IWC Schaffhausen unveils groundbreaking Ceralume® technology with the debut of its fully luminous Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41
Swiss luxury watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen has announced a pioneering development in watchmaking: the Ceralume® technology. This proprietary process, developed by IWC’s engineering division XPL, enables the creation of fully luminous ceramic watch cases, marking a significant innovation in the industry. By homogeneously mixing ceramic powders with high-grade Super-LumiNova® pigments, a material renowned for its light-storing capabilities, IWC has crafted watch cases that emit a bright bluish light for over 24 hours in dark conditions.
This milestone has been a long time in the making – built on nearly four decades of IWC’s expertise in ceramic watch engineering. Since its debut of a black zirconium oxide ceramic case in 1986, IWC has consistently been at the forefront of ceramic innovations, introducing materials like brown silicon nitride and black boron carbide ceramics. The launch of the Ceralume® technology, which involves a patent-pending manufacturing process, further solidifies IWC’s reputation as a leader in the field.
Dr. Lorenz Brunner, Department Manager of Research & Innovation at IWC Schaffhausen, emphasised the technological challenges overcome to achieve this breakthrough. The key was developing a manufacturing process that ensures maximum homogeneity and meets stringent quality standards. This involved customising a ball milling process and adjusting sintering parameters to suit the unique properties of the Super-LumiNova®-enhanced ceramic mix.
The first application of this technology is a fully luminous concept watch, a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41, featuring a Ceralume® case, a luminescent dial, and a luminescent rubber strap, all embedded with Super-LumiNova® pigments. This concept watch represents the beginning of what could be a series of luminous ceramic timepieces.
IWC’s Ceralume® technology not only highlights the brand’s innovative spirit but also opens new avenues for future developments in luminous ceramic watches. As the industry looks on, IWC continues to light the way for what is possible in watchmaking.
Images courtesy of IWC. All rights reserved.
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