Dave G
2145
Freak Silicium
A bit of an odd question perhaps, but I'm curious to know the answer. I've had my Freak 1 since 2003 and only recently noticed that some watches had rather bright colored (clearly purposeful) silicium escapement parts. I'm not a materials scientist, but how is silicium made to these color variations? Here are some photos of what I am referring to:
My Freak ref 010-88 in white gold with dark silicium parts:
And an example of a watch with some bright green parts (picture from the gallery on this site by Dave Piccione)
Freak Silicium
A bit of an odd question perhaps, but I'm curious to know the answer. I've had my Freak 1 since 2003 and only recently noticed that some watches had rather bright colored (clearly purposeful) silicium escapement parts. I'm not a materials scientist, but h...
Not true...
UN was one of, if not the pioneer in the use of silicium in watches and the orginal freak was the entry into the use of the material. Marcus Hanke's review here gives a good overview... http://general.watchprosite.com/show-nblog.post/ti-388191/
Dave, the silicium is basically opaque so takes on colour around it
it usually looks grey, but depending on the light it can take on different colours i think. brilliant watches and we are very lucky to be owners. best graham
The silicon wheel has been oxidised
In order to simplify the manipulation and to avoid the lubrification , the silicon parts are oxydised at 1100°C. Depending the duration of the process , the color of the part change from opaque to green, blue or violet.