E-peas has announced the completion of a major project by Swiss luxury watchmaker Cartier. The Pea PMIC transfers photovoltaic power to batteries that can be used to drive the watch's mechanism. The new addition to Cartier's Tank watch line helps achieve long-term energy independence, so wearers don't have to worry about changing and disposing of batteries. On average, these watches last 16 years -- using solar energy to constantly replenish batteries. The light that strikes specific areas on the face of the watch face is absorbed by high-efficiency photovoltaic elements.
The key performance parameter that sets the company's PMC apart from others is its ability to start and efficiently collect energy in low light, so that the weak indoor light is enough to power the watch. Proper management of tiny, sensitive batteries is also crucial to maximising their lifespan. PMIC's standby current is also required to be minimal, so that when the watch is not worn and stored in a dark place, less energy is extracted from the battery. The ultra-compact PMIC, developed specifically for the Tank Watch, is only 2mm x 2mm, making it smaller than any other energy collection solution. The architecture uses only a few tiny external components, enabling the complete solution to fit into the very limited space of the watch.
As Arnaud Carrez, Senior vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Cartier, said: "This is the first time we have introduced an original version of a tank watch with photoelectric motion, which is completely groundbreaking. With the help of Horlogere de Val Fleurier, Richemont Innovation and Manufacturing, we spent four years developing this innovation movement. Adding advanced energy harvesting features to our Tank Watch collection allows us to offer our customers a watch that meets Cartier standards in design and quality, while further reducing Maison's environmental footprint throughout its life cycle."
Geoffroy Gosset, chief executive of E-Peas, said: "The number of designs we are getting on our energy capture PICS programme continues to grow and with this latest project we are now taking things to a whole new level." "Our partnership with Cartier demonstrates that we have the technology, innovation and quality to deliver industry-leading energy collection solutions to the most well-known global brands, enabling them to gain a real competitive advantage."
