IWC x DLR = CMC

Strength, light and temperature resistant. In 2013, we embarked on an engineering collaboration with DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) to jointly develop the first watch cases made of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC). As the material is extremely resistant to thermal shocks, DLR had already used it for making larger rocket components and thermal protection systems but researchers were looking to adapt their short fibre pressing technology to make smaller CMC parts, and a watch case was the perfect candidate for this endeavour.