Gold’Or magazine devotes an article to a remarkable innovation developed by Générale Ressorts: the integration of decorative and functional engravings on the sides of barrel springs. This technology, made possible by a laser surface treatment process, transforms a normally invisible technical component into a medium for aesthetic and technical expression.

Historically hidden inside the drum, the barrel spring plays a fundamental role in the operation of a mechanical watch. Thanks to this new approach, Générale Ressorts has given this element a visual place, making it a vector for personalization, decoration or traceability, while maintaining its mechanical performance.

An innovation with many possibilities

  • Customized decoration: engraving can feature motifs inspired by traditional watchmaking codes (Côtes de Genève, perlage, guillochage…), or unique elements such as a logotype, personalized message or power-reserve indicator.
  • Visual morphing effect: the engraved motif evolves visually as the spring disarms, creating a subtle dynamic effect that can be observed through a skeletonized back or transparent component.
  • Industrial mastery: Générale Ressorts is today the first company to offer this type of treatment on an industrial scale, with a production capacity adapted to the needs of watch brands.
  • Patent protection: this technology has been registered with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, ensuring the protection of this know-how.
  • Extended applications: beyond the spring flanks, the process can also be applied to other components such as the drum or cover, to create aesthetic coherence throughout the barrel environment.

Discover it in full

This innovation opens up new prospects for brands wishing to offer their customers timepieces with high added value in terms of aesthetics, customization and technical differentiation. To find out more about the technical details and concrete applications of this technology, we invite you to read the full article published by Gold’Or – Read the full Gold’Or article (in french)