The EPHJ 2026 exhibition, a high-precision industry event in Switzerland, showcases the latest innovations in watchmaking, jewelry, microtechnology, and medical technology. This year's event highlights the contributions of behind-the-scenes players, who often go unnoticed despite their crucial role in driving industry advancements. Here's a closer look at some of the notable innovations and movements unveiled at EPHJ 2026:
Vaucher Manufacture's VMF 5500 Micro-Rotor Calibre
Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier introduces the VMF 5500, an upgraded micro-rotor movement that succeeds the VMF 5400. While maintaining the same dimensions, the VMF 5500 undergoes a substantial redesign to enhance durability and efficiency. The most significant improvement is the power reserve, which has increased from 45 hours to an impressive 65 hours.
Dubois Dépraz's 125th Anniversary Celebration
Dubois Dépraz, a leading specialist in movement components and complication modules, celebrates its 125th anniversary with the DD630 micro-rotor movement. Measuring 30mm in diameter and 3.6mm thick, the DD630 operates at 3.5Hz and features bidirectional winding and a variable-inertia balance. It also includes an optional small-seconds display at 6 o'clock. The movement is designed to accommodate additional modules, making it a versatile and high-grade solution for watch brands.
Ronda's Entry into the Mechanical Movement Segment
Ronda, known for its quartz calibres, is making a significant move into the mechanical movement segment with the R01 movement family. The R01 is a potential alternative to established workhorses like the Sellita SW200 and La Joux-Perret G100. With a diameter of 28.20mm and a thickness of 4.20mm, it offers chronometer-grade accuracy and features a silicon escapement and hairspring, providing resistance to magnetic fields of up to 200 gauss. The R01 beats at 3.5Hz and delivers an 80-hour power reserve.
Innovations in Automatic Winding Efficiency
MPS, a leading supplier of ball bearings, introduces Spragway, a new high-performance miniature one-way bearing designed to improve the efficiency of automatic winding mechanisms. Inspired by clutch mechanisms in helicopters, Spragway focuses on torque transmission and reducing the dead angle before engagement. The result is a compact unidirectional freewheel bearing capable of transmitting a torque exceeding 10,000 µNm.
Internally Cooled PCD Drills
Louis Bélet has developed a new generation of internally cooled PCD (Polycrystalline Diamond) drills, addressing heat generation and chip evacuation issues in machining ultra-hard materials. The hybrid architecture combines a tungsten carbide body with integrated coolant channels and a PCD cutting tip, made possible through advanced laser drilling technology. This innovation increases productivity and extends tool life, even in ceramics and demanding alloys.
Electroforming in 3D Dimension
NanoVoxel's VERA™ technology brings electroforming into a new dimension by combining two-photon polymerisation-based micro 3D printing with high-fidelity metal deposition. This solution enables the production of truly three-dimensional microparts, free from planar constraints, offering unprecedented design freedom, faster cycles, and expanded applications across various industries.
The EPHJ 2026 exhibition highlights the importance of behind-the-scenes players in the watch industry, showcasing innovations that will shape the future of watchmaking and beyond.
