovation Digest 2025, a trilingual edition (FR/EN/DE) showcasing 85 breakthroughs unveiled this year by start-ups, SMEs, and leading industry groups. It offers a concentrated view of product, machine, and process advances: extreme miniaturization, surface treatments, new materials, laser applications, data/AI-assisted quality control, and industrial sustainability. These innovations serve the high-precision sectors, helping preserve expertise while boosting competitiveness. ‘This Digest highlights solutions ready for production and ideas ready to grow. It is a working tool for manufacturers, design offices, industrial teams and R&D decision-makers, who will find new ideas and inspiration to accelerate concrete projects,’ emphasises Alexandre Catton, director of the EPHJ trade show. The publication comes at a time when innovation is increasingly recognized as a driver of growth. The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics honored Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their research on innovation-led growth, underscoring how technological progress and “disruptive innovation” shape long-term prosperity. Through this non-exhaustive list, this directory, EPHJ continues its mission: to give visibility to excellence, foster cross-pollination between watchmaking, jewellery, microtech, and medtech, and accelerate connections between brands and suppliers. The Innovation Digest complements the show’s other initiatives, such as the Exhibitors’ Grand Prix, the Innovation Forum, and roundtables that make EPHJ the key convergence point for precision expertise and industrialization. News 15 December 2025 More compact, PX calibres transcend the Sphérillon 15 December 2025 Innovation Digest EPHJ 2025 – The Future of High Precision, Down to the Micron! 15 December 2025 Best wishes ! 15 December 2025 Watch Medtech Challenge 2025: when watchmaking inspires the medicine of the future Show all news Facebook Twitter Youtube Share this article

Best wishes ! Published on 15 December 2025 More than ever, in 2026, EPHJ will remain at your side to promote your expertise and give visibility to your teams  Even though 2025 has somewhat shaken up our bearings, the high-precision sectors have shown exemplary resilience. The EPHJ 2025 trade show was the best proof of this, with an increase in the number of exhibitors to 800 companies, more than 23,000 trade visitors, nearly a hundred innovations unveiled and a healthy volume of business initiated or concluded. The end of the year also seems to be bringing us some brighter prospects. With the announced easing of US tariffs, the horizon is clearing and reinforcing our conviction that together we will be able to turn challenges into opportunities. More than ever, in 2026, EPHJ will remain at your side to: Promote your expertise and give visibility to your teams, Showcase your innovations and accelerate their adoption, Support you in your diversification projects towards high-precision growth markets, particularly medtech and aerospace. The entire EPHJ team thanks you for your trust and wishes you a wonderful holiday season and all the best for a promising 2026, thanks to your skills and talent. We look forward to seeing you in the field or from 16 to 19 June 2026 at Geneva-Palexpo! The EPHJ team News 15 December 2025 More compact, PX calibres transcend the Sphérillon 15 December 2025 Innovation Digest EPHJ 2025 – The Future of High Precision, Down to the Micron! 15 December 2025 Best wishes ! 15 December 2025 Watch Medtech Challenge 2025: when watchmaking inspires the medicine of the future Show all news Facebook Twitter Youtube Share this article

Watch Medtech Challenge 2025: when watchmaking inspires the medicine of the future Published on 15 December 2025 Every year, the Watch Medtech Challenge highlights Swiss excellence at the intersection of watchmaking technology and medical innovation. In 2025, five finalist projects are competing for recognition with bold proposals that blend mechanical precision, biomedical expertise, and forward-looking vision. his edition highlights two particularly inspiring initiatives: DAES SA, with its digital simulation of the human torso, and BEMRC SA, with its fully mechanical syringe driver. BEMRC SA – A mechanical syringe pump with watchmaker precision   1. DAES SA – Digital Modeling to Transform the Treatment of Lower Back Pain Lower back pain affects up to 75% of the adult population: a true modern scourge. Confronting this public health challenge, DAES SA, based in Petit-Lancy, is developing a digital model of the human torso to precisely simulate biomechanical interactions between medical devices and the human body. Their approach, aligned with international validation standards (ASME V&V40), optimises device design in the preclinical phase by reducing reliance on lengthy and costly physical testing. Continuously enriched, this digital torso anticipates complications, evaluates mechanical performance, and supports personalized rehabilitation strategies. It marks a new era in Medtech design—one where technology serves prediction, safety, and above all, tangible patient benefit. 2. BEMRC SA – A mechanical syringe pump with watchmaker precision Who would have thought that a spring inspired by watch barrels could find its place in a medical device? That is the bold innovation of BEMRC SA, the engineering firm based in Noës/Sierre, which has unveiled a fully mechanical syringe driver capable of ensuring continuous infusion through a winding mechanism. With no battery or backup power supply, this system relies entirely on mechanical energy, offering a simple, robust and reliable solution in constrained or critical environments. Elegant yet functional, this innovation sits at the crossroads of watchmaking and healthcare, paving the way for autonomous, precise medical devices—ideal for responding to power outages or operating in regions with limited energy resources. 3. What happens next? These two projects, along with the other finalists to be presented in the next edition, will benefit from tailored support by the Inartis Foundation—from prototype development to market access and industrialization. The Watch Medtech Challenge is not just another competition. It is a showcase of unique Swiss know-how, capable of transforming centuries-old watchmaking principles into tomorrow’s healthcare solutions. And when these ideas take shape, the entire ecosystem—patients, clinicians, engineers—stands to gain. Congratulations to DAES SA and BEMRC SA for their commitment and ingenuity. One step closer to a future where mechanical   News 15 December 2025 Strategische Akquisition in der Welt der maßgeschneiderten Verpackungen 15 December 2025 Innovation Digest EPHJ 2025 – Die Zukunft der Hochpräzision, auf den Mikrometer genau! 15 December 2025 Beste Wünsche 15 December 2025 Die kompakteren PX-Kaliber übertreffen das Sphérillon Show all news Facebook Twitter Youtube Share this article

Strategic acquisition in the world of custom packaging Published on 15 December 2025 With the acquisition of CDF Emballage, the Weepackup Group secures a new production site at the very heart of Switzerland’s watchmaking hub. Two family-run companies united under the reassuring banners of ethics and continuity. From now on, they operate as one. Aside from a streamlined graphic identity for CDF Emballage, no visible changes are apparent—though behind the scenes, synergies are naturally taking shape to drive greater efficiency. Unsung players in a value chain The paths of the Weepackup group and CDF Emballage in La Chaux-de-Fonds are similar. Their trades and expertise converge around the same market expectations. Essential yet often overlooked, these “industrial packagers” work in the shadows of a value chain where their indispensable role is vital: protecting technical creations of diverse, unique, and sometimes improbable shapes. Fragile, breakable, precious, or bulky—all share a common denominator: once produced, they must be transported from the manufacturing site to the client or end consumer. The more complex the finished piece, component, or assembled system, the more its packaging must be specifically designed and engineered. Logistics, including deadlines and costs, must be mastered down to the smallest detail. A bouquet of expertise, rooted in proximity A company specializing in multi-material custom packaging inevitably works with cardboard, wood, and foam. These unique, tailored solutions—sometimes even flight cases—are the result of a wide range of skills that the group has chosen to fully internalize from design, via its in-house engineering office, to production in its factories. Among the many factors to balance are eco-responsibility, weight, handling, and ergonomics. In this equation, the addition of a new production site —strategically located at the crossroads of watchmaking and its sister industries—further strengthens the group’s network of five existing facilities. Five production sites, one human-scale group “Industrial packaging is far more complex and indispensable than it might appear. The products we package are often of high added value, which makes protection a critical issue. That is why we decided to internalize every stage of the process to maintain full control over quality. From design—through technical drawings, ergonomic analysis (since packaging must integrate seamlessly into our clients’ production lines, user-friendliness is key), eco-responsibility, and more—to execution across our various production sites, we manage everything from A to Z,” explains Thomas Grégoire, Director of Development at Weepackup and CEO of CDF Emballages in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Weepackup, in brief The group was founded in 1947 as a sawmill, later evolving into a crate manufacturer before diversifying into multi-material packaging—wood, cardboard, and foam. In 2020–2021, Pack Up joined the group, strengthening expertise in foam transformation. Finally, in 2024, CDF Emballage and its 25 employees in La Chaux-de-Fonds became part of the group, enabling the Swiss market to benefit from a local production solution in a sector where proximity and responsiveness are essential. Founded in 1978 under the name Caisserie de la Fiaz, the family-run CDF Emballage gradually specialized in custom multi-material packaging, mirroring the group’s trajectory. Its craftsmanship and family values leave no doubt about the synergies created by this new alliance. https://cdf-emballage.ch             News 15 December 2025 More compact, PX calibres transcend the Sphérillon 15 December 2025 Innovation Digest EPHJ 2025 – The Future of High Precision, Down to the Micron! 15 December 2025 Best wishes ! 15 December 2025 Strategic acquisition in the world of custom packaging Show all news Facebook Twitter Youtube Share this article

Brogioli-RC Tritec innovation: phosphorescence in watchmaking is gaining ground Published on 15 December 2025 Launched at EPHJ, a miracle binder now makes it possible for phosphorescence in watchmaking to venture beyond its usual territories and find its way, for example, onto the links of bracelets…  Until now, they have been shining endlessly on the hands, hour markers and dials of timepieces… But what if the famous Swiss Super-LumiNova pigments could now be integrated into the most precious external parts of a watch? Phosphorescent watch straps and clasps  ‘It’s possible today,’ says Albert Zeller Jr, CEO of RC Tritec, the Appenzell-based SME historically responsible for the luminescence of Swiss and international watches. ‘In collaboration with Brogioli SA, we have developed a hardening ceramic binder that can be polished and integrated into any surface.’ Bérénice Cottens is spearheading the growth of this new opportunity introduced by Brogioli SA—a Monteggio-based company in Ticino renowned beyond the borders of fine watchmaking for its technical expertise and its craftsmanship in straps and clasps. She enthusiastically confirms the launch of a new development: a ceramic system for dark substrates, carried out in collaboration with Klaus Kappmann. Innovative technical expertise at the service of creativity Its advantages? Combined curing with UV light and heat, easy application, strong mechanical resistance, high gloss, long pot life, excellent adhesion to metals, outstanding durability, and impressive hardness. In short, thanks to its rapid curing, it is perfectly suited for any polishing operation. Watch designers and product managers are in luck! Their creativity is constantly sparked by technological breakthroughs and innovations that open up new territories for their craft. Brogioli SA, invested in this invention developed jointly with RC Tritec, is positioning itself as a true driving force for innovation… Joël A. Grandjean / 1876 News https://brogioli.ch -https://www.rctritec.com/fr Brogioli SA, founded in 1985 True to its credo of ‘continuous technological updating of facilities and machinery to achieve new objectives and meet emerging demands’, the company, founded in 1985, highlights the “wise and skilled hands” of its artisans and the complex expertise accumulated over time. It continues to bring to market unique, original designs—sometimes developed in close synergy with its clients—that reflect both tradition and innovation. These include the most prestigious brands in Swiss watchmaking excellence… News 15 December 2025 More compact, PX calibres transcend the Sphérillon 15 December 2025 Innovation Digest EPHJ 2025 – The Future of High Precision, Down to the Micron! 15 December 2025 Best wishes ! 15 December 2025 Strategic acquisition in the world of custom packaging Show all news Facebook Twitter Youtube Share this article

EPHJ 2025: a very positive outcome, with excellent attendance and remarkable innovations Publié le August 11, 2025 EPHJ, the international high-precision watchmaking show, has closed the doors on its 23rd edition, marked by excellent attendance, in line with the record figures set in 2024, increased participation and a remarkable number of innovations that are reshaping the future of high precision. The doors of the world’s only trade show dedicated to high-precision watchmaking, jewelry, microtechnology and medical technology closed at the end of the day in a very positive mood, despite a still uncertain watchmaking climate. “Visitors and exhibitors were right on target! We recorded a 5% increase in exhibitors to 800 companies, and visitor numbers were on a par with the record 23,000 visitors in 2024, which is an excellent signal in a more delicate period for watchmaking, and irrefutable proof that it’s essential to show off in the current period”, says Alexandre Catton, EPHJ Show Director.The testimonials gathered in the aisles of the Show reveal a high-quality visitor base, keen to maintain good relations with its suppliers and very interested in the innovations and technological improvements unveiled at EPHJ. This is particularly true of the big names in medtech who made the trip to Geneva this year. The growing diversification and microtechnical skills of watchmakers in this field are certainly the reason for this.“EPHJ is the only place where subcontractors are showcased, whatever the circumstances,” says Jean-Rémy Buise, Director at Promotion Group.A number of very interesting round tables also added substance to the show, including, for the first time, the Forum des Métiers d’Art and the second edition of the Innovation Forum, which highlighted the strength of the Swiss ecosystem in the world’s most innovative country. It was also an opportunity to salute the five innovations shortlisted for the Exhibitors’ Grand Prix, with Quantum Brand Protection’s invisible quantum tattoo as the winner. See you all at EPHJ 2026, June 16-19, at Geneva-Palexpo. Further information Partager cet article Facebook Twitter Youtube News 11 August 2025 Die Messe EPHJ 2025 zieht eine sehr positive Bilanz mit einer guten Besucherzahl und bemerkenswerten Innovationen 1 July 2025 Die Messe EPHJ 2025 zieht eine sehr positive Bilanz mit einer guten Besucherzahl und bemerkenswerten Innovationen 20 March 2025 CMT RICKENBACH – Photochemisches Ätzen: ein subtiles Verfahren für flache Bauteile 20 March 2025 WatchDec – die Hochpräzision im Dienst der Medizintechnik Afficher toutes les news

WatchDec: high precision for medtech Published on mars 20, 2025 A key player in the high-precision watchmaking sector for more than 12 years, WatchDec, inspired by the Acrotec Medtech division, is now making its expertise available to the medical sector. With a medtech-focused division and cutting-edge infrastructure, this Swiss company is supporting the most demanding medical innovations, ensuring precision to the nearest micron. Watchmaking expertise used for medical applications Based in Courgenay, the cradle of watchmaking in the heart of Switzerland’s Jura Arc, WatchDec is producing increasingly complex parts for its customers. An expert in the art of machining micro-components, WatchDec boasts modern facilities and 50 state-of-the-art machinery units, enabling the company to continually push back the micro-technical frontiers of part miniaturisation.   Strict compliance with medical requirements This is a boon for the medical sector, which has thus made a beeline for WatchDec. “Having anticipated this demand, we’ve achieved all the standards and certification we need to operate in accordance with all the requirements in this extremely demanding sector,” says WatchDec COO Audrey Marmé. “Whether it was regulations, legal requirements or manufacturing, quality, traceability, documentation, customer audit, ISO 13485 certification or process validation standards, everything was done based on best practices!” WatchDec manufactures medical-grade materials, selected for their biocompatibility and resistance to sterilisation, such as 1.4305 steel and other materials used in the medical sector. High-precision computer numerical control (CNC) machining processes involve stringent checks on the dimensioning of the parts, special finishing (passivation) and advanced metrological inspection. Discover Watchdec Extreme precision for miniaturised components For this purpose, WatchDec draws on a raft of specialist equipment which has been scrupulously qualified and which, thanks to its team of some 30 members of staff and the technological and commercial assistance of the Acrotec Medtech division, already produces large volumes for medical purposes each year. Among the machined medical parts that WatchDec supplies are micro-needles, with levels of precision ranging from 0.05 to 10 mm in diameter, depending on the relevant needs for large or small series. Need a reliable partner for your miniaturised medical components? Learn more about  You can find WatchDec at stand G35 at EPHJ 2025! Share this article Facebook Twitter Youtube News 25 avril 2025 Emissa dévoile le Precimill, un centre d'usinage compact et performant 25 mars 2025 Medtech – a rapidly expanding part of the EPHJ Show 20 mars 2025 CMT RICKENBACH – Photochemisches Ätzen: ein subtiles Verfahren für flache Bauteile 20 mars 2025 WatchDec – die Hochpräzision im Dienst der Medizintechnik Show all the articles

easyDec pushes the boundaries of medical miniaturisation Published on the mars 20, 2025 easyDec, a company based in the heart of ‘Swiss Watch Valley’, has been taking on the toughest micro-technical challenges in watchmaking for the most prestigious brands for over 20 years now. This stand-out industrial know-how attracted the attention of leading players in the medical sector who were on the lookout for ultra-high-precision parts, offering yet another illustration of successful diversification in the ultra-high-precision market, backed up by the invaluable support of the Acrotec Medtech division. “easyDec relishes taking on the most difficult and complex technological challenges,” says easyDec COO Emilie Rebetez. “That’s just what we do! So when the medical sector asked us for the seemingly impossible, with tolerances running to thousandths of a millimetre, we came up with the goods!” L’héritage horloger au service du médical Le savoir-faire historique d’easyDec dans le décolletage horloger est alors passé dans une autre dimension. Moins esthétique mais plus exigeant, le décolletage de composants médicaux doit répondre aux contraintes technologiques d’une chirurgie qui se veut moins invasive, d’où la nécessité de composants plus petits mais tout aussi efficaces, si ce n’est plus ! Et c’est là qu’intervient le savoir-faire d’easyDec, en étroite association avec la division Medtech du Groupe Acrotec. « Après avoir adapté notre environnement technologique aux exigences et aux normes médicales, nous avons répondu aux attentes des clients medtech à une échelle industrielle », explique Emilie Rebetez. Micron-level precision absolutely essential easyDec machines parts with diameters ranging from 1 to 51 mm. Manufactured in large or small series, these are used in cardiovascular, audiological or ophthalmological applications. In medtech, there is no margin for error! Parts cannot be returned, work cannot be done on burrs, and there is no tolerance when it comes to the qualification of machines and additional equipment. There must be perfect traceability. The parts have a tolerance running to the nearest 2 microns, as far as it is possible to determine using current measurements… The whole process is set in stone with no room for manoeuvre. Welcome to the world of medical machining, where excellence is key! Welcome to easyDec! “We knew what we were getting into when we diversified into this area,” says Rebetez. “But by raising our standards, upgrading our equipment and upskilling our staff, and thanks to the assistance provided by Acrotec R&D, we’ve achieved outstanding levels of machining for all materials that meet medical standards, whether titanium, medical polymers, aluminium or 316L stainless steel.” To cope with this diversification into the medical sector, easyDec is now extending its premises in Delémont (Switzerland) by 2,500 m² and expanding its currently 65-strong workforce. This will give it hands-on control of all procedures through to final operations, enabling full verticalisation of its activities. By combining its watchmaking heritage with an ability to meet the demands of the medical sector, easyDec has established itself as a key player in the high-precision medtech segment. With its ongoing expansion and huge investments in technology and talent, the company is ready to meet the challenges of the future. Have a project requiring extreme precision? Then you know who to turn to! You can find easyDec at stand G35 at EPHJ 2025! Discover easyDec Share this article Facebook Twitter Youtube News 25 avril 2025 Emissa dévoile le Precimill, un centre d'usinage compact et performant 25 mars 2025 Medtech – a rapidly expanding part of the EPHJ Show 20 mars 2025 CMT RICKENBACH – Photochemisches Ätzen: ein subtiles Verfahren für flache Bauteile 20 mars 2025 WatchDec – die Hochpräzision im Dienst der Medizintechnik Show all the articles