Shadow

Opting for the vigour of black, the ww.tc Shadow's dynamism makes it a hit with technical novelties enthusiasts: its case is made from black ceramic, while the Girard-Perregaux movement features the original combination of a fly-back chronograph with the world times display.

The elegance of the ww.tc collection is expressed in a watch that is confident to leave rivals in the shade. The ww.tc Shadow's imposing 43 mm black ceramic case is the fruit of a long and meticulous manufacturing process, the only way to achieve an exceptional result. Its perfectly homogeneous texture gives it some appealing assets: extreme hardness (much higher than steel) i.e. good wear resistance, while also being particularly light and wearable. Indeed, ceramic is considerably lighter than steel, and barely heavier than titanium, while also being completely biocompatible and hypoallergenic. Like the watchmaking professionals, the electronics and aeronautics industries in particular have also taken full advantage of it.

Advanced technologies are essential to achieve the ww.tc Shadow's case. Ceramic powder, consisting of over 90 % zirconium oxide, is first mixed with a polymer to give it the characteristics required for injection moulding of the middle. This moulding is followed by several stages, including firing in a furnace heated to over 1500°C, to eliminate any porosity in the ceramic and obtain its hardness. These actions are performed with great precautions and infinite patience, since the material is highly delicate to handle prior to its final state. The machining operations, used in particular for opening up the positions for the push-buttons and crowns, are performed just as painstakingly using diamond tools, the only kind that can work ceramic. Attesting to the care taken with every detail, the case has a meticulous satin-finish to eliminate any flaw and accentuate its shadowy look. Its architecture is superbly structured by graded shadows. The sophistication of this structure is boosted via the use of an internal titanium container and special screws for securing the case-back, with these screws also used for structural assembly of racing car engines. Shortened lugs, rubber coated crowns and push-buttons supplement its sporty characteristics.

True to the Brand's principles, the ww.tc Shadow also stands out for its mechanism. Designed especially for this model, the Girard-Perregaux self-winding movement GP3387 simultaneously displays the date, the small seconds, the time in twenty-four different time zones, and a fly-back chronograph. These various functions stand out clearly against the black dial: the chronograph seconds hand is easily distinguished by its red colour, while the divisions of the three counters opt for white. A world times day/night indicator, a date at 1:30, luminescent hands and hour numerals help readability. The ww.tc Shadow's unique style also extends to the back of the watch, which houses a tinted sapphire glass showing off the mechanism.