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.
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. Important milestones included watch cases made of brown silicon nitride ceramic, black boron carbide ceramic, various coloured ceramics, and recently, a luminous ceramic called Ceralume®. In 2013, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer and the renowned German Aerospace Center research institution (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, DLR) embarked on an engineering collaboration to jointly develop the first watch cases made of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC).
Fibre-reinforced ceramic is a relatively new class of materials. It combines the advantages of conventional ceramics, like hardness and wear resistance, with additional benefits such as a very high tolerance to damage. As the material is also extremely resistant to thermal shocks, DLR had already used it for making larger rocket components and thermal protection systems for reusable space vehicles. However, the researchers were looking to adapt and practice their innovative shortf ibre pressing technology to make smaller and near net shape CMC parts, and a watch case was the perfect candidate for this endeavour. 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.
“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.
Ceramic matrix composite – a highly complex manufacturing process
The starting point for producing a ceramic matrix composite CMC watch case is a conventional carbon fibre-reinforced polymer. Carbon f ibres 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. 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. 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. 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. IWC also showcased the Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63 (Ref. IW506201). Launched in September 2023, this special edition Big Pilot’s Watch with design cues inspired by the Mercedes AMG G-Class marked IWC’s first model with a ceramic matrix composite case. As the structure of the case is determined by the fibres, and remains fully visible after f inishing with diamond tools, each watch boasts an absolutely unique matte black look.
The Hera spacecraft will study the binary asteroid system, comprised of Didymos and Dimorphos, for six months in 2026 to find out exactly how the orbital period and shape of the asteroids have changed since the impact of NASA’s DART probe in 2022. Hera is equipped with 12 measuring instruments for this purpose. The most important of these are the two asteroid framing cameras – two redundant, monochromatic cameras – which will be used to determine the position of the space probe in the asteroid system. They are essential for navigating the probe. Hera is also carrying two CubeSats, Juventas and Milani, each the size of a shoebox. They will move closer to Dimorphos and even attempt to land on it in the final phase of the mission to determine its interior structure, surface properties and gravitational field.
Credit: ESA/Science Office
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.
IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN
IWC Schaffhausen is a leading Swiss luxury watch manufacturer based in Schaffhausen in the north-eastern part of Switzerland. With collections like the Portugieser and the Pilot’s Watches, the brand covers the whole spectrum from elegant to sports watches. Founded in 1868 by the American watchmaker and engineer Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC is known for its unique engineering approach to watchmaking, combining the best of human craftsmanship and creativity with cutting-edge technology and processes.
Over its more than 150-year history, IWC has earned a reputation for creating professional instrument watches and functional complications, especially chronographs and calendars, which are ingenious, robust, and easy for customers to use. A pioneer in the use of titanium and ceramics, IWC today specialises in highly engineered watch cases manufactured from advanced materials, such as coloured ceramics, Ceratanium®, and titanium aluminide.
A leader in sustainable luxury watchmaking, IWC sources materials responsibly and takes action to minimise its impact on the environment. Along the pillars of transparency, circularity, and responsibility, the brand crafts timepieces built to last for generations and continuously improves every element of how it manufactures, distributes, and services its products in the most responsible way. IWC also partners with organisations that work globally to support children and young people.