Modular mechanical timepiece unit with functional modules

A method for assembling a mechanical modular unit, comprising:

• storing in a control means a list of assembly parts of said mechanical modular unit, including at least one functional module for each particular timepiece function required by said mechanical modular unit, an assembly sequence of said mechanical modular unit, relative assembly positions between components of said list and, for each component, an instruction relating to a loose hold or irreversibly fixed hold;
• irreversibly transforming a sub-assembly of each said functional module into a ready to use functional module,
• after adjustment and function checking of said particular timepiece function have been performed on a test bench;
• storing in a storage place the components required for the assembly list of said mechanical modular unit, including at least one functional module for each particular timepiece function required by said mechanical modular unit, each being a pre-adjusted functional module being already irreversibly adjusted after the adjustment and function checking of said particular timepiece function have been performed on the test bench;
• programming a manipulator controlled by the control means to look, in a pre-defined sequence peculiar to each said assembly list of said mechanical modular unit, for each said component or functional module to be assembled;
• programming a shape recognition means to operate said manipulator to pick up each said functional module according to locating means comprised therein, so as to arrange said functional module in an assembly position with another said functional module or with a plate or with a bridge of said mechanical modular unit, in a precise position set by said control means according to data gathered by said shape recognition means;
• and
• each time, irreversibly assembling the precisely arranged elements of said mechanical modular unit to each other.