3. The Switch Contact

The on off switch and alarm1/alarm2 functions were actuated by cams on the watch switch shaft. The switch itself was a compact double spring contact manufactured by etching beryllium copper sheet and folding the component in a press. It was then copper, nickel and selectively gold plated in the contact and solder areas. The spring elements describe S curves in the available volume in order to provide sufficient length of spring for the required deflection and spring rate.

This design was very novel and proved extremely robust in service. Operating the watch switch knob produces a very satisfactory feeling of quality with indents and tactile feedback for each of the three stops. The watch switch shaft has seven separate functions which is quite a tall order for such a small component. The flat version of the etched component looks great, like a mysterious space alien. I have since adopted this wee fellow as my logo, known as the Martian. For me it expresses visually what creativity and innovation actually means.