Composite
Ceramic is a material characterized by a combination of metal and non-metal atoms. Known and used by man for centuries, it can also be produced artificially through simple processes or extremely sophisticated methods, which allow high-performance materials to be synthesized.
In the field of watch-making, some types of ceramic like synthetic sapphire or rubies (both varieties of Aluminium Oxide - Al2O3) have already been in use for some time as they satisfy specific requirements of hardness and reliability. In addition, ceramic has established itself as one of the most interesting and successful materials for the creation of cases and other watch components traditionally made from metal.
Panerai Composite is the new material introduced into fine watch-making for the first time by Officine Panerai. Employed up until now in the aeronautic industry and for the creation of automotive and motorcycle components that require a particularly high level of performance, Panerai Composite is obtained through an electrochemical process of ceramization of the aluminium, resulting in a material with unique features.
CHARACTERISTICS AND PERFORMANCE
Panerai Composite is a material harder and lighter than the ceramics commonly used in watchmaking to manufacture cases (zirconia, ZrO2), but is also harder than metals such as aluminium, steel and titanium.
These characteristics make Panerai Composite an ideal material for the creation of watch cases as it guarantees comfort, great aesthetic qualities – it can be synthesized in various colours, resistance to knocks, scratches and high temperatures.
Furthermore, Panerai Composite is ductile, allowing for complex geometries and processing, and is inert, so it does not change its structure or appearance over time.
THE CERAMIZATION PROCESS
The ceramization process of aluminium leading to the synthesis of Panerai Composite is not similar to any other techniques currently in use in the watch-making industry. In traditional coating processes in fact, layers of ceramic dust are applied onto metal and only the topmost surface of the case is involved in the process itself.
With Panerai Composite, the aluminium cases are immersed in a chemical bath where, thanks to a conductive liquid and to the electricity which generates extremely high temperatures (up to 10,000°C), the metal undergoes an electrochemical process that profoundly modifies its structure while still allowing it to remain faithful to the original geometry. The result of this process depends on many factors, including the solution used, the immersion times, the material and the shape of the piece being worked on.
Before being mounted on a Panerai watch, each case undergoes finishing and is put through a series of tests that certify its aesthetic and technical qualities. The result is a material that is extremely homogeneous, solid, of matt appearance and soft to the touch.
The entire ceramization process is totally environment-friendly: the only working residue is, in fact, the hydrogen which separates from the oxygen molecules that become integrated into the case.
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