Method for identifying a timepiece

Method for identifying a timepiece comprising a first component and a second component, said method comprising the following steps:

• photographing a first zone chosen on the first component of the timepiece with sufficient enlargement to show the tracks or flaws in or on the substrate of the timepiece in this first zone resulting from the process of manufacturing the timepiece, said tracks or flaws in or on the first zone comprising scratches produced when the second component is fitted into the first component;
• using an appropriate algorithm to convert the tracks or flaws of the first zone which are picked out by photography into a unique code to form a unique identifier of the timepiece;
• storing the unique identifier of the timepiece in a database to permit authentication of the timepiece in the future by comparison with a new unique code obtained after conversion by the algorithm of the tracks or flaws picked out by a new photograph of said first zone;
• applying an identification mark to a second zone chosen on the second component of the timepiece, said mark containing at least one item of information characterising the timepiece;
• associating said at least one item of information contained in the identification mark with the unique identifier of the timepiece and storing it with said unique identifier in the database to permit authentication of the timepiece in the future by comparison of the identification mark and/or a new unique code obtained after conversion by the algorithm of the tracks or flaws picked out by a new photograph of said first zone.