As we discussed last time, Porsche Design's innovative use of materials and coatings set their watches apart in a crowded industry. In this special episode, Serge Maillard and Stephen Foskett discuss the future of watch movement and case materials with Lucien Steinmann of Positive Coating, the company driving an explosion of colorful PVD and ALD coatings. Watches like the rainbow-coated Zenith Defy 21 Felipe Pantone Edition leverage these techniques to startling effect, and this materials science will enable a world of color, from heritage to modern models.

The Watch Files turns from history to the future in this special series, focused on the innovators who are driving the horology industry to the future. 

Reference Materials:

• Positive Coating 


• IWC, Porsche Design, and Titanium Watches 


• Zenith Defy 21 Felipe Pantone Edition