There are two main areas in which brands showcase their latest breakthroughs: the movement, of course, and the introduction of new and innovative materials and technologies for a watch?s case. IWC Schaffhausen is a pioneer in both. The latest contribution to demonstrate the Swiss manufacturer’s technical prowess is a fully luminous watch case that emits a bluish glow for up to 24 hours. The same rings true for the dial and strap. The concept watch in form of a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 was first spotted on Lewis Hamilton’s wrist during the 2024 Monaco GP which took place this past weekend. According to IWC, the Ceralume technology, which is patent pending, will form the basis for future developments and releases.
Ceramic is light, extremely hard and highly resistant to scratches. Over almost four decades, IWC has acquired extensive expertise in the development of ceramic watches. In 1986, the Swiss luxury watchmaker launched the world’s first wristwatch with a black zirconium oxide ceramic case. Since then, IWC’s major ceramic innovations have included watchcases made of brown silicon nitride ceramic and black boron carbide ceramic, one of the hardest materials known. After introducing a series of TOP GUN models in strikingly colored ceramics, IWC is now pushing the boundaries with Ceralume. This luminescent ceramic is produced using a highly sophisticated and patent-pending manufacturing process developed by IWC?s engineering divisio...