Is Rolex Switching from Blue Parachrom to Syloxi Silicon-Based Hairsprings?
Rolex was late in the game when it came to the use of silicon in their movements but has made some cautious moves with its uses of the material with their new Syloxi balance springs. Blue Parachrom, on the other hand, or Parachrom Bleu as they call it is their patented paramagnetic and shock-resistant balance spring using niobium-zirconium, and oxygen alloys.
The key difference is not just in the material used to create the two different springs, but the way that Syloxi balance springs are attached to the balance staff and the balance bridge. Aside from having improved geometry of the spring itself, the new silicon-based Syloxi balance spring has a more pliable central area that doesn’t require the use of glue to be attached to the balance staff. It holds itself flush against the balance bridge, lying perfectly flat which improves its alignment with the balance bridge. The less sway there is in the hairspring during movement, the more energy can be kept within the oscillator.
The silicon Syloxi hairspring is a more recent and discreet innovation than Rolex and is made entirely in-house. It has so far only been introduced to a line of ladies’ watches. This seemed like a safe bet for a brand like Rolex to test out the new technology in a way that won’t require that they update all their calibers and watches. It is indicative that they are possibly split testing the two different types of balance springs to see which will be the way of the future for Rolex.