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1. Table of Diamond’s Main Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Mass Density | ~3.5 g/cm³ | Moderate |
| Elasticity modulus (E) | ~1000–1200 GPa | Very high |
| Tensile strength | Low | Brittle (cleavage) |
| Hardness (HV) | ~8000–10000 HV | Maximum |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 | Hardest known material |
| Thermal conductivity | ~2000 W/m·K | Very high |
| Electrical conductivity | None | Insulator |
| Expansion coefficient | ~1 ×10⁻⁶ /K | Very low |
| Magnetism | No | Non-magnetic |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent | Inert |
| Machinability | Very difficult | Abrasive only |
2. General description
Diamond is a crystalline form of Carbon, characterized by an extremely rigid cubic structure, which gives it the highest mechanical properties among natural Materials. In watchmaking, it is mainly used for its abrasion and cutting properties (synthetic Diamond), but also for its aesthetic qualities in jewelry (natural Diamond).
Its direct use in watchmaking mechanisms remains very rare and anecdotal, due to its fragility against impacts and the constraints of implementation. On the other hand, it plays an essential role in manufacturing processes, particularly in the form of Abrasives and cutting tools.
3. Natural Diamond and Synthetic Diamond
Natural Diamond
Historically used, particularly in jewelry.
Synthetic Diamond
Today largely dominant in technical applications.
Production methods:
- HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
- CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
👉 Allows controlled, homogeneous production adapted to industry (tooling, Abrasive)
4. Watchmaking applications
Tooling and Abrasive (main use)
Diamond is used in the form of:
- Abrasive powders
- Polishing pastes
- Diamond tools (drills, cutters, grinding wheels)
Applications:
- Polishing of components
- Machining of hard Materials (ceramics, synthetic sapphires, carbides, steels etc.)
- Finishing of Rubies / Jewels and precision surfaces
👉 Diamond is now essential for achieving the finishing levels required in watchmaking.
Applications in the Movement (anecdotal use)
Diamond has been used experimentally or in very limited ways for:
- Bearings
- Very low-friction contact surfaces
Benefits:
- Extreme reduction of friction
- Very high wear resistance
Limitations:
- Fragility to impact
- Difficulty of implementation
- High cost
👉 These applications remain marginal.
Jewelry and Setting (stone/jewel setting)
Natural Diamond is widely used in watchmaking for:
- Setting (stone/jewel setting) of cases and bracelets
- Dials set with jewels
- Index (hour marker) and decorative elements
Cut types:
- Brilliant
- Rod (baguette shape)
- Princess
- Fancy cut
Setting (stone/jewel setting) can be carried out using different techniques:
- Bead setting
- Closed setting
- Snow setting
- Invisible setting
👉 Diamond is a major element in jewelry watchmaking.
5. Advantages and limitations
Advantages
- Unmatched Hardness
- Exceptional wear resistance
- Very high precision in Abrasive applications
- Prestigious aesthetics
- Chemical stability
- Non-magnetic
Limitations
- Brittleness (possible cleavage)
- High cost
- Limited technical applications in the Movement
- Sensitivity to shocks
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