Hamilton is putting its mechanical watches to the test by subjecting them to parabolic flights to determine the effects of acceleration.
An A310 ZERO-G took to the skies above Mérignac in the French region of Aquitaine, conducting three flights, each including a ten-minute period of zero gravity. The testing was done in partnership with ETA.
Up to now, there have been no studies on the impact accelerations from 0G to 10G may have on a mechanical watch’s precision. According to Hamilton, the chronometric performance of mechanical watches is always tested when the watch is not in motion and is subject only to the earth’s gravity of 1G.
“Since 1919, Hamilton has been the faithful partner of those who believe the sky is the only limit,” said Sylvain Dolla, chief executive officer (CEO) of Hamilton International.
“This is why the brand has engaged in a campaign of parabolic flights. We share the same passion for pushing back the limits to achieve new heights of expertise, performance, and emotions. We are proud to take this opportunity of advancing watchmaking research—in partnership with ETA—on the occasion of the parabolic flights.”
The test results will be applied to the development and optimization of the performance of mechanical watches for two different categories: users on the ground with weak gravitational variations (1G ±1) and users specifically engaging in extreme sports.
