Rolex Daytona Anniversary – Special Thanks

Before I give my opinion on whether or not silicon is good or bad for the industry, it is important that I mention "chronometry" - the science of measuring time accurately. In the late 16th century, when Jost Bürgi invented the cross-beat escapement - which improved greatly upon its predecessor the verge escapement, and allowed for the creation of clocks that were accurate within one minute per day - it was an important feat at the time.

Silicon. The words reminds of all kind of products, which aren't related to beautiful watches at all. However more and more brands are discovering the advantages of silicon. It doesn't wear out as much as most metals, it doesn't require oil to reduce friction and to keep everything running smooth and it cannot be influenced by magnetic fields. These three things are probably the biggest problems in any mechanical movement.