4 Timepieces That Feature New and Unusual Materials

4 Timepieces That Feature New and Unusual Materials

A look at the latest materials to emerge in the ever-evolving world of watchmaking.

 Ceratanium

As seen in: IWC Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium

Having debuted in a 50-piece anniversary- edition Aquatimer two years ago, this hardy, ultra-light patented alloy combines the best of titanium and ceramic. To achieve this, a special titanium alloy is machined into its desired final shape before being sintered in a furnace to develop a non-coated ceramic surface and its characteristic matte-black colouring.

Carbon Glass

As seen in: Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Carbon Glass

Carbon isn’t your everyday watch case material, and Carbon Glass takes it even further: Stiffer, impermeable, and less susceptible to scratches than conventional carbon. Manufactured from a patented process whereby glass fibres are injected into carbon at a high temperature, the lightweight material features a low density of about 1g/cm3 (that of titanium is 4.5g/ cm3) and an unusually smooth surface.

Carbonium

As seen in: Ulysse Nardin Skeleton X Carbonium Gold

Introduced in the Skeleton X collection, the aeronautic-grade, lightweight and extremely resilient Carbonium isn’t just a next-generation carbon composite – it is also sustainable. Manufactured with off cuts from aeronautical pieces, it cuts environmental impact by 40 per cent, compared with other carbon composites. In this variant, wave-like marbling pays tribute to the brand’s nautical heritage.

Moonshine Gold

As seen in: Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

Omega’s Moonshine Gold pays homage to the moon, which is famously linked to the brand’s iconic Speedmaster watches. Paler than yellow gold, Moonshine Gold is incorporated with palladium to retain its vibrancy through time. The proprietary alloy is featured in this limited edition that marks 50 years since the Apollo 11 mission that landed the first two humans – Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin – on the moon.

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