Shock resistance ratings

[chuckmiller]

A few manufacturers are claiming increased shock ratings over whatever was the norm in the last few years. As far as I know the movement is fastened pretty solidly to the case, I haven't seen one resting in a rubber cushion. So unless they are actually modifying the movement what can they do to make it less vulnerable to shock damage?

[FuzzyB]

As far as I know the movement is fastened pretty solidly to the case, I haven't seen one resting in a rubber cushion.

I believe there are a few watches that do exactly that. Bremont's Boeing line uses a metal and rubber mounting ring. The blue in the picture below is rubber.



There are a few others that I've heard that use a rubber mount as well, but I can't remember the exact models offhand.

So unless they are actually modifying the movement what can they do to make it less vulnerable to shock damage?

One of the coolest modifications I have seen is the cable suspension system used by Richard Mille.

If you look closely amongst the hot mess where most watchmakers would put a dial, you can actually see a system of pulleys and a cable that provides shock protection for the movement.



Ball uses a few systems for shock protection. The springLOCK system is a cage around the hairspring that helps protect against impacts. The amortiser system allows the rotor to be disengaged.

Other watch companies area little less obvious in their shock protection and rely on upgrades to standard shock protection such as etachoc and incabloc. For example, Rolex uses KIF and seiko has Diashock.

[BlackNomad]

G-shock?

[-JP]

I would think the OP is talking mechanicals or else when in doubt, G Shock.

[tempocalypse]

Other watch companies area little less obvious in their shock protection and rely on upgrades to standard shock protection such as etachoc and incabloc. For example, Rolex uses KIF and seiko has Diashock.

I think Rolex has invented their own called Paraflex and are have been using that in their more recent calibers.

[tempocalypse]

One of the coolest modifications I have seen is the cable suspension system used by Richard Mille.

If you look closely amongst the hot mess where most watchmakers would put a dial, you can actually see a system of pulleys and a cable that provides shock protection for the movement.

I'm not a huge fan of Richard Mille aesthetics, their pricing scheme or their celebrity driven marketing, but you have to admit that some of the technical innovations provided for them by Renaud & Papi are really quite interesting.

[FuzzyB]

I'm not a huge fan of Richard Mille aesthetics, their pricing scheme or their celebrity driven marketing, but you have to admit that some of the technical innovations provided for them by Renaud & Papi are really quite interesting.

Agreed. Technically, they are impressive, but everything else ruins it for me. I remember coming away unimpressed the first time I saw them in person, too.

[FuzzyB]

I think Rolex has invented their own called Paraflex and are have been using that in their more recent calibers.

Thanks! I knew they had a new name for their system but was drawing a blank.

[geoffbot]

I'm not a huge fan of Richard Mille aesthetics, their pricing scheme or their celebrity driven marketing, but you have to admit that some of the technical innovations provided for them by Renaud & Papi are really quite interesting.

Hadn't heard of them but found this - fun read. https://www.hodinkee.com/blog/interv...et-renaud-papi

[tempocalypse]

Hadn't heard of them but found this - fun read. https://www.hodinkee.com/blog/interv...et-renaud-papi

It's a shame they aren't more well known, I found out about them only last year. But these guys have been making some of the most complicated and inventive movements in watchmaking over the last few decades. Its interesting that even after being taken over by AP, the terms of the deal allow them to produce movements for others. I guess their work in the end always has either AP's or someone else's name on them so they don't get huge publicity. But these are the guys who designed the Schumacher Concept Laptimer, a complication that just boggles the mind.