Zhong Tianyang
Ultra-light, ultra-resistant, ultra-fluorescent, rock-solid... Watchmaking brands continue to challenge the limits and discover new case materials. Just a few years ago, carbon fiber and high-tech ceramics were pioneer materials of the future. Times have changed, and in recent years watchmaking brands have focused on research and development of possible alloys and composite materials, borrowing futuristic materials from industries such as aerospace and telecommunications, as well as extreme sports such as Formula One racing and offshore sailing. Even so, the exploration of alternative materials continues to bring new surprises.
Gray Cermet (GREY CERMET): Zirconia fused with high-performance ceramics
RICHARD MILLE RM 11-05 flyback chronograph GMT automatic watch
High-tech materials have always been RICHARD MILLE's specialty. This time, the RM 11-05 flyback chronograph GMT self-winding watch uses a new exclusive material: Gray Cermet to create the case.
RICHARD MILLE RM 11-05 flyback chronograph GMT automatic watch
The unique gray color of cermet is attributed to the combination of zirconia metal matrix and high-performance ceramic reinforced material . RICHARD MILLE and IMI Group, which specializes in microtechnology, have invested many years in development and optimized the production process of this material - combining traditional hot stamping with a series of high-voltage current pulses to produce it with "flash sintering" technology. Its density is 4.1 g/cm3, which is lighter than titanium alloy, and its hardness is 2,360 Vickers hardness, which is almost comparable to diamond's 2,400 Vickers hardness. The physical properties of cermets are widely recognized and are therefore often used in ballistic protection, external aerospace fuselage components, and brakes on racing cars. Carbon TPT carbon fiber middle case, with grade 5 titanium alloy bottom cover and gray cermet bezel, can significantly reduce the weight of RM 11-05.
Mineral composite fiber (MCF): upgraded version of silica
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Twofold watch
Excalibur Twofold This new watch fuses Developed three world-first technologies. First of all, its 45 mm diameter bezel and case are made of Mineral Composite Fiber (MCF), which enhances the cool style of the Excalibur Twofold watch; this MCF material is a material specially developed by Roger Dubuis. , an ultra-white composite material made of 99.95% silica, becoming a pioneering work in the advanced watchmaking industry. This watch is equipped with the RD01SQ skeleton double flying tourbillon movement, which combines exquisite visual effects with excellent technical performance. It is a representative creation of Roger Dubuis.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Twofold Watch
The watch is 15 mm thick and has a white dial with polished screw-type hour markers filled with SLN luminous paint. The double flying tourbillon is located at 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock on the watch respectively. It is equipped with a titanium alloy adjustable folding clasp, has a power storage of up to 50 hours and a waterproof depth of 30 meters, making it suitable for wearing in various occasions in life. Roger Dubuis’ engineers are proficient in the sheet molding (SMC) process, allowing the watchmaker to perfectly utilize this unique mineral composite fiber to create extraordinary timepieces.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Twofold watch has luminous effect
Furthermore, Roger Dubuis also took the lead in developing a patented innovative process that uses mineral composite fibers. The upper main plate of the movement is made to have bright fluorescent corners: they can last up to 60% longer at night than standard luminous materials commonly used.
Finally, the Twofold strap that this watch comes with is made of a special FKM rubber and also has a fluorescent effect: thanks to the world's first LumiSuperBiwiNova technology, some parts of this strap will glow slightly in the dark. Like a charming night signal.
Ceratanium: a fusion of ceramic and titanium
IWC Pilot’s Watch Series TOP GUN Naval Air Combat Force Chronograph “SFTI” Special Edition
2020 In 2018, the IWC Pilot's Watch series launched the TOP GUN Naval Air Combat Troops Chronograph "SFTI" special edition. This watch is inspired by the "Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor" watch of the same name created by the brand in 2018 to commemorate the U.S. Naval Aviation Force. It is exclusively for graduates of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (nicknamed TOP GUN). With the combination of a black ceramic case and a Ceratanium titanium case back and pushers, this chronograph shows off its sporty style in a distinctive and tough matte black color.
IWC Pilot Series TOP GUN Naval Air Combat Force Chronograph "SFTI" Special Edition
The oversized 44 mm case is made of black zirconia ceramic. According to the Vickers hardness scale, ceramics is second only to diamond in hardness and ranks among the hardest substances on earth. It is super scratch-resistant and the matte black color plays a good anti-reflective role. The case back and chronograph function buttons are made of Ceratanium, an innovative material recently developed by IWC material engineers. This new material is as light and strong as titanium, yet as hard and scratch-resistant as ceramic. Thanks to the combination of ceramic and Ceratanium porcelain titanium, this chronograph has a uniform all-black matt color. The black dial and luminous black hands enhance the tough military style. The small seconds hand and the end of the chronograph seconds hand with an aircraft-shaped tip add a touch of red to the instrument-style dial.
IWC Pilot Series TOP GUN Naval Air Combat Force Chronograph "SFTI" Special Edition
IWC's self-made 69380 movement operates stably in a sturdy case. This powerful and reliable chronograph movement adopts a classic column wheel design to ensure the accuracy of travel time and can achieve a chronograph function of up to 12 hours. It also has date and week display functions. The green Nato fabric strap adds a sporty touch to this piece.
Breitlight ultra-light material: composite of polycarbonate and carbon fiber
Breitling Professional Endurance Watch (ENDURANCE PRO)
Breitling launched Breitlight in 2016. The advantages of this strong and ultra-light material are self-evident: 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than steel, non-magnetic, thermally stable and hypoallergenic, and extremely resistant to scratches, friction and corrosion. Breitlight is also warmer to the touch than metal, and its slight textural effect highlights the originality of the design. This time, Breitling applied this material to the Breitling Professional Endurance Watch (Endurance Pro), a temperature-compensated SuperQuartz movement that is ten times more accurate than traditional quartz movements.
The Breitling Professional Endurance Watch (ENDURANCE PRO) uses Breitlight ultra-light material.
The new Breitling Professional Endurance Watch (Endurance Pro) is available in five different colors. Each watch is equipped with a black dial and a black two-way rotating bezel engraved with the four basic compass direction points of east, south, west and north (E, S, W, N). Each of the five models presents a distinctive and bright color: the watch has an inner bezel and is marked with a practical pulse meter scale. It is available in white, blue, yellow, orange or red, making it easy for the wearer to move during exercise. to track your heart rate. The watch is paired with a Diver Pro rubber strap of the same color as the inner bezel, secured by a Breitlight double-hand buckle.
The professional endurance watch (Endurance Pro) is equipped with the Breitling 82 movement certified by the Swiss Official Observatory (COSC). The SuperQuartz super quartz movement technology used provides excellent accuracy.