TIMEX partners with SilMach to create the first MEMS-powered watch movement. The jointly created MEMS watch motors (boxes) and movements are the first-ever to utilize the MEMS nano technology thanks to SilMach's PowerMEMS patented solution. The joint venture will be based, along with SilMach and Fralsen (TIMEX's movement parts manufacturing facility) in the French micromechanical cluster of Besancon. Merging TIMEX' 160 years of expertise in watchmaking with the pioneering skills of SilMach, the joint venture is set to disrupt the watch industry. TIMEX expects to release its first MEMS-powered watch movement within its 2019 collection.
The New PowerMEMS Movement is disruptive
The new PowerMEMS movement replaces the 40+ year old magnetic technology that currently powers all existing quartz analogue watches by the high torque and high speed energy efficient silicon electric-mechanical property. By reversing the traditional usage of passive MEMS to translate an electrical signal into a micromechanical motion, PowerMEMS motors are uniquely positioned to replace the aging magnet based Lavet motors used in analog watches, connected watches and provide countless new exciting applications.
The PowerMEMS-based movement is disruptive because it creates endless possibilities in design and function, a game changer for an industry currently bound by the physical constraints of the traditional Lavet motor. PowerMEMS provide direct drive and geared motorization that is compatible with Surface Mount Technology (SMT) used to populate Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). This new design will introduce the watch industry to cutting-edge nano technologies with higher efficiency allowing for longer battery life, fewer components creating less complexity, producing a superior quality, lower costs, yet smaller movement allowing for far more creative and flexible watch designs.
SilMach and TIMEX will co-design and co-own PowerMEMS motor boxes, jointly develop PowerMEMS-based movements and share the new collective Intellectual Property. TIMEX and SilMach have agreed to the exclusive design, assembly and distribution of PowerMEMS boxes.
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