Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024 ECAL x Alloyed

Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024 ECAL x Alloyed

For the Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024 trade show, ECAL/University of Art and DesignLausanne has teamed up with Alloyed, a company that specialises in metal printingtechnologies, to present an original collection of watch straps. Designed by students in theMaster of Advanced Studies in Design for Luxury and Craftsmanship programme, thesewristbands have been developed using 3D modelling software, resulting in unique pieces thatgo beyond the limits of traditional techniques.

Five of the 15 concepts designed by the students were selected and 3D printed from a finepowder of TI6AI4V titanium—an alloy composed of titanium, aluminium, and vanadium—whosemelting point of around 1,600° Celsius is obtained using a laser beam. Regularly used in theaerospace, and medical industries, this printing technique, known as Laser Powder BedFusion (L-PBF), can be used to create objects with ultra-high-performance mechanicalproperties.

Each project, presented in the form of a prototype or animation, finds its inspiration in thebeauty of nature, through organic structures, as much as in complex systems, closer toengineering. This collaboration brings together technology, craftsmanship, and design—withlinks to the world of fine watchmaking—by combining the expertise of engineers specialising inthe science of materials, the know-how of artisan jewellers and their finishing skills, and thecreativity and innovative spirit of up-and-coming designers.

Collaboration (2024) with Nicolas Le Moigne, Alexis Georgacopoulos, Xavier Perrenoud, Basil Dénéréaz

Assistants
Anaïs Sulmoni
Know-how
soft goods / accessories, Watch design, Jewellery
Head of MAS in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship

Nicolas Le Moigne

Professor

Xavier Perrenoud

Programme assistant

Anaïs Sulmoni

Animation designer

Basil Dénéréaz

Alloyed / Design lead

Laurent Beirnaert

Alloyed / Programme manager

Chloe Cunningham

Esther Alcade , Helena Choi , Min Jun Choi , Sacha Dufour , Raazia Hasnain , Alix Malamaire , Blanche Mijonnet , Kao Onishi , Nuttiya Ratchtrachenchai , Emilie Seguin , John Stagaman , Kou Tanikami , Murillo Weitz , Inbal Yarkoney , Seunghyeon Yoo - Rendering: Basil Dénéréaz
Impression 3D en titane et finition poli miroir.
Alix Malamaire - Alligatoridae ECAL / Rendering: Basil Dénéréaz

3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — In the world of luxury watchmaking, the alligator leather strap symbolises an iconic and particularly precious natural material. The idea of this project is to recreate this same material using a 3D modelling programme to retain the characteristic visual aspect of the scales, with their asymmetrical shapes, while preserving the texture specific to this type of leather. Printed in titanium, the bands of scales are held together by small metal pieces which are subtly hidden beneath the surface, giving natural flexibility to the wristband.

Impression 3D en titane et finition poli miroir.
Alix Malamaire - Alligatoridae ECAL / Rendering: Basil Dénéréaz

3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — In the world of luxury watchmaking, the alligator leather strap symbolises an iconic and particularly precious natural material. The idea of this project is to recreate this same material using a 3D modelling programme to retain the characteristic visual aspect of the scales, with their asymmetrical shapes, while preserving the texture specific to this type of leather. Printed in titanium, the bands of scales are held together by small metal pieces which are subtly hidden beneath the surface, giving natural flexibility to the wristband.

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Impression 3D en titane et finition poli miroir.
Blanche Mijonnet - Silice ECAL / Rendering: Basil Dénéréaz

3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — This project is inspired by the microscopic structures of aquatic flora. Based on the observations of German biologist and philosopher Ernst Haeckel (1834 - 1919), the aim of this research is to enhance the intricacies and daintiness of natural elements, and more specifically radiolarians—marine plankton with a mineral skeleton made of silica. The result is a gorgeous exploration of sophisticated forms and systems, enabling the creation of a unique and elegant wristband, each element of which could only be recreated using 3D printing technology.

Blanche Mijonnet - Silice ECAL / Rendering: Basil Dénéréaz

3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — This project is inspired by the microscopic structures of aquatic flora. Based on the observations of German biologist and philosopher Ernst Haeckel (1834 - 1919), the aim of this research is to enhance the intricacies and daintiness of natural elements, and more specifically radiolarians—marine plankton with a mineral skeleton made of silica. The result is a gorgeous exploration of sophisticated forms and systems, enabling the creation of a unique and elegant wristband, each element of which could only be recreated using 3D printing technology.

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Impression 3D en titane et finition poli miroir.
Emilie Seguin - Maille ECAL / Rendering: Basil Dénéréaz

3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — The aim of this project is to redefine the composition of a strap by working on a gradual metamorphosis of the links. Thanks to the possibilities offered by 3D technology and the Laser Powder Bed Fusion printing technique, each link in the chain is individually crafted and subtly altered according to the shape and curves of the previous link. The result is a wristband that is made up of elements with evolving proportions that fit together perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

Impression 3D en titane et finition poli miroir.
Emilie Seguin - Alligatoridae ECAL / Rendering: Basil Dénéréaz

3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — The aim of this project is to redefine the composition of a strap by working on a gradual metamorphosis of the links. Thanks to the possibilities offered by 3D technology and the Laser Powder Bed Fusion printing technique, each link in the chain is individually crafted and subtly altered according to the shape and curves of the previous link. The result is a wristband that is made up of elements with evolving proportions that fit together perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

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Impression 3D en titane et finition poli miroir
Sacha Dufour - Mercury ECAL / Rendering: Basil Dénéréaz

3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — Thanks to modelling and 3D printing techniques, this strap is an authentic reflection of the organic elegance and intricacies of the plant world. Each link resembles a climbing plant that grows and revolves around a central loop, representing the case of a watch. The intriguing design of this wristband breaks away from the aesthetic codes of watchmaking and celebrates the harmony between the force of nature and the mesmerising beauty of technology.

Impression 3D en titane et finition poli miroir
Sacha Dufour - Mercury ECAL / Rendering: Basil Dénéréaz

3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — Thanks to modelling and 3D printing techniques, this strap is an authentic reflection of the organic elegance and intricacies of the plant world. Each link resembles a climbing plant that grows and revolves around a central loop, representing the case of a watch. The intriguing design of this wristband breaks away from the aesthetic codes of watchmaking and celebrates the harmony between the force of nature and the mesmerising beauty of technology.

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Seunghyeon Yoo - Re-Code ECAL / Rendering: Basil Dénéréaz / Research assistant ECAL+EPFL LAB : Dan Cai

3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — This strap offers a reinterpretation of how frequencies work, illustrated by constant waves on a printed metal band. The formal language is based on a binary technology that translates these lines into information. This principle helps create personalised wristbands by translating specific data into simple frequencies. Each of the waves then become a unique link, giving the strap flexibility and a distinctive visual aesthetic.

Seunghyeon Yoo - Re-Code ECAL / Rendering: Basil Dénéréaz / Research assistant ECAL+EPFL LAB : Dan Cai

3D titanium printing with mirror polished finish — This strap offers a reinterpretation of how frequencies work, illustrated by constant waves on a printed metal band. The formal language is based on a binary technology that translates these lines into information. This principle helps create personalised wristbands by translating specific data into simple frequencies. Each of the waves then become a unique link, giving the strap flexibility and a distinctive visual aesthetic.

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