The word ‘Ceramics’ is derived from Keramos in Greek. Ceramics means a stuff which form is made by mixing clay with water and then burned by fire. This kind of Ceramics is widely used for, such as potteries, glasses, fire-resistant materials, construction materials of cements and abrasives. While metallic stuffs are combined only with metallic elements and organic high molecules also only with nonmetallic elements, pure ceramic stuffs are strong combinations of metallic elements and nonmetallic elements. As a result, pure ceramic stuffs are very stable physically and chemically. By heat treatment of highly pure materials in high temperature, a new form of Ceramics, which has more excellent functions than by traditional heat treatment, has been successfully produced. From this time on, it has been called ‘New Ceramics’ or ‘Fine Ceramics’ and so on.

Compared with metals or high molecular stuffs, Fine Ceramics has a variety of superior properties, for example, good mechanical properties (intensity, solidity, tenacity, etc.), high thermal resistance (fire resistance, insulation, etc.), unique electronic properties (induced electricity, semi-conducting property, electric generation, etc.), magnetic properties (ferromagnetism, anti-ferromagnetism, paramagnetism, etc.), optical properties (floodlighting, extinction, etc.), chemical properties (corrosion resistance, various ingredients, etc.), radio-activity, stability and so on.

The applicable field of Fine Ceramics is various, but mainly divided into three fields of Engineering Ceramics, Electro Ceramics and Bio Ceramics. Especially Bio Ceramics is harmonized well with living bodies because it is generally hydrophilic. Bio Ceramics is required to harmonize well with the tissues of living bodies and not to act harmfully to them. Also, it should have greater intensity than teeth or bones.

Zirconia Ceramics (ZrO ) that is applied to watches is also a type of Bio Ceramics and has excellent hardness, intensity, abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance. Therefore, it is extensively used as the latest materials not only in Bio Ceramics, but also in various fields.

High purity Zirconia Ceramics (ZrO ) that we, ‘ECCO Watch Co., Ltd.’ are currently under development and production has excellent intensity and hardness. In addition, its temperature characteristic is good and its weight is lighter than metal. Through our continuous study and development, it comes into the spotlight as a new material for watches of various colors, high quality and semi-permanence.