Marcus Hanke
[PuristSPro Moderator]
11295
Dr. Ludwig Oechslin writes about silicon hairsprings ...
With the rumours about silicon hairsprings to be used in watch movements becoming more dense and numerous, one should remember that these are a result of Ulysse Nardin's pioneering efforts to introduce silicon into high-end watchmaking. Only a short time after the first anchor wheels for the Freak's cal. UN-01 movement were made, the first trials to produce working hairsprings were executed already. Initiated and tested these were by the renown Mus?e International de l'Horologie in La Chaux-de-Fonds, leaded by Professor Dr. Ludwig Oechslin, who also invented the "Freak" and its Dual Direct Escapement.
Professor Oechslin kindly handed me over his reports on these first tests, permitting thePuristS to exclusively publish this testimony of high-tech horological research and development in English language.
I want to express my sincerest thanks to Dr. Oechslin and his team at the MIH for this valuable resource, and hope you enjoy this interesting and enlightening read as much as I did!
Best regards,
Marcus