In the ever-evolving world of watchmaking, innovation is the lifeblood that propels the industry forward.
IWC Schaffhausen, a brand renowned for its pioneering spirit and technical prowess, has once again pushed the boundaries of horological craftsmanship with the introduction of Ceralume®, a revolutionary luminescent ceramic. This groundbreaking material not only redefines the aesthetic possibilities of ceramic watches but also enhances their functionality in low-light conditions.
Courtesy of IWC
Founded in 1868 by Florentine Ariosto Jones, an American watchmaker with a vision to merge Swiss craftsmanship with modern engineering techniques, IWC Schaffhausen has consistently been at the forefront of horological innovation. From the iconic Portugieser collection, with its clean lines and large-format dial, to the rugged and functional Pilot's watches, IWC has consistently pushed the boundaries of design and technology.
Throughout its history, IWC has been a trailblazer in the use of ceramic in watchmaking. The brand's engineers and materials scientists have tirelessly experimented with this versatile material, exploring its potential for creating durable, scratch-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing watch cases. With the introduction of Ceralume®, IWC has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with ceramic.
Courtesy of IWC
Ceralume® is a highly engineered, patent-pending material that represents a significant leap forward in the field of luminescent ceramics. The process of creating Ceralume® involves homogenously mixing ceramic powders with Super-LumiNova® pigments. This intricate process requires meticulous precision and a deep understanding of material science. The result is a ceramic material that acts like a battery, storing light energy and emitting a mesmerizing blueish glow in the dark for over 24 hours.
The development of Ceralume® was not without its challenges. Achieving a perfectly homogenous mix of raw materials with different particle sizes and avoiding particle accumulations proved to be a formidable task. IWC Schaffhausen's engineers rose to the occasion, developing a dedicated ball milling process customized to the unique properties of the raw materials. Additionally, the parameters of the sintering process and the grinding of the sintered ceramic body had to be meticulously adjusted to accommodate the luminous ceramic.
Courtesy of IWC
The captivating glow effect of Ceralume® is made possible by the incorporation of high-grade Super-LumiNova® pigments into the ceramic raw materials. Developed by the Swiss technology company RC Tritec, Super-LumiNova® is a high-tech ceramic compound that functions as a light storage battery. It absorbs light energy from both natural and artificial sources, storing it temporarily and then releasing it as visible light.
The remarkable properties of Super-LumiNova® allow the cycle of light absorption and emission to be repeated indefinitely without any degradation of the material's light storage capacity. This means that Ceralume® watches will continue to glow brightly in the dark for years to come, providing enhanced visibility and a touch of magic to the wearer's wrist.
Courtesy of IWC
To showcase the full potential of Ceralume®, IWC Schaffhausen has created a concept watch based on the Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 design. This groundbreaking timepiece features a fully luminous ceramic case, a white luminescent dial, and a white luminescent rubber strap. Both the dial and the strap are enriched with Super-LumiNova® pigments, ensuring that the entire watch glows uniformly in the dark.
The dial's brass base is first sprayed with a Super-LumiNova® solution before the printing is added on top of the luminescent layer. The white rubber strap is manufactured using an injection moulding process, during which Super-LumiNova® pigments are incorporated into the material. The result is a watch that is not only visually stunning but also highly functional in low-light conditions.
Courtesy of IWC
IWC Schaffhausen's development of Ceralume® marks a significant milestone in the evolution of watchmaking materials. This innovative luminescent ceramic not only expands the creative possibilities for watch designers but also enhances the functionality and aesthetic appeal of ceramic watches. The Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 concept watch, with its fully luminous case, dial, and strap, is a testament to IWC's commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological innovation. As the brand continues to explore the potential of Ceralume®, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking timepieces that illuminate the future of watchmaking.