Long energy storage silicon hairspring

When will silicon hairspring technology be widely available?

The CSEM patent will expire in 2021 and the technology will become available. Silicon hairspring are in used across different Swatch group brands (Breguet, Omega, etc.). The Patek Philippe advanced research department unveiled their Spiromax© hairspring in 2006. Rolex presented their Syloxi© hairspring in 2014.

What is a silicon hairspring?

Borrowed from the semiconductor industry, silicon presents remarkable properties to manufacture hairsprings outperforming those made from conventional metal alloys. But until very recently, silicon hairsprings have been used by a limited number of companies, which patented the technology

How does thermo-compensation work for silicon hairsprings?

Thermo-compensation can be performed with remarkable efficiency for silicon hairsprings via oxidization (which is precisely one of the central claims of the patent that has just expired – more information about this below).

Who owns silicon hairsprings?

Silicon hairsprings are now the domain of a consortium led by CSEM and backed by three watchmaking giants: Rolex, Patek Philippe, and the Swatch Group. Thanks to the patents filed by its backers, the consortium has a monopoly on the use of silicon hairsprings in Swiss watchmaking, helped by its willingness to defend its territory.

Are silicon-based energy storage systems a viable alternative to traditional energy storage technologies?

Silicon-based energy storage systems are emerging as promising alternatives to the traditional energy storage technologies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on silicon-based energy storage systems, including silicon-based batteries and supercapacitors.

Who are the power houses collaborating on silicon hairsprings?

Silicon hairsprings – An interesting and strategic alliance uniting three power houses: Swatch, Rolex and Patek Philippe joining forces through CSEM (Centre Suisse d’Electronique et de Microtechnique) – Above, a Breguet silicon hairspring deriving from this joint research project.