Diamond and Silicon (silicium)
Ulysse Nardin writes yet another decisive chapter in the search to improve key components in mechanical timepieces.
Ulysse Nardin in collaboration with GFD Germany has produced components in diamond grown on a silicon support for the in-house designed Dual Ulysse escapement.
Tests have been conducted for well over 1 year and proved extremely positive without any loss of amplitude. To avoid that the escapement wheels eat into other components that touch the diamond surface, both the stopper and the impulse pin (roller pin) are made in the same diamond-silicon combination. As seen in the photos, the diamond surfaces of these components are extremely smooth.
This superior component will be used for a Limited Edition to be launched in 2007.
Ulysse Nardin has been playing a leading role in the development of innovative state-of-the-art materials for escapements and hairsprings.
In 2001, it launched the Freak, the first timepiece commercially available fitted with an escapement made in silicon.
In 2002, Ulysse Nardin, in collaboration with GFD Germany, produced with the Plasma Erosion process the first hairsprings etched in diamond (patent pending).
In 2005, Ulysse Nardin launched the Freak “Diamond Heart” with an escapement made in diamond. All escapement components were etched in diamond wafers with the Plasma Erosion process.
