How the IWC-DLR Collaboration Began

The collaboration between IWC and DLR started when the Head of the ceramic matrix composite department at DLR noticed an IWC carbon fiber watch and thought: “This is good, but we can do better.” The result? A cutting-edge watch case material inspired by aerospace and Formula 1 braking disc technology.

What Makes This Carbon Fiber Composite So Special?

The new material, silicon carbide reinforced carbon fiber composite (CMC), has unique advantages over traditional carbon fiber:

• Higher Strength & Toughness: Unlike regular ceramics, which can shatter on impact, this composite is resilient — if dropped, it won’t break into pieces.
• Extreme Lightness: The material is lighter than aluminum, making it one of the most comfortable watches to wear.
• Heat & Chemical Resistance: Originally designed for aerospace applications, this material is resistant to extreme temperatures and aggressive chemicals.
• Unique Visual Appeal: Every case features a one-of-a-kind fiber pattern, meaning no two watches will ever be identical—just like a fingerprint.

The 10-Years Development Journey

Developing this watch case was no small feat. The process took over 10 years to perfect, involving extensive trials, failures, and breakthroughs. Initially, IWC tested a Mark XVIII case, but under extreme stress tests, parts of the case broke off. This led to an iterative refinement process, selecting higher-grade fibers and optimizing the manufacturing techniques. Finally, the material proved its resilience, allowing IWC to scale up production for its iconic Big Pilot’s Watch.

How the Case is Made

The creation of the CMC case involves several intricate steps:

• Pre-formed Carbon Fiber Base: Initially, a carbon fiber structure is shaped using a polymer matrix.
• Pyrolysis Process: The polymer is burned out in an oven for 4-5 days, leaving behind a fragile mesh-like carbon structure.
• Siliconization: The piece is placed in another oven for 3 days, where liquid silicon fills the gaps, creating silicon carbide (SiC).
• Final Hardening & Polishing: The result is an ultra-hard composite with a Vickers hardness of 2,400 — nearly twice as hard as standard ceramics.

At this stage, only diamond tools can be used to shape and refine the case due to its extreme hardness. Very few specialists in Europe can handle this level of precision machining.

Big Pilot’s Watch in CMC – A Bold Move

IWC chose to launch this new material in the Big Pilot’s Watch, not only because of its popularity but also because the larger case size provides better structural integrity. While machining thinner cases proved challenging, the Big Pilot’s dimensions offered a better balance between aesthetics and durability.

Additional Features

• Titanium Case Back: Featuring an open sapphire display, the case back is made from Ceratanium — IWC’s proprietary ceramic-titanium alloy.
• Perpetual Calendar Compatibility: The robust case allows for a range of complications, including IWC’s famous perpetual calendar movement.
• Ultra-Light Feel: Despite its massive dimensions, the watch feels almost weightless on the wrist.

Exclusivity and Market Availability

Given the extreme complexity of producing CMC cases, IWC holds an exclusive contract with DLR for using this material in watchmaking. That means no other watch brand will have access to it for the foreseeable future.

The first Big Pilot’s Watches in CMC have already been delivered to select customers, with broader availability expected soon. If you’re interested, visit an IWC boutique to experience this groundbreaking material firsthand.

The Future of High-Tech Materials in Watchmaking

Beyond watch cases, IWC has also been integrating high-tech materials into movement components. Their famous Pelaton winding system now features ceramic gears, eliminating wear and tear for a virtually maintenance-free automatic winding mechanism. So, what’s next?

Will We See a Full Ceramic Movement?

While the idea of a fully ceramic movement sounds intriguing, IWC’s Technical Director Stefan Ihnen cautions that it must serve a functional purpose, not just be a gimmick. The focus remains on enhancing performance through selective material integration, ensuring every innovation has real value.

The Future is Now

The IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch in Carbon Fiber Composite (CMC) is a game-changer, blending aviation-inspired technology with luxury watchmaking. With its unique aesthetics, unmatched durability, and feather-light feel, it sets a new benchmark in high-performance horology.

If you’re considering an IWC watch and want something truly innovative and exclusive, this might just be the ultimate choice.