Ateliers deMonaco Officially Announces In-House Minute Repeater
High-end new comer Ateliers deMonaco yesterday officially announced the introduction of their very first, fully in-house developed and manufactured Minute Repeater: the Carré d’’Or Squelette Grand Tourbillon Répétition Minute TB-RM1. An exceptionally attractive and complicated piece, this latest invention grants Ateliers deMonaco entrance to a very exclusive club, made up of just a few select watch makers around the world, that have the ability to design and manufacture such a complication in-house.
This bold move reinforces the brand’s commitment to quality and high-end innovation and further raises the standard for excellence they set themselves when they first launched in 2008.
A Work Of Art
Although the first, completed watch was actually “unofficially” on show at the Geneva Time Exhibition, the official launch has been delayed till Basel World as a result of the time required to make each masterpiece.
And its not hard to see why.
All you need to do look at this new piece from the Monaco based manufacturer and it is immediately evident the attention to detail and level of craftsmanship required to create a timepiece of this standard. It is truly a work of art.
The square shaped case is fast becoming Ateliers deMonaco trademark and this particular model has received some extra special attention with the beautiful hand cut open dial affording the wearer an obstructed view of the superb in-house movement and patented XP 1 minute tourbillon.
Broken into seven main parts the case features curve shaped 18k gold side panels and an ultra light titanium core. The activation mechanism for the minute repeater is also made of titanium and integrated into the side panel at the 9 o’clock position. Ensuring the stunning mechanism can be appreciated from as many angles as possible the sapphire crystals on both the front and back have received multi-layered anti reflection coating.
In total there are 55 parts that make up the exquisite case, each of which has brushed, polished and assembled by hand. At 46 x 50 MM it’s certainly not a small watch but then again, why would you want to hide away something as spectacular as this?
The ornately hand-engraved movement © Ateliers deMonaco
Stunning Inside And Out
Unlike some other brands that spend all their time on decorating the case and leave the movement relatively untouched and hidden away behind the dial, Ateliers deMonaco ensures that their Caliber receives equal attention from the artisans (as you can see in the above image).
Showcasing another one of the brand’s signature trademarks the TB-RM1 movement is hand engraved on the front and back and features a sunbeam pattern carved into the main plate of the movement (which, by the way is made of Ruthenium or as its more commonly known, black gold).
The movement is manually wound and offers a respectable 48 hour power reserve. Other highlights include a custom made, hand engraved tourbillon cage with a sapphire bridge for the tourbillon, silicium escape wheel and silicium lever. The speed of the tourbillion is regulated by 18k gold weights and thanks to the beautifully complex Minute Repeater complication the chiming hours, quarters and minutes are available on command.
The watch is presented on a hand-stitched, alligator leather strap with an adjustable 18k gold folding buckle. Offered in a highly limited edition of just 8 pieces worldwide, the Carré d’’Or Squelette will come in a special box that has been designed as a resonance instrument, allowing for the amplification of the Minute Repeater’s chimes.
Set to be revealed to public at Basel World 2010, expect the price to be well over US$100,000.
A close up view of the hand engraved tourbillon with sapphire bridge © Ateliers deMonaco
The Final Word
Although Ateliers deMonaco is a relative new-comer to the high-end luxury watch industry it is clear that the brand is committed to making extraordinary pieces that stand apart from their competitors. Rather than looking for cheaper alternatives, as many brands have been forced to do in these turbulent time, they are investing the capital required to create a truly first class manufacturer.
Expect to see many more spectacular pieces from this ambitious brand in the years to come.
3 Responses
to “Ateliers deMonaco Officially Announces In-House Minute Repeater”
|
|
search the watch lounge
enter your email to get updates in your inbox
Latest Comments
- Brenda Lehman: Today is the first I’ve heard about Rafa’s watch being stolen. Give...
- Deonte: where or how can i buy????????????
- Olivier Muller: Dear Phee, I just had Daniel on the phone this morning. He is away now and will...
whats the point with made in monaco? who really cares? the watch is amazing but to me made in monaco just mean “we are expensive”. when monaco has been famous for watches?
Hi Poulos, thanks for your comment. I certainly think you raise a good point, although I should point out that the parts in the movement are actually made in Switzerland and then they are assembled and engraved by hand in Monaco. The brand purposefully set themselves up in Monaco as a point of differentiation from Swiss competitors but don’t take that to mean their watches are inferior in any way, as they are certainly not.
Thanks Tom for that very interesting post ! I did not know that brand. Interesting how new brands pop up from unexpected places ’round the world ! This one is a real masterpiece, especially the engraved tourbillon, even if some might have troubles with readability…?
Design of the case is magnificient !