Cronal SA

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.

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.

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.

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.