DWISS CBMM niobium watch

In partnership with CBMM (Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração) the biggest Niobium miner in the world, part of the Moreira Salles Group, Dwiss (Design Watch Independent -Switzerland) produced world's first niobium (Nb1Zr) watch case. Niobium is a mineral mainly used in MRI machines, medical prosthetics, high technology, automotive and aerospace industry.
It has anti-corrosive characteristics in addition to other properties that affect the strength of steel through a hardening process. Niobium is a completely hypoallergenic mineral and has optimal shock-absorbing properties, making it perfect for the watch industry and ideal for consumers needs.
Niobium is a Brazilian mineral (98% of the worlds mineral is extracted in Brazil). CBMM is one of the biggest Brazilian companies and Rafael Simoes Miranda, a Brazilian designer, create the watch under this concept:
The watch is a mix of tradition and technology, it have 41mm diameter, the same number as Niobium (Nb) in the periodic table.
The rhombus shape of the Brazilian flag are recognized through the crown protector of the watch. The center line in the dial represents the center white line of the flag, there you can read the words Niobium - Automatic.
The dial have the same antracity/bluish color as the mineral, the minute track is represented like a "chemin de fer" (railroad) typically used in classic watches, and most of the real railroads today are make with Niobium steel.
The companies Dwiss and CBMM are represented on the dial, and in the inner ring of the watch you can read "Innovate, Respect, compete" a CBMM philosophy.

DWISS (Design Watch Independent Switzerland) is a multi design awarded Swiss brand of authentic and unique Swiss made timepieces, innovating how time is displayed, pioneering the use of new materials, and revolutionizing sales channels.

Its watches deviate from tradition by showcasing the time in formats never explored before, making each watch instantly memorable and iconic. They are all limited edition luxury watches with the highest-grade Swiss mechanical movements and craftsmanship.

2019: ePDA – European Product Design Award
2018: LICC - London International Creative Competition
2018: IAI – Design Award
2018: ePDA – European Product Design Award
2017: ePDA – European Product Design Award
2016: International Design award
2012: International Design award
2005: Red Dot Design Award, Singapore
2004: Targa Bonetto Design Award, Milan