The EPHJ 2026 exhibition in Geneva is a treasure trove for watch enthusiasts, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the future of watchmaking. While watch brands often take the spotlight, it's the unsung heroes of the industry—the suppliers—who truly drive innovation. This year's event was no exception, with several notable announcements that showcase the evolution of watchmaking technology. Personally, I think it's fascinating to see how these advancements are shaping the industry, and I'm excited to explore the implications of these developments.
Vaucher Manufacture's VMF 5500: A Step Forward in Efficiency
One of the most significant announcements at EPHJ 2026 came from Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, who unveiled the VMF 5500 micro-rotor calibre. This movement is a substantial upgrade from its predecessor, the VMF 5400, with a focus on improving long-term durability and overall efficiency. What makes this particularly interesting is the increase in power reserve from 45 hours to an impressive 65 hours. In my opinion, this is a game-changer for watchmakers, as it allows for longer-lasting timepieces without compromising on performance.
Dubois Dépraz's 125th Anniversary Celebration: A New Micro-Rotor Movement
Another noteworthy announcement came from Dubois Dépraz, a company known for its expertise in movement components and complication modules. For its 125th anniversary, Dubois Dépraz introduced the DD630 micro-rotor movement, which measures just 30mm in diameter and 3.6mm thick. This movement is a significant step forward for the company, as it has been designed to accommodate additional modules, such as a complete calendar and simple date functions. From my perspective, this opens up a world of possibilities for watchmakers, as it allows for more versatile and customizable timepieces.
Ronda's Entry into the Mechanical Segment: A Potential Game-Changer
Swiss movement manufacturer Ronda, known for its expertise in quartz calibres, is making a significant move into the mechanical segment with the launch of its new R01 movement family. Positioned as a potential alternative to established workhorses like the Sellita SW200 and La Joux-Perret G100, the R01 delivers chronometer-grade accuracy and features a silicon escapement and hairspring, providing resistance to magnetic fields of up to 200 gauss. In my opinion, this is a bold move by Ronda, and it could potentially disrupt the market for mechanical movements.
Innovation in Automatic Winding Efficiency: MPS' Spragway Bearing
Many of the components essential to a watch's performance are supplied by highly specialized companies operating behind the scenes. Among them, MPS is a key player in the watch industry as one of the leading suppliers of ball bearings used in automatic winding systems. At EPHJ 2026, MPS introduced the Spragway, a new high-performance miniature one-way bearing designed to significantly improve the efficiency of automatic winding mechanisms. According to MPS, the new Spragway bearing is capable of transmitting a torque exceeding 10,000 µNm, which is a remarkable achievement.
Precision Machining Innovation: Louis Bélet's Internally Cooled PCD Drills
In the field of precision machining, Louis Bélet has developed a new generation of internally cooled PCD (Polycrystalline Diamond) drills. This innovation combines a tungsten carbide body with integrated coolant channels and a PCD cutting tip, made possible through advanced laser drilling technology. The result is a significant increase in productivity and extended tool life, even in ceramics and demanding alloys. In my opinion, this is a game-changer for watchmakers, as it allows for more precise and efficient machining of materials.
Electroforming Innovation: NanoVoxel's VERA™ Technology
With its VERA™ technology, NanoVoxel brings electroforming into a new dimension. By combining two-photon polymerisation-based micro 3D printing with high-fidelity metal deposition, the solution enables the production of truly three-dimensional microparts, free from planar constraints. The result is unprecedented design freedom, faster cycles, and expanded applications, from watchmaking to microtechnology. In my opinion, this is a significant advancement in the field of electroforming, and it has the potential to revolutionize the way we produce small, intricate parts.
In conclusion, the EPHJ 2026 exhibition is a testament to the innovation and creativity that drives the watch industry forward. From advancements in movement technology to precision machining and electroforming, the future of watchmaking looks bright. As an industry expert, I'm excited to see how these developments will shape the future of timekeeping and inspire new generations of watchmakers.
