Limited edition watch features carbon fiber case produced by 9T Labs

9T Labs AG (Zürich, Switzerland), specialists digital, automated and cost-competitive serial production of continuous fiber components, announced that its Additive Fusion Technology (AFT) was chosen to produce the carbon composite watch case for Oris SA’s (Hölstein, Switzerland) new limited edition watch. This distinctive Swiss timepiece honors Coulson Aviation, a Canadian company that provides aerial forest fire suppression, for its work in protecting people and the environment. The relationship with Coulson is part of Oris’ “Change for the Better” initiative, a series of collaborations with pioneering conservation organizations.

“Our new watch pays tribute to the courage and dedication of Coulson Aviation’s aerial firefighters by featuring high-tech carbon [fiber] composite materials used in aerospace, a patented 3D fabrication process never before used in watchmaking and a dramatic, fire-orange face,” Ulrich W. Herzog, chairman, Oris SA, says. “The additively manufactured carbon [fiber] composite watch case made with 9T Labs’ technology is strong, ultralight and rigid for top performance in the field.”

Oris looked beyond traditional manufacturing and materials to achieve its goals for waste reduction, exceptional durability and its increased reliance on Swiss excellence. The company chose 9T Labs with its AFT platform that combines software, additive manufacturing (AM) and compression molding in matched metal dies. Using AFT, 9T Labs mass produced 1,000 units of the Coulson limited edition watch case from a thermoplastic composite based on polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) engineering resin and reinforced with 60% continuous carbon fiber. The PEKK material, a high-density resin, provides a solid, substantial feel to the watch. 

According to 9T Labs, the AFT process delivered significant advantages over the state-of-the-art method of cutting the watch case out of metal blocks. For example, the AFT technology achieves light weight at high strength, low waste and distinctive aesthetics as a result of the preservation of the continuous carbon fiber, in addition to consistent high quality. 

“We are thrilled and grateful for our successful partnership with Oris” Giovanni Cavolina, chief commercial officer (CCO) and co-founder, 9T Labs, adds. “The collaboration did not only help enhance the performance and aesthetics of the Coulson watch, it also demonstrated the potential of 9T Labs’ Additive Fusion Technology to become the new industry standard for mass producing composite products like never before.”