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As an autonomous and independent structure, it draws
its legitimacy from the active participation of public authorities,
including the Swiss Federal Government (SECO), the Canton of Neuchâtel,
the Municipality of Fleurier, the Val-de-Travers Regional Association,
and the Philippe Jéquier Foundation.
The principles:
Representing the first certification to be open to all producers of
mechanical fine watchmaking, the certification encompasses a set of
demands that ensure the final customer of precision in all circumstances,
tested robustness and durability, as well an exclusive aesthetic quality
of finish.
The goals of the Fleurier Quality Foundation are thus to establish criteria
for technical and aesthetic watch construction; to issue an attestation
of quality in the form of a written certificate and a logo placed on
the timepiece; and to contribute, as far as its means permit, to training
in the field of haute horlogerie.
The procedure for obtaining this certification, conducted in an objective
manner by the Technical Committee, which is independent of the participating
brands, is subject to precise conditions:
- The movement must be COSC-certified
- The movement must have passed the CHRONOFIABLE test
- The movement must attain an exclusive aesthetic quality of finish
- The rating of the finished watch must be vouched for by the FLEURITEST
machine
Adapted to contemporary standards of efficiency and profitability, the
tests take place in Fleurier, in the premises of the Foundation, but
may be delocalised in any other place that has been given prior authorisation
by the Foundation, since geographical constraints are not part of the
criteria for obtaining this certification (NB: the computer data as
well as the movement kit must imperatively remain in Fleurier).
When testing is complete and if successful, a certificate is issued
for each watch tested, mentioning the numbers of its case and movement.
The logo is placed on the movement and on an element of the watch exterior,
if desired.
Future developments of the Fleurier Quality Foundation certification
:
Keeping step with the technological progress inherent to our era, the
criteria governing the Fleurier Quality Foundation certification may
be revised on the basis of a proposal by the Technical Committee or
by the Foundation Council, but any modification is imperatively subject
to a double majority decision from both bodies.
Open to the participation of new watch brands or Manufactures, obtaining
the certification requires payment of a fee of SFr 10,000 per year and
of SFr 45 per certified watch. Each new brand or Manufacture has the
possibility of delegating a technician to serve among the assessors
consulted by the Technical Committee.
In order to provide an optimal response to demand, the Fleurier Quality
Foundation may envisage the production of several FLEURITEST machines.
Finally, the Fleurier Quality Foundation does not exclude the possibility
of adopting a certification for watches with quartz movements.
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