Composite supplies are, by far, essentially the most attention-grabbing of all such choices in watchmaking. We classify them with all different unique supplies, together with sapphire crystal, as a result of there are only a few of most of these watch circumstances, as soon as one separates bimetallic ones.
However, watches that mix metals, polymers and ceramics do rely as correctly unique, such because the Ulysse Nardin Diver (Air). As you may inform, we’re utilizing our editorial prerogatives to outline unique and, because the phrase is redolent of bias and opinion, why not!
In our authentic story about composites two years in the past, we used an AI-derived definition for composites. Right here is one from a business producer of composites: “A composite materials is a mixture of two supplies with totally different bodily and chemical properties.
When they’re mixed, they create a fabric which is specialised to do a sure job, as an illustration, to change into stronger, lighter, or immune to electrical energy. They will additionally enhance power and stiffness.
The explanation for his or her use over conventional supplies is that they enhance the properties of their base supplies and are relevant in lots of conditions.” (Supply: TWI World).
No particular power, toughness, or another attribute works for all composites. A wierd fantasy abounds, although, that composites won’t be appropriate for water-resistance, however this message didn’t attain Casio nor the varied shipbuilders who deploy carbon fibre and different such supplies of their hulls. The underside line on materials properties on the subject of composites is that every materials needs to be judged by itself deserves.
Having made all these factors and caveats, a watch just like the Hublot Massive Bang Meca-10 Concrete Jungle proves our level that the thrill in watch circumstances comes from. We’re significantly enamoured with this watch as a result of we mentioned concrete in our composite particular. Whereas Hublot has been plying its concrete craft since 2016, concrete has been making its mark on human civilisation for lots of of years.
For reference, here’s what we wrote in 2023: By many accounts, and no scarcity of arduous proof, the Romans had been terribly profitable with concrete. They weren’t the primary to get to this materials, however their specific recipe is extensively recognised as being closest by way of properties to what we use at this time. This extends to using the fabric to construct jetties and different partially submerged buildings – the Romans had been the primary to make use of a kind of concrete (opus caementicium) that may set underwater, which is a property we take as a right at this time.
A few of the ruins are nonetheless with us at this time, and buildings such because the Pantheon in Rome proceed to be public buildings within the twenty first century, alongside different main vacationer points of interest such because the Colosseum. We must always word right here that concrete additionally demonstrates that composite supplies generally seem in nature as properly, as a result of barnacles secrete a form of natural concrete to bind themselves to substrates.
After all, metals can even stay a gorgeous choice within the unique division. We refer right here to metals akin to tantalum, which grace components of the case of the brand new F.P. Journe Chronomètre Furtif, and aluminium, which varieties your complete case of the Franck Muller Vanguard Royal Bauxite. Aluminium has additionally been embraced by manufacturers akin to Bvlgari for a few years, so it’s hardly utterly novel. We count on manufacturers to proceed these efforts, maybe experimenting with one thing daring, on occasion.
This story was first seen as a part of the WOW #79 Summer season 2025 Difficulty
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