IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN AND THE GERMAN AEROSPACE CENTER (DLR): BRINGING FIBRE-REINFORCED CERAMICS TO WATCH CASES AND FORWARD TO NEW APPLICATIONS IN SPACE
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Schaffhausen/Stuttgart, 8th October 2024: In a joint development project, IWC Schaffhausen and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have developed the first watch cases made from a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material. Fibre-reinforced ceramics combine the hardness and scratch-resistance of conventional ceramic with the benefits of fibre composite materials, like high damage tolerance and extreme resistance to temperature shocks. The knowledge gained from this engineering collaboration helped DLR to further improve their smaller scale fibre-reinforced ceramic components for satellite propulsion systems. At an event at the DLR site in Stuttgart, representatives from the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer and the renowned research institution shared exclusive insights into their collaboration.
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Since the 1980s, IWC Schaffhausen has acquired a comprehensive expertise in advanced materials. One area of focus is ceramic. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer was a pioneer in the use of this hard, scratch-resistant material when it introduced the first wristwatch with a black zirconium oxide case in 1986. Since then, IWC has continuously innovated in the field.
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In close collaboration with IWC Schaffhausen’s engineering division, XPL, the researchers at the DLR Institute of Structures and Design in Stuttgart engineered a new manufacturing process to manufacture the first IWC watch cases made of fibrereinforced ceramic. The collaboration turned out to be a success for both partners: IWC Schaffhausen was able to add CMC to its growing portfolio of advanced case materials, and, thanks to the expertise it gained working with small-scale CMC components, DLR was able to open up into new applications for space.
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Due to its unique combination of lightness and strength, CMC is an attractive material for a watch case. However, manufacturing fibre-reinforced ceramic components requires in-depth and highly specific know-how. By combining our expertise in our respective areas, we were able to successfully push the boundaries of what was previously thought possible with CMC parts on such a small scale.
Dr. Lorenz Brunner, Department Manager Research and Innovation at IWC Schaffhausen
“The engineering collaboration with IWC Schaffhausen enabled us to demonstrate the feasibility of small, near net shape fibre-reinforced ceramic components. The knowledge we gained from working on the watch cases helped us to further develop our technology for making components for thrust chambers in satellite propulsion systems, expanding our aerospace applications”, continues Bernhard Heidenreich, researcher at the Department of Ceramic Composites and Structures at the DLR Institute of Structures and Design.
A HIGHLY COMPLEX MANUFACTURING PROCESS
The starting point for producing a CMC watch case is a conventional carbon fibre-reinforced polymer. Carbon fibres are cut up, infiltrated with a resin, pressed in a mould and baked. To make a preform in the approximate shape of the watch case, DLR employed and adapted its innovative short-fibre pressing technology. In a high temperature process called pyrolysis, lasting up to several days, the polymer matrix is subsequently converted to a carbon matrix.
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This results in a porous carbon fibre-reinforced carbon material. In the next step called siliconisation, silicon crystals are placed on top of the component, before it is heated in an oven. The silicon is pulled into the cavities and chemically reacts with the carbon, creating a new matrix consisting of silicon carbide ceramic.
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From this stage onward, the case has a hardness value of about 2400 Vickers and can only be machined using diamond tools.
INSIGHTS INTO A SUCCESSFUL ENGINEERING COLLABORATION
To share insights into this successful development project, IWC Schaffhausen and DLR organised an event at the DLR’s Institute of Structures and Design in Stuttgart. Presentations by representatives from IWC and DLR explored the complex manufacturing process for CMC watch cases, while also highlighting the significance of engineering collaborations and the transfer of technology from research to new applications in different industries.
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The presentations were followed by a tour of DLR’s research facilities, where visitors could take a closer look at the different steps in the CMC manufacturing process.
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ABOUT DLR
DLR is the Federal Republic of Germany’s research centre for aeronautics and space. It conducts research and development activities in the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalisation. The German Space Agency at DLR plans and implements the national space programme on behalf of the federal government. Two DLR project management agencies oversee funding programmes and support knowledge transfer.
Climate, mobility and technology are changing globally. DLR uses the expertise of its 54 research institutes and facilities to develop solutions to these challenges. Our 10,000 employees share a mission – to explore Earth and space and develop technologies for a sustainable future. By transferring technology, DLR contributes to strengthening Germany’s position as a prime location for research and industry.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Collection: BIG PILOT's Watch
Model BIG PILOT’s Watch AMG G 63 Ceramic Matrix Composite CMC® Edition
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Ref IW506201
- Mechanical movement
- – Pellaton automatic winding system
- – Power reserve display
- - Date display
- – Small hacking seconds
- – See-through sapphire glass back
- – Glass secured against displacement by drops in air pressure
- –7 days power reserve
IWC-manufactured Automatic calibre 52010
Côtes de Genève, perlage
Frequency: 28,800 A/h | 4 Hz
164 Components
Jewels: 31
Power reserve: 7 days (168 h)
Winding: Automatic
DIAL
Textured black dial, black hands with Super-LumiNova®
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date. Power reserve display
WATCH
Materials: Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) case, Ceratanium® case, case back ring and crown
Diameter: 46.5 mm
Height: 14.60 mm
Crown: Screw-locked
Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
Water-resistant: 10 bar
STRAP:
Black rubber strap with microfiber inlay, stainless steel PVD-coated in black folding clasp
Strap width 22 mm
🔴PRICE - Excl. Sales Tax US $ 42,400.00 💰
Press releases - 2024
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IWC Schaffhausen
Uwe Liebminger
Department Manager Public Relations
Mobile +41 (0)79 957 72 52
E-mail uwe.liebminger@iwc.com
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