On the occasion of Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, ECAL is teaming up with Alloyed to present a collection of watch straps using 3D printing technology.
On the occasion of Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, ECAL joins forces with Alloyed, a company with expertise in metal printing technologies, to present an original collection of watch straps. Designed by students in the Master of Advanced Studies in Design for Luxury and Craftsmanship program, these bracelets have been developed using 3D modeling programs, enabling the creation of unique pieces that go beyond the limits of traditional techniques.
Five of the 15 concepts devised by the students were selected and 3D printed from a fine powder of TI6AI4V titanium–an alloy composed of titanium, aluminum and vanadium–whose melting point of around 1,600° Celsius is achieved using a laser beam. Regularly used in the aerospace industry, this printing technique, known as Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), creates objects with ultra-high-performance mechanical properties.
Each project, presented in the form of a prototype or animation, finds its inspiration in the beauty of nature, through organic structures, as much as in complex systems, closer to engineering. This collaboration brings together technology, craftsmanship and design–in line with the world of haute horlogerie–by combining the expertise of engineers specializing in materials science with the know-how of jewelry craftsmen.
Monday 15 April 2024 at 3pm
Talk about the links between design, and innovation in an academic context and a presentation of the creative approach around the projects on display in the LAB.
Laurent Beirnaert, Head of Design at Alloyed
Xavier Perrenoud, professor at ECAL
MAS in Design for Luxury and Craftsmanship Students
From April 13 to 15, 2024
Palexpo Genève
Route François-Peyrot 30
1218 Le Grand-Saconnex
Esther Alcade, Helena Choi, Minjun Choi, Sacha Dufour , Alix Malamaire , Blanche Mijonnet , Kao Onishi Raazia Hasnain, Nuttiya Ratchtrachenchai, Emilie Seguin , John Stagaman, Kou Tanikami, Murilo Weitz, Inbal Yarkoney, Seunghyeon Yoo
3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — In the world of luxury watchmaking, the alligator leather strap symbolises an iconic and particularly precious natural material. The idea of this project is to recreate this same material using a 3D modelling programme to retain the characteristic visual aspect of the scales, with their asymmetrical shapes, while preserving the texture specific to this type of leather. Printed in titanium, the bands of scales are held together by small metal pieces which are subtly hidden beneath the surface, giving natural flexibility to the wristband.
3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — In the world of luxury watchmaking, the alligator leather strap symbolises an iconic and particularly precious natural material. The idea of this project is to recreate this same material using a 3D modelling programme to retain the characteristic visual aspect of the scales, with their asymmetrical shapes, while preserving the texture specific to this type of leather. Printed in titanium, the bands of scales are held together by small metal pieces which are subtly hidden beneath the surface, giving natural flexibility to the wristband.
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3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — This project is inspired by the microscopic structures of aquatic flora. Based on the observations of German biologist and philosopher Ernst Haeckel (1834 - 1919), the aim of this research is to enhance the intricacies and daintiness of natural elements, and more specifically radiolarians—marine plankton with a mineral skeleton made of silica. The result is a gorgeous exploration of sophisticated forms and systems, enabling the creation of a unique and elegant wristband, each element of which could only be recreated using 3D printing technology.
3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — This project is inspired by the microscopic structures of aquatic flora. Based on the observations of German biologist and philosopher Ernst Haeckel (1834 - 1919), the aim of this research is to enhance the intricacies and daintiness of natural elements, and more specifically radiolarians—marine plankton with a mineral skeleton made of silica. The result is a gorgeous exploration of sophisticated forms and systems, enabling the creation of a unique and elegant wristband, each element of which could only be recreated using 3D printing technology.
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3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — The aim of this project is to redefine the composition of a strap by working on a gradual metamorphosis of the links. Thanks to the possibilities offered by 3D technology and the Laser Powder Bed Fusion printing technique, each link in the chain is individually crafted and subtly altered according to the shape and curves of the previous link. The result is a wristband that is made up of elements with evolving proportions that fit together perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — The aim of this project is to redefine the composition of a strap by working on a gradual metamorphosis of the links. Thanks to the possibilities offered by 3D technology and the Laser Powder Bed Fusion printing technique, each link in the chain is individually crafted and subtly altered according to the shape and curves of the previous link. The result is a wristband that is made up of elements with evolving proportions that fit together perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
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3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — Thanks to modelling and 3D printing techniques, this strap is an authentic reflection of the organic elegance and intricacies of the plant world. Each link resembles a climbing plant that grows and revolves around a central loop, representing the case of a watch. The intriguing design of this wristband breaks away from the aesthetic codes of watchmaking and celebrates the harmony between the force of nature and the mesmerising beauty of technology.
3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — Thanks to modelling and 3D printing techniques, this strap is an authentic reflection of the organic elegance and intricacies of the plant world. Each link resembles a climbing plant that grows and revolves around a central loop, representing the case of a watch. The intriguing design of this wristband breaks away from the aesthetic codes of watchmaking and celebrates the harmony between the force of nature and the mesmerising beauty of technology.
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3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — This strap offers a reinterpretation of how frequencies work, illustrated by constant waves on a printed metal band. The formal language is based on a binary technology that translates these lines into information. This principle helps create personalised wristbands by translating specific data into simple frequencies. Each of the waves then become a unique link, giving the strap flexibility and a distinctive visual aesthetic.
3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — This strap offers a reinterpretation of how frequencies work, illustrated by constant waves on a printed metal band. The formal language is based on a binary technology that translates these lines into information. This principle helps create personalised wristbands by translating specific data into simple frequencies. Each of the waves then become a unique link, giving the strap flexibility and a distinctive visual aesthetic.
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