The two main types of straps are
remborde edge and cut edge.
Camille Fournet’s inventory
houses 10,000 skins across
500 references.
The first step in the
production line is the
cutting of the skin.
the inventory of exotic skins used to make the straps. The exotic
skins, which includes, alligator, ostrich, lizard, python, and others,
have to be registered and classified. Today, Camille Fournet’s
inventory houses 10,000 skins across 500 references. Since no
two skins are identical, the material is classified based on quality,
imperfection, cuts, and so on. It is interesting to note that crocodile
skin is virtually non-existent—it is mostly alligator skin.
The first step in the production line is the cutting of the skin.
This step comprises of both machine and manual operations, which
requires a good eye and extensive experience. The skin must be
always cut in the same direction based on clients’ parameters.
Following this, the next step focuses on working on thinning out the
skin to make it softer and supple without damaging it.
The next phase is to fabricate the inside of the skins to permit the
volume and relief of the watchstrap.
Naturally, Camille Fournet abides by very strict standards and
each step undergoes stringent quality control before moving onto
the next process. I could not help but notice the number of white
gloves and calipers used by everybody on the floor to ensure that
strap size and thickness were up to standard. Plus, highly
experienced managers are on hand to supervise each operation.
The subsequent procedures include gluing, mounting, and
assembling—all subjected to quality control where precision,
patience, experience, and expertise are required. The straps are
validated through exacting requirements and, if needed, are sent
back to a particular process to fix a specific detail until perfection
is achieved.
All of this attention to detail is why Camille Fournet is known
as a leading supplier of high-end straps within the luxury watch
industry.
WINTER 2020 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | 85