Only very occasionally in the world of mechanical watches are we surprised by a truly innovative invention. But today is such a day. And the Dutch share in this nevertheless revolutionary invention is large.
10 X FASTER THAN NORMAL
Frederique Constant introduces a world first: a silicon oscillator that ticks at a whopping 288,000 vibrations per hour, or 40 Hz. That is ten times faster than most mechanical clocks. Thanks to its innovative design and smaller size, this revolutionary high-frequency silicon oscillator also fits into a traditional watch configuration. So in so doing, it is theoretically compatible with many all common timepieces.
CONCEIVED IN DELFT
The idea behind the monolithic oscillator originated three years ago during a meeting between Peter Stas, co-founder and former CEO of Frederique Constant, and Dr Nima Tolou, founder and CEO of Flexous, an innovative watch technology arm of YES!Delft, a Dutch tech incubator specialising in bendable or flexible mechanisms. After their meeting, the team at Frederique commissioned Constant Flexous to produce a flexible oscillating system. The technical objectives were clear: a size similar to that of a traditional balance, a power reserve of 80 hours and a design that would allow manufacture of significant quantities at a reasonable price.
1 INSTEAD OF 26 PARTS
In this monolithic oscillator, Frederique Constant replaces the 26 parts of a traditional regulator (such as balance spring, balance, anchor, anchor wheel et cetera) with a single part with two regulating weights. The oscillator is made of monocrystalline silicon, this material scraps the weakest points of a traditional balance spring. Monocrystalline silicon is 100% antimagnetic, resistant to temperature fluctuations, less sensitive to gravity and four times lighter than a conventional array. The absence of mechanical coupling also means less friction between and wear on the components. So less power is needed to drive the escapement wheel and oscillating system. Last but not least: silicon need not be lubricated. This increases the long-term reliability of the escapement.
SPEED-RESISTANT MOVEMENT
Because a traditional paddlework cannot handle the breakneck speed of a 40 Hz regulator, Frederique Constant watchmakers designed a new basis for the movement - the automatic calibre FC-810. This calibre can operate at the speed of the new silicon oscillator and also offers a considerable power reserve of 80 hours.
SLIMLINE MONOLITHIC MANUFACTURE
Frederique Constant's Slimline Monolithic Manufacture, with three hands and date display, is the first model equipped with this pioneering movement. The new watch with a 40 mm round case features a classic dial with a guilloche ''Clous de Paris' motif, Roman numerals and Breguet hands. The watch's pulsating oscillator is visible through an aperture at 6 o'clock. The automatic FC-810 calibre is visible through the glass back of the case. The traditional decoration combines Geneva stripes with perlage, and the oscillating weight is openwork. The model is available in three limited editions: 810 in stainless steel with a blue dial and 810 in stainless steel with a silver dial at a retail price of €4.495 and 81 pieces of 18k rose gold at a selling price of €14.995.
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