Does Chopard have a screw loose?

MtV · Apr 2, 2022

So, a buddy sent me a picture today of a watch he quite likes. Apparently, it’s just been serviced by Chopard, so I have to assume it’s just as the company intends it to be. But I just can’t get over it:

How the hell can a watch that’s a couple grand have screws in positions that are all over the place? Apologies if I’m just a little OCD here, but is it just me? I mean, it’s not like the screw heads need to be there - it’s a design choice. And if you deliberately choose to go this route, why not do it properly and make sure they align? Other companies manage that, too?

I might be underestimating the complexity of doing that. I might be visually offended by something no one else cares about. But it so, I’d like to know. To me, it seems completely absurd that a watch in this price range would look this… wonky.

Please tell me I’m not alone. 😁

JwRosenthal · Apr 2, 2022

Mood watch?

Canuck · Apr 2, 2022

So, I don’t see a problem! The screw slots in the top two are a mirror image of the screw slots in the bottom two, and the two at the 9 are a mirror image of the two at the 3. Perhaps these screws are indexed within the bezel, and there are limited choices of placement. He should talk to a Chopard dealer, or return it to the service facility.

MtV · Apr 2, 2022

Canuck
The screw slots in the top two are a mirror image of the screw slots in the bottom two, and the two at the 9 are a mirror image of the two at the 3.

If you look closely, you'll notice they aren't. But I see your point. Let me post another example that’s even worse:

I understand there might be limited choices for placement, but isn’t that a design flaw, as the thread could be made so that the screw heads would automatically line up attractively?

JimInOz · Apr 2, 2022

Simple carelessness.
It should look like this.

They are not screws, the ones from the front are threaded tubes, they should all be aligned as the screws are inserted into the tubes from the back, which looks like this.

MtV · Apr 2, 2022

JimInOz
Simple carelessness.

They are not screws, the ones from the front are threaded tubes, they should all be aligned as the screws are inserted into the tubes from the back, which looks like this.

Thank you! That's a relief. 😁

LuckyLes · Apr 2, 2022

In the second example the screw heads are not only misaligned, but damaged as well. If that came back from service like that I would be very, very angry.

JimInOz · Apr 2, 2022

LuckyLes
In the second example the screw heads are not only misaligned, but damaged as well. If that came back from service like that I would be very, very angry.

Or maybe the owner tried to align them?

(BTW, Mr T is still running strong)

Donn Chambers · Apr 2, 2022

Don’t look at a Santos de Cartier, then. The screws on the bezel and bracelet are oriented at all different angles and it’s intentional.

TimeODanaos · Apr 2, 2022

MtV
So, a buddy sent me a picture today of a watch he quite likes.
[...]
I might be visually offended by something no one else cares about. But it so, I’d like to know. To me, it seems completely absurd that a watch in this price range would look this… wonky.
Please tell me I’m not alone. 😁

You're not! 😲 No wish to offend anyone or to interfere with personal choices. But imo there is just so much wrong with the aesthetics of that watch, before you even get to the asking-for-trouble screw-heads that aren't even real, are misaligned, and do have tiny visible scratches. 😡 Sorry to your friend - probably better not to show him this. 🤔

ConElPueblo · Apr 3, 2022

MtV
And if you deliberately choose to go this route, why not do it properly and make sure they align? Other companies manage that, too?

Honest question - which companies do this?

JimInOz · Apr 3, 2022

ConElPueblo
Honest question - which companies do this?

AP does it quite well.

(Photos courtesy of Fratello)

Front, showing hex head hollow bolts.

Back, showing the securing machine screws.

ConElPueblo · Apr 3, 2022

JimInOz
AP does it quite well.

(Photos courtesy of Fratello)

Front, showing hex head hollow bolts.

Back, showing the securing machine screws.

But... The screws aren't aligned here either?

JimInOz · Apr 3, 2022

ConElPueblo
But... The screws aren't aligned here either?

It's all about the appearance from the front.
The screws at the back may or may not align due to the variances in screw threads.
Get the front ones all "right dressed" and the ones at the back will just keep it all tight, if not perfectly aligned.

S.H. · Apr 3, 2022

ConElPueblo
But... The screws aren't aligned here either?

It is very hard to align 8 or 10 fastening screws precisely and relatively to each other (it would probably require precise adjusting of each screw, or adding small shims behind the heads, and it would have to be done each time the case is opened; not great for toughness and WR). On most high end watches the screw heads on front are fake heads, they are hollow tubes/bolts easily aligned and the real fastening screws are on the other side where the misalignments are less obvious.

LuckyLes · Apr 3, 2022

British Gun makers managed to do it 200 years ago.

JimInOz · Apr 3, 2022

I wonder if the Bouchard bezel bolts have some sort of indexing, maybe a hexagonal shaft?

The other option would be for the factory to have a specific jig to position and secure them during installation.

Until one of us strips one of these we will never know.

LuckyLes · Apr 3, 2022

Do we have anyone willing to send one down to Jiminoz for experimentation?

JimInOz · Apr 3, 2022

LuckyLes
Do we have anyone willing to send one down to Jiminoz for experimentation?

No probs. Usual rules apply.
If I stuff it up you still get your watch back.
(Maybe as all parts in a plastic bag)

😁

MtV · Apr 3, 2022

ConElPueblo
Honest question - which companies do this?

I was also thinking of AP, just as @JimInOz posted, although the 5-o-clock screw on his example would also make my eye twitch.

Sounds like a perfect alignment might be harder than I thought it was.

Does Chopard have a screw loose?

MtV

JwRosenthal

Canuck

MtV

JimInOz

MtV

LuckyLes

JimInOz

Donn Chambers

TimeODanaos

ConElPueblo

JimInOz

ConElPueblo

JimInOz

S.H.

LuckyLes

JimInOz

LuckyLes

JimInOz

MtV

Similar threads

Chopard Superfast 919 Jacky Ickx LE (03.05 Movt)

Have you ever engraved a watch (I mean the case not just adding a date and name?

Fortis Diver? anyone have a clue?

Refit my SM 300 166024 with a screw down crown

The Channel crosser: a Speedmaster’s tale

have a garage... now need another cool car to park it in :D