For several weeks, time has accelerated near Besançon, stronghold of SilMach – French deeptech pioneer of micromechanics on silicon.

Effect July 2023 markedthe incarnation of 20 years of research with the presentation of the silicon core, the smallest and autonomous micro-motor in the world; an innovation 100% Made in France, with infinite application fields (aeronautics, defense, medical, transport).

Today, October 11, 2023, SilMach is revolutionizing the watch industry and unveiling The TimeChanger: the first watch equipped with a silicon core in the world. Focus on the unique properties of this avant-garde technological jewel, applied to the field of watchmaking

 

The silicon core, a unique cutting-edge technology

The silicon-core micromotor, a 100% French product developed by SilMach, pushes the limits of watchmaking innovation.

The result of 20 years of intensive research, this revolutionary micro-motor aims to replace the Lavet motor, used in electronic watches with hands since the 1960s. Unique in its kind, it consists of only four parts surrounding a monolithic silicon core . Its unrivaled competitive advantages, such as its tiny size (by far the smallest micromotor in its category in the world), its insensitivity to magnetic fields, its lubricant-free operation as well as its exceptional robustness and durability make it a true technological achievement.

Powered by a battery, the silicon core also stands out for its energy efficiency, which offers battery life unattainable for traditional watch motors. Its unrivaled precision allows step-by-step control of the hands, in both directions (clockwise and counter-clockwise), with fluid accelerations and decelerations, thus allowing retrograde movement of the two hands. This precise control of speed in both directions of rotation offers new customer experiences to watch enthusiasts and a new reading of time.

The disruptive technology of the silicon core is particularly suited to connected hybrid watches (with hands), because the motor, which takes up less space than a Lavet motor, can be soldered onto electronic boards like a standard electronic component thanks to automated technology. surface mount (SMT). This feature opens the way to local production in France, while current Lavet engines require manual assembly in low-cost countries. With its silicon cores manufactured in France – in Besançon – by automated processes, SilMach redefines the standards of watchmaking and paves the way for entirely French production of cutting-edge electronic watch movements.

 

The TimeChanger: the world’s first watch equipped with a silicon core

TheTimeChanger, the world’s first watch equipped with a silicon core, is the very embodiment of the technology developed by SilMach. Its unique technical properties distinguish it from other watches on the market:

• An optical effect of perpetual movement of the hands, made possible thanks to an acceleration of the movement frequency, characteristic of each mode and functionality of the watch.
• A secret entry into different operating modes by simply pressing the pushers: a synchronized double pendulum animation of the hands, a manual calibration mode of the hands or even a jump in time with an accelerated mode where the hours become minutes and minutes are now just seconds.
• An optimal and ultra-precise frequency of movement of the hands (rotation of the silicon micro-rotor in steps of 30 microns every 10 milliseconds) for optimal dynamics of the movements of the hands creating the perception of a totally fluid/quasi-continuous rotary movement to the naked eye (up to 100Hz). This precision is up to ten times higher than the COSC chronometric standard, with a variation of only +- 0.5 seconds per day.
• Exceptional autonomy for a classic battery-powered watch (CR2320), which can be measured in years, just like its endurance.

 

About SilMach

A true pioneer on the international scene in the field of silicon micromechanics, SilMach (Silicium Machinery) was created in 2003 in Besançon around a strong conviction: that of bringing to life on an industrial scale the first MEMS micromachines (”Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems”) hybrids.

Through disruptive and highly innovative projects, SilMach pushes the limits of miniaturization and the known, like its emblematic bio-inspired nanodrone “Libellule”. SilMach designs, develops, manufactures and integrates high-performance MEMS microsystems through micromotors for motorizing nomadic and connected systems or even energy-free micromechanical sensors for monitoring the health of structures.

Winners of numerous competitions and innovation prizes, the application fields of patented SilMach solutions and technologies PowerMEMS and ChronoMEMS  are infinite for high-stakes industrial markets such as aeronautics, defense, transport, medical and of course watchmaking.

20 years after its creation, SilMach launches TheTimeChanger Watch – the first concept watch equipped with a silicon core designed and assembled in Besançon, the French watchmaking capital.< /em>

 

Download the press release on the sale of The TimeChanger

 

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Contacts presse

Jean-François Kitten : jf@licencek.com / +33 (0)6 11 29 30 28

Clara Savary : c.savary@licencek.com / +33 (0)6 81 35 88 14

Maxime Hibon : m.hibon@licencek.com / +33 (0)7 87 00 29 59