Winwatch applies invisible EPC Gen 2 label on the watch crystal surface

Winwatch is a Swiss system developer that uses RFID to develop related systems to prevent counterfeit watches, provide watch warranty management and other customer services. The company is now launching the EPC Gen 2 version of the system.

As early as 2004, Winwatch used RFID to develop a related system. This system embedded an invisible RFID transponder into the crystal cover of the watch. The system first used Hitachi’s powdery 2.45 GHz passive RFID tag μ-chip. However, Winwatch President Alex Kalbermatten said that the company had abandoned this technology in early 2006 before the 2.45 GHz version was introduced to the market and switched to EPC Gen 2 passive transponders.

Winwatch applies invisible EPC Gen 2 label on the watch crystal surface

“One of our main motivations for the development of UHF systems is to develop RFID technology that meets the EPC Gen 2 standard. In item-level applications, this technology should be the most cost-effective and most suitable for product verification. Sticking RFID tags is a necessary way to successfully combat illegal commerce. In general, standards, customer needs and costs determine the adoption of EPC Gen 2 technology.” Alex Kalbermatten said.

Alex Kalbermatten added that the EPC Gen 2 system can better cooperate with customs agencies, which is very important for combating counterfeit luxury goods. “The vast majority of counterfeit goods interception mainly occur at borders, airports, and ports of entry and exit. Although the application of RFID is still in its infancy, there is no doubt that customs and borders will introduce this technology sooner or later. We believe that governments and customs of various countries will actively support it. The UHF EPC Gen 2 standard is adopted worldwide.

The company began to develop the UHF version of the system in 2006. The system allows two different reading distances, one is a very close reading, about a quarter of an inch, so that retailers can authenticate watches at the checkout counter; There is another kind of reading distance which is slightly longer, about a few inches, so that the system can be used for other applications, such as supply chain management and customs inspection, etc. In order to obtain a longer reading distance, Winwatch developed an antenna amplifier, which is pasted on the watch packaging shell .

Kalbermatten said. The most difficult part of system development is how to realize the transparency and invisibility of RFID tags so that they can be integrated on the surface of sapphire or other minerals. It is easier to package and place integrated circuit chips.

This UHF system can work with any reader that meets the EPC Gen 2 standard. It can not only combat counterfeit products, sign watches, but also be used for supply chain management, product tracking, product life cycle management, after-sales service and maintenance.