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30,000 g! Yes, this is not an error! During comprehensive tests, protected movements have survived the extreme forces from accelerations in excess of 30,000 g. Incredible but true! Discover the new IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL through this 4K video! This IWC watch features the patented SPRIN-g PROTECT system. At the heart of this system is a cantilever spring that protects the movement against the g-forces generated by impacts on the watch. It cushions the movement, allowing it to keep moving independently of the case before bringing it to a stop more gently.
“Alexander, when a watch suffers an impact, the movement and its components are subjected to high g-forces. If a pilot accidentally hits his watch against a hard surface in the cockpit, for example, accelerations are in the range of 300 to 1000 g. Our shock absorber system protects the movement so efficiently that it has survived accelerations in excess of 30,000 g in impact tests.”
This is what Lorenz, Dr. Lorenz Brunner, Department Manager Research & Innovation at IWC Schaffhausen, told me when he introduced me to "his" watch.
The key to this performance lies in the spring’s perfect form and the material used to make it. The spring has been designed to evenly spread the stress across its length and width. Solving this challenge required advanced simulation tools and a painstaking design process. A second decisive factor is the choice of Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) as a material. A sophisticated manufacturing process gives BMG an amorphous microstructure, with the result that it is significantly more elastic than conventional metals. An ultra- lightweight titanium casing ring further reduces the mass that the shock absorber must hold. Another innovation is a unique crown system with a winding stem that allows the movement to displace independently of the case.
Reducing the mass to be protected by the spring is critical for the system’s overall performance. The IWC- manufactured 32115 calibre used for this watch is a custom-made lightweight construction. Components like the base plate are made from a high-tech aluminium alloy used in the aerospace sector, which is light and highly rigid. The bidirectional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 120 hours.
To put the SPRIN-g PROTECT system through its paces under the most realistic conditions, IWC collaborated with the Fracture & Shock Physics group at the Cavendish Laboratory of Cambridge University in England, U.K. The scientists used laser-based measurement methods and high-speed video recording to analyse the effects that impacts show on the movement. During these comprehensive tests, protected movements have survived the extreme forces from accelerations in excess of 30,000 g.
The XPL in the name of the watch stands for “experimental” and refers to the IWC Experimental engineering division. The powerful case geometry takes the iconic shape of the Big Pilot’s design to a completely new level by adding a futuristic surface treatment and details throughout the entire watch exterior. The case is made of Ceratanium®, an IWC-developed material based on a proprietary titanium alloy. It is as light and robust as titanium but at the same time similarly hard and scratch- resistant as ceramic. The components are milled from bars and fired at high temperatures in a kiln. During this process, the surface assumes the characteristics of ceramics and gets its unique matte black finish. The stealthy black design is complemented with a black dial, a technical anti-reflective coating on the front glass, and a black rubber strap with leather inlay.
IWC Schaffhausen REF. IW357201
Automatic movement IWC Calibre 32115, 4 Hz, 120 hours power reserve
SPRIN-g PROTECT® shock absorber system
Ceratanium case 44 mm diameter
12,09 height
100 meter waterproof
Screw-in crown
Glass secured against displacement by drops in air pressure, antireflective coating on both sides
Sapphire glass back
Limited production 10 pieces per year
