The project “Multifunctional nano‑electronic warning system for environmental data in a mechanical watch – MoNaUhr” was carried out from 1 March 2019 to 31 August 2022 under the German federal funding programme (grant number 16ES0951). The recipient of the funding was Sächsische Uhrentechnologie GmbH Glashütte (SUG), which led the development of a watch case that integrates mechanical, electromechanical and electronic components into a single, energy‑autonomous device. The main partners were the watch‑movement manufacturer Selitta/Mühle, the generator supplier Kinetron/Mühle, the electronics provider ADZ NAGANO GmbH, and the research institute ZfM of TU Chemnitz, which supplied the pressure sensor and measured the energy consumption of the display elements (QDOTs). The watch case was designed to be 44 mm in diameter and no more than 16 mm thick, allowing the installation of up to four MG6,4 generators from Kinetron. The mechanical movement SW200 from Selitta/Mühle was chosen for its compactness and reliability. The QDOTs, supplied by ZfM, serve as the visual display of measured environmental values.

The technical outcome of the project is the successful demonstration that a mechanical watch can generate sufficient electrical energy to power its own electronics. By rotating an outer ring, the watch drives the internal generators, which in turn supply power to the QDOTs and the pressure sensor. The demonstrator built by SUG and assembled by Mühle contained two generators, a configuration that was shown to meet the energy demand of the QDOTs as measured by ZfM. The system is therefore fully energy‑autonomous and does not require external batteries or accumulators. In addition to power generation, the watch can detect environmental parameters such as pressure, gases, noise, and temperature, and display threshold values optically through the QDOTs. This dual functionality—energy harvesting and environmental monitoring—provides a competitive advantage for the watch manufacturer Mühle and opens new possibilities for future watch designs that combine traditional mechanical movements with modern nano‑electronic sensing.

The project followed a structured workflow: a feasibility study assessed the integration of the generators into the limited space of the watch case; a test stand was built to replicate the gear train and evaluate the mechanical coupling; the watch case was fabricated and assembled with the movement, generators, electronics, and sensor; and finally the demonstrator was delivered to Mühle for final assembly and testing. Throughout the project, SUG managed the procurement of parts, often using existing inventory to mitigate long lead times for specialized components such as gear‑cutting tools. The final demonstrator, shown in the report’s figures, confirms that the design meets the specified requirements and demonstrates the viability of the concept.

The collaboration between the partners was essential to the project’s success. SUG provided the case design, manufacturing expertise, and project coordination. Selitta/Mühle supplied the mechanical movement; Kinetron/Mühle supplied the generators; ADZ NAGANO supplied the electronic control board; and ZfM supplied the pressure sensor and performed the energy‑consumption measurements. The project was fully funded by the German federal government, and no publications were produced by SUG during the project period. The outcome is a proven, energy‑autonomous watch platform that integrates mechanical craftsmanship with nano‑electronic sensing, offering a new direction for the watch industry.