Technology

News and information about watch technology

Omega Unveils Seamaster 15,000 Gauss, the World’s Most Antimagnetic Watch

Omega, which pioneered the use of innovative new materials and technologies in watchmaking, has introduced perhaps its most impressive technological accomplishment in recent years, the development of a wristwatch that is resistant to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss, a level far exceeding that of any other watch.

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Mar 18, 2013 by Mark Bernardo

Richard Mille’s New RM 011 Brings Another F1 Material to Watchmaking

Richard Mille has long been at the forefront of introducing new materials into watchmaking, particularly those used in the world of Formula One auto racing. At this year’s SIHH, the brand introduced yet another first in that area: the new RM 011 Flyback Chronograph, the first watch with a case made of brown silicon nitride.

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Feb 12, 2013 by Mark Bernardo

Chimes and Birdsong: Jaquet Droz’s Bird Repeater

Jaquet Droz has channeled the spirit of its namesake, the 18th-century inventor renowned for his complicated automatons and musical clockworks — many of them using singing birds — with its new ultra-complicated timepiece, the Bird Repeater.

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Oct 26, 2012 by Mark Bernardo

Bonus Audio: Excerpts from Our Interview with Festina Group’s Jean-Claude Schwarz

In the September-October 2012 issue of WatchTime, on sale September 11, executive editor Norma Buchanan profiles the Festina Group, one of the few companies that make movements, including hairsprings, from scratch, and hopes to cash in on cutbacks by the Swatch Group. Click below the photos to listen to audio outtakes from her exclusive interview...

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Sep 6, 2012 by Mark Bernardo

Tech Talk: Montblanc’s TimeWriter II Chronographe Bi-Fréquence 1000

If three watches constitute a trend, then measuring milliseconds, or 1/1,000s of a second, is a trend. Two watch brands, each with high-speed horological histories, have launched mechanical chronographs claimed to be capable of accurately measuring 1/1,000s of a second. Last year, TAG Heuer debuted its Mikrotimer Flying 1000 Concept Chronograph, followed this year by...

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Jul 23, 2012 by WatchTime

Controlled Chaos: Harry Winston’s Opus XI

For a couple of seconds every hour, the dial looks like a mess, but then all is made clear. Meet the Harry Winston Opus XI. Click here to read WatchTime writer Martina Richter’s in-depth report on the watch for our July-August issue, along with a video of how its ultra-complicated movement works.

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Jul 16, 2012 by Mark Bernardo

Hard Timers: How Hublot Conjured its Magic Gold

The Hublot brand is known for its use of unusual materials, including cermet (a mix of ceramic and metal), tungsten, and something the brand named “Hublonium” (an alloy of magnesium and aluminum). Now the company has unveiled one more: a very hard and therefore scratch-resistant alloy of gold Hublot has dubbed “Magic Gold.” Click here...

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May 14, 2012 by Gisbert Brunner

Hydromechanical Horology: Inside the New HYT H1

One of the most talked-about timepieces of the 2012 Baselworld watch fair was the HYT H1, an unusual-looking watch that indicates the time by means of two liquids — one green, one clear — that flow through a tiny tube along a peripheral hours scale. WatchTime technical editor Mike Disher explores the technology behind the...

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Apr 23, 2012 by WatchTime

De Bethune Demonstrates Résonique High-Frequency Escapement Breakthrough

For the past several years, De Bethune has focused its research efforts on developing super-high-frequency escapements. Currently, most escapements operate at 18,000 to 36,000 vph (2.5 to 5 Hz). In 2006, De Bethune demonstrated an experimental 72,000 vph (10 Hz) silicon escapement. Their latest efforts involve engineers, watchmakers, and a physicist, all working to develop...

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Jan 6, 2012 by WatchTime

Watches Submitted for the 2011 International Chronometry Contest

The 18 watches taking part in the 2011 International Chronometry Contest were submitted on Friday May 20 at the Musée d’horlogerie du Locle – Château des Monts. The watches come from the Jura, from Geneva, from France and the United States. The watches will be subjected to a number of tests over the summer, and...

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May 26, 2011 by WatchTime

IWC Launches New Web Site

IWC has lunched a completely revamped Web site that showcases the full collection of IWC timepieces through detailed photos and interactive elements that let users experience IWC know-how virtually. The site is beautifully designed and incorporates HTML5, so it is fully functional on the iPad and other mobile devices. This technology provides an excellent foundation...

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Jan 23, 2011 by WatchTime

Audemars Piguet Launches its iPhone 4 and iPad App

Designed as a playful variation of its website, the Audemars Piguet application enables users to discover a wealth of content and amazing graphics. The high-resolution screen displays signature models and complex mechanisms. The app includes films starring new models, along with videos highlighting watchmaking expertise. You will also find Audacity.ch, the online magazine with the...

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Jan 11, 2011 by WatchTime

Bulgari Launches Magsonic Grande Sonnerie iPhone and iPad Apps

Bulgari’s new apps for the iPhone and iPad let you explore the Magsonic Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon in high-resolution 3D. You can interact with all watch functions – the tourbillon, dial indicators and sonnerie hammers are all activated by sophisticated software developed specifically for the app.

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Dec 23, 2010 by WatchTime

Jaeger-LeCoultre Launches Reverso Virtual Museum

2011 marks the 80th anniversary of the Reverso, and to celebrate, Jaeger-LeCoultre is launching a virtual online museum dedicated to the iconic reversible watch. Since 1931, owners have made Reversos uniquely their own by having the protective caseback engraved. Reverso owners can earn a place in the history of this watch and the brand by...

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Dec 14, 2010 by WatchTime

Girard-Perregaux Releases iPhone and iPad App

Now you can carry the world of Girard-Perregaux with you wherever you go. Designed for the iPhone and iPad, the brand’s new, interactive app enables you to discover the Manufacture’s flagship models. It provides a reading of real time elapsed since opening, and a virtual try-on function for all the Girard-Perregaux watches. Play with the...

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Nov 16, 2010 by WatchTime

Hublot Launches New iPhone App and Contest

Today Hublot is launching a new iPhone application, available free in the Apple App Store. The application allows users to discover the complete Hublot 2010 collection and also offers a several entertaining, original – and in one case even sensitive – experiences which are guaranteed to surprise. The app includes an online game and a...

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Oct 26, 2010 by WatchTime

Omega Launches iPhone App

Omega puts its world at your fingertips with its new iPhone app. Carry the entire collection, including images and technical data about every Omega watch, in your pocket. The Watchfinder function lets you select the timepieces that have the exact specifications you are looking for, and you can save your choices as Favorites. The app...

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Aug 23, 2010 by WatchTime

Panerai Launches iPhone App

Officine Panerai dives into the digital age with a new iPhone app. The app is available at no cost in iTunes (link below). Now Paneristi everywhere can share the Panerai experience anytime, anywhere. The app offers users exclusive information about new collections, upcoming events, and official boutique locations. A game lets you test your Paneristi...

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Jul 22, 2010 by WatchTime

Tissot Lets You Try on Virtual Watches in Real Time 3D

Tissot has added 3D augmented reality technology to its website, allowing visitors to try on virtual watches in 3D and to interact with features on the brand’s pioneering Touch collection. When visitors hold their wrist in front of their webcam, they see themselves “wearing” virtual 3D watches in real time. 28 watch variations from the...

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May 6, 2010 by WatchTime

Omega Supports Solar Powered Flight

Solar Impulse is a prototype aircraft powered by the Sun, and on a clear April day over the Swiss town of Payerne, it took its first serious test flight. Seven years in the making, the goal of the venture is to demonstrate that it is possible to fly around the world using only solar power....

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Apr 9, 2010 by WatchTime