When Watchmaking Meets Space Science.
IWC Schaffhausen and DLR Institute of Structures and Design teamed up to present something truly unique: a watch case made from a ceramic matrix composite (CMC), a material typically reserved for aerospace applications. It’s a monumental feat for both watchmaking and science, and an extraordinary honor for IWC to bring its craftsmanship into this high-tech world.
In simple terms, CMCs are super-strong materials that combine the best qualities of both ceramics and fibers. Traditional ceramics are known for being hard and scratch-resistant, but they’re also brittle. That’s where fibers come in. They’re embedded in the ceramic matrix to make it much more durable, even under high stress and extreme temperatures. In space, materials must perform flawlessly while withstanding massive temperature changes. CMCs fit the bill perfectly. But using them for a luxury watch? Now that’s something new.
The challenge was to adapt this aerospace-grade material for an application that is much smaller yet highly intricate: a watch case. To make it happen, DLR’s team of researchers worked hand in hand with IWC’s engineering division, XPL. The result was the Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G 63—a special edition watch with a sleek matte-black CMC case. The case isn’t just tough, it’s practically indestructible and incredibly light. Each case features a unique fiber pattern, meaning no two watches are exactly alike. For IWC, it was about pushing boundaries.
“At IWC, we’ve always combined the best of technology and craftsmanship, we’re known for our focus on high-performance materials, and adding a CMC to our portfolio was a natural step forward.” - Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.
For both IWC and DLR, this collaboration was more than just a project—it was a journey of exploration. From the challenges of working with a new material to the breakthrough of creating a product that’s as beautiful as it is functional, the partnership exemplifies what happens when two worlds innovate together.
Keeping tradition while blending it with new technology and contemporary design is a challenge. The idea of involving new materials is wonderful, but whether clients' tastes demand anything different from yellow gold or silver-like stainless steel is a question that could change over time, despite being untouched for the past 2000 years. Hope That Best is Yet to Come - Jewellery Insides
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1moAlways good to join forces indeed! Just curious about the crown: in which material is it here? It must be something special to go along with this exceptional composite.
Global Business & IT Professional | Marketing & Operations Manager | UCF Knight & Hultian
1moThis will the be the space race nobody will notice until after the fact. Which watchmaker will have their timepiece on the return trip to the Moon or which timepiece will be first on Mars, so on and so forth. Will be interesting.
Richemont Luxury Group
1moPerfect! I really like this watch! 👌🏼