The world’s first Niobium watch won the silver IDA (International Design Award); the watch was made exclusively for the mining company CBMM in Brazil, and will be presented for the first time for the public in Basel 2014.
Dwiss SA developed the world’s first niobium watch a new and exclusive Swiss mechanical watch model customized for Brazilian mining company CBMM, featuring a new case made with a unique alloy of 99% Niobium, a rare mineral, and key ingredient in many high-tech and strategic industries.
Silver-medal winner at the 2012 International Design Awards, the Classique CBMM features the first ever watch case in niobium, a rare mineral more commonly found in such high-tech disciplines as aeronautics and the petrochemical industry.
Totally hypoallergenic and highly shock-resistant, niobium is extracted primarily in Brazil, home to CBMM, the mining company for which this timepiece was made.
Technical details
- Movement: Mechanical automatic
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Case: Alloy comprising 99% niobium and 1% zirconium (Nb1Zr), 41 mm
- Sapphire crystal
- Dial: Blue
- Date aperture at 6 o’clock
- Strap: Alligator with folding clasp
Niobium is a mineral mainly used in the Steel Industry, Automotive, Military, Aerospace, MRI machines, Petrochemical, Medical Prosthetics, High-Tech Optics etc. It has anti-corrosive characteristics in addition to other properties, that affect the hardening strength of steel.
Also, Niobium is a completely hypoallergenic mineral and has optimal shock-absorbing properties, making it perfect for the watch industry and ideal for consumers needs. China is the world’s largest producer of steel, and therefore the single-largest consumer of Niobium. Brazil has the world’s largest reserves of Niobium and one Brazilian producer accounts for 80% of the world’s market share: CBMM.
Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM) is part of the Moreira Salles Group and is involved in the extraction, processing, manufacturing and marketing of niobium-based products. CBMM is the only niobium producer present in all market segments. With subsidiary companies in Europe, Asia and in North America, CBMM dedicates special attention to its customers, wherever they may be around the globe.
DWISS is a young Swiss watch brand created by the Brazilian born and award winner designer Rafael Simoes Miranda and other great minds in the design and entrepreneurship field. Together they build unique products with a unique aesthetic vision and global perspective.
