IWC Schaffhausen Introduces Innovative Ceralume® Technology
IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled its groundbreaking luminous ceramic technology, Ceralume®. Developed by IWC’s engineering division XPL, this proprietary, patent-pending process allows for the creation of fully luminous ceramic watch cases. By homogeneously mixing ceramic powders with high-grade Super-LumiNova® pigments, a material that stores light energy, IWC has achieved a significant milestone. In dark chamber tests, a concept watch featuring Ceralume® technology emitted a bright blueish light for over 24 hours.
Four Decades of Ceramic Expertise
For nearly 40 years, IWC Schaffhausen has been a leader in ceramic watch engineering. Ceramic, known for being light, extremely hard, and highly scratch-resistant, has been a cornerstone of IWC’s innovation. In 1986, IWC introduced the world’s first wristwatch with a black zirconium oxide ceramic case. Since then, the brand has launched several ceramic innovations, including brown silicon nitride ceramic and black boron carbide ceramic cases. With the introduction of the TOP GUN models in striking colored ceramics, IWC continues to push boundaries with the new Ceralume® technology.
Dr. Lorenz Brunner, Department Manager Research and Innovation at IWC Schaffhausen, explains:
“With the first fully luminous ceramic case rings, we underscore our role as a pioneer and innovator in ceramic watches. The development of Ceralume® took several years. The main challenges we faced were producing watch cases with maximum homogeneity and meeting our exacting quality standards. To achieve these goals, we engineered a ground-breaking new manufacturing process tailored to the unique combination of ceramic powders and Super-LumiNova® pigments.”
The Super-LumiNova® Advantage
The luminous effect of Ceralume® is achieved by incorporating high-grade Super-LumiNova® pigments into the ceramic materials. Developed by Swiss technology company RC Tritec, Super-LumiNova® is a high-tech ceramic compound that functions like a light storage battery. It absorbs light energy from sunlight or artificial light, stores it temporarily, and then emits the energy as visible light. This cycle can be repeated infinitely without the material aging or losing its light storage capacity. In dark chamber tests, Ceralume® watch cases have consistently emitted a bright blueish light for more than 24 hours.
A Highly Engineered Process
Conventional white ceramic is created by mixing zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides. These powders are formed into a green body, machined close to the final case geometry, and then sintered at high temperatures. To make the ceramic glow in the dark, Super-LumiNova® pigments are added to the raw material mix. Achieving a perfectly homogeneous mix despite different particle sizes was a major challenge. IWC’s engineers employed a customized ball milling process and adapted the sintering and grinding parameters specifically for the luminous ceramic.
The First Fully Luminous Ceramic Concept Watch
Using Ceralume® technology, IWC’s experimental division XPL has crafted a fully luminous ceramic concept watch. This Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 design features a Ceralume® case, a white luminescent dial, and a white luminescent rubber strap, all enriched with Super-LumiNova® pigments. The dial’s brass base is sprayed with a Super-LumiNova® solution before the printing is applied on top of the luminescent layer. The rubber strap, produced through injection molding, is also enriched with these pigments.
Future Developments
IWC Schaffhausen’s innovative Ceralume® technology, developed through years of research and engineering, sets the stage for future advancements and releases. This technology reaffirms IWC’s commitment to pioneering in the world of high-end watchmaking.
For more information, visit IWC Schaffhausen.