URWERK 103.08 TiAlN

Posted on by

Independent Swiss watch maker URWERK presents a new version of its iconic 103 wrist watch with a hard TiAlN-coated steel case.

The coat of the steel 103.08 is the hardest yet known in the world of haute horlogerie. TiAlN – Titanium Aluminum Nitride – treatment is well-known in industry for its exceptional properties. A TiAlN coating less than 4 microns thick has the effect of multiplying the resistance of the underlying metal to scratches, shocks, oxidation and even acids.

TiAlN is a hard material which can be used as protective coating to enhance the lifetime of a variety of work pieces against mechanical or chemical attacks. The hardness of TiAlN is often between 30 and 40 GPa. In comparison, the hardness of DLC (diamond like carbon) is 20-25 GPa.

The 103.08 in TiAlN coated steel is the new jewel in the crown of URWERK’s 103 collection. The 103.08 is lighter than its gold and platinum stable mates, yet much harder. The proof is in the numbers: Gold : 380 Vickers; Steel : 600 Vickers ; TiAlN coat : 3500 Vickers and Sapphire: 4000 Vickers.
TAilN is an application which was originally developed for industry. When machining metals, the first requirement is that tool is harder than the material to be machined. Considerable research therefore goes into developing new methods of hardening. Attractive aesthetics can be added to TiAlN’s technical superiority. Its colour is dependent on the Titanium/Aluminium ratio and can range from melting bronze to stormy black.

Technical details

URWERK 103.08

  • Case: Available in steel
  • Dimensions: 50mm x 36mm x 13.5mm (including lugs)
  • Movement: Caliber 3.03, manual wind, 43-hour power reserve, 21,600bph/3Hz.
  • Unique triple base plate in ARCAP P40 black PVD coated. Hour satellites in aluminium, orbital cross in grade 2 titanium.
  • Control Board: Grade 5 titanium, power reserve indicator, 15 minute and seconds dials for precise Time setting, user adjustable fine-tuning screw.