Functional surfaces for friction reduction and improved durability of mechanical watch movements

About the project

About the Project Project advert This PhD project will explore how advanced surface coatings can reduce friction and improve the long-term durability of mechanical watch movements. Today, even high-quality watches usually require servicing every few years because lubricants degrade and wear debris accumulates. The ambition of this project is to help extend service intervals towards 50 years by developing and testing new solid lubricant coatings for key watch components, including pivots, jewel bearings and escapement contacts. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in coating technologies, micro- and nano-scale tribological testing, surface characterisation, and contact mechanics modelling. The work will use specialist facilities at Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Leeds and MicroMaterials Ltd., including advanced coating platforms and the micro-mechanical characterisation NanoTest Vantage system. Although inspired by mechanical watchmaking, the research will also generate insights relevant to wider precision technologies, including MEMS, biomedical devices and other micro-engineered systems. The student will join a supportive and collaborative doctoral environment, working with academic and industrial partners, receiving specialist technical training, and contributing to research with both scientific novelty and clear industrial relevance. Aims and objectives Preselect, deposit, and optimise solid lubricant coatings for pivots, jewel bearings, and escapement contacts. Develop a standardised protocol for accelerated tribological testing of watch movement components. Conduct tribological experiments on both test coupons and fully assembled watch movements. Perform surface and structural characterisation of selected coatings. Develop energy-based contact mechanics models for low-load, oscillatory contacts. Formulate and disseminate recommendations for next-generation watch coating technologies. Generate and disseminate transferable tribological insights applicable to MEMS and other precision microdevices. Specific requirements of the candidate Applicants should have a strong first degree, or equivalent experience, in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, surface engineering, or a closely related discipline. A good understanding of materials behaviour, contact mechanics, friction, wear, coatings, or precision mechanical systems would be advantageous. The project would suit a curious and practical candidate who enjoys experimental research, careful measurement, and solving applied engineering problems. Experience with tribological testing, microscopy, surface characterisation, thin-film coatings, mechanical testing, or data analysis would be beneficial, but specialist training will be provided. We welcome applicants who are motivated to work collaboratively with academic and industrial partners and to develop transferable skills across precision engineering, advanced materials, and surface technology. Funding This is an advert for a self-funded project. Please review the postgraduate research fees on the University’s website here . How to apply Professor Tomasz Liskiewicz ( t.liskiewicz@mmu.ac.uk ) will lead the project as Principal Supervisor. Please get in touch with the proposed Principal Supervisor if you have any queries regarding the project. To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full time PhD in Engineering. Please complete the Doctoral Project Applicant Form , and include your CV and a covering letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience map to the aims and objectives of the project, the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. Please upload these documents in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal. If you encounter any difficulty in uploading the documents, please send the copies to the PGR Admissions team directly via email ( pgradmissions@mmu.ac.uk ). Applications closing date: 13 November 2026 Expected start date: April 2027 Please quote the reference: SciEng-TL-Apr 2026/27-Mechanical watch project

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