Over the weekend, Lewis Hamilton made headlines at the Monaco Grand Prix, not just for his performance on the track but also for the extraordinary timepiece on his wrist. The celebrated Formula 1 driver was spotted wearing an IWC concept watch featuring the innovative Ceralume® technology, developed by IWC. This cutting-edge technology allows for the production of fully luminous ceramic watch cases, setting a new standard in the world of luxury watches.
Ceralume® represents a significant milestone for IWC Schaffhausen, a company with nearly four decades of expertise in ceramic watchmaking. The technology, created by IWC’s engineering division XPL, is based on a highly engineered and patent-pending process. It involves the homogeneous mixing of ceramic powders with high-grade Super-LumiNova® pigments. These pigments are known for their ability to store light energy and emit it as visible light, creating a fascinating glow effect.
The development of Ceralume® took several years, as IWC engineers faced the challenge of achieving maximum homogeneity and meeting the brand’s exacting quality standards. The result is a groundbreaking manufacturing process tailored to the unique combination of ceramic powders and Super-LumiNova® pigments. The luminescent ceramic, tested in dark chambers, has been proven to emit a bright bluish light for more than 24 hours.
IWC’s journey with ceramic watches began in 1986 with the launch of the world’s first wristwatch featuring a black zirconium oxide ceramic case. Over the years, IWC has continued to innovate, introducing brown silicon nitride ceramic and black boron carbide ceramic, among other materials. The introduction of Ceralume® is the latest chapter in this history of innovation.
“With the first fully luminous ceramic case rings, we underscore our role as a pioneer and innovator in ceramic watches,” says Dr. Lorenz Brunner, Department Manager Research and Innovation at IWC. The development of Ceralume® faced challenges such as achieving a perfectly homogeneous mix of raw materials despite their different particle sizes. This was accomplished through a dedicated ball milling process and customized sintering and grinding parameters.
The concept watch worn by Hamilton features a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 design, showcasing a Ceralume® case, a white luminescent dial, and a white luminescent rubber strap. The dial and strap, enriched with Super-LumiNova® pigments, offer a stunning visual experience. The dial’s brass base is sprayed with a Super-LumiNova® solution before printing, and the strap is made through an injection molding process enriched with the same pigments.
The patent-pending Ceralume® technology promises to be the foundation for future innovations and releases, marking just the start of the possibilities of Ceralume®.