Tag Archives: Ateliers deMonaco

Ateliers deMonaco unveils its latest creation: the Admiral Chronographe Flyback Stradivari

Produced in partnership with the architect and designer Luca Stradivari, a direct descendant of legendary luthier Antonio Stradivari – creator of the famous Stradivarius violin – the new Admiral Chronographe Flyback Stradivari watch is a wonderfully refined and beautifully orchestrated device. Available in four limited editions (steel, 18 carats rose gold, white gold and yellow gold), fans of fine watchmaking are sure to appreciate the difference this striking creation with its geometric dial and ingenious chronograph flyback function will make to daily life.

The meeting of two universes

Italian design and watchmaking appear to be a natural fit. Both are arts practised at the highest level and instrumentalised by exceptional objects, cleverly constructed from choice materials. They require knowledge of materials, finesse in execution, harmony of lines and carefully preserved know-how, to which only the designers and artisans hold the secret.

It was in Monaco, where the watch brand began, that these two worlds were brought together. The talented architect and designer Luca Stradivari teamed up with Ateliers deMonaco to create something of great quality with real personality. Eager to make the most authentic and – on occasion – the wildest dreams come true, Luca Stradivari has infused the new Admiral Chronographe Flyback Stradivari watch with his exhilarating creative energy. His keen eye for curves, lines and perspective has influenced the silhouette of this timepiece, its relief and dynamism as daring as its creator.

Ancestral inspiration

More than an architect and designer, Luca Stradivari, has also inherited a particular sensibility from his ancestors that has undoubtedly intensified his pursuit of perfection. He can in fact claim to be a direct descendant of Antonio Stradivari, the renowned luthier who designed the finest violin of all time, the famous Stradivarius.

Luthiers and watchmakers share the same passion for excellence. Between the dancing cogs and the accuracy of the keys, their expertise comes down to long hours of demanding and meticulous work. Attention to detail and precision of movement set the tone for these creations being handcrafted in workshops by artisans dedicated to designing the perfect instrument.

This is demonstrated by the fact that 300 years on, no one has definitively solved the mystery of the legendary Stradivarius and its uniquely special sound. In spite of the many theories surrounding the specific make-up of the varnish used, the internal wood structure, its chemical treatment – or even micro-glaciation – for improving its resonance, none of it has been established for sure to this day.

Growing up in a world where he came into contact with very finely crafted objects produced to the highest standards from an early age, Luca Stradivari has developed his vision of the perfect object made from the finest materials.

High-quality finishes

What makes a great instrument for measuring time? Its contours, personality, materials and finishes. The new Admiral Chronographe Flyback Stradivari timepiece has it all.

Housed in a 42 mm case enhanced by a raised middle, the well-defined black geometric dial with intertwining lines capable of transporting its admirers to other horizons reveals the dreamlike spirit of Luca Stradivari. Coated and curved, bold polished triangular hour markers in opposite directions frame this fantasy and give the piece its dynamism. Elegant dauphine hands indicating the hours, minutes and seconds of the chronograph glide over the signature of the architect and designer, given pride of place at 6 o’clock. At 9 o’clock, you’ll find the small seconds counter and on the opposite side, the chronograph’s minutes counter.

In keeping with its passion for Fine Watchmaking, Ateliers deMonaco has given its latest creation an open case back allowing the dMc-760 calibre to be admired. Decorated by hand, there is intricate circular satin-finishing, perlage, Côtes de Genève, chamfering and traits tirés adorning the bridges. Completing the piece is the signature 22 carat gold oscillating weight, a feature of all the brand’s automatic watches, carefully revolving around the movement. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph, it has a power reserve of 38 hours.

There are four limited edition models available: one steel model limited to 88 pieces and 36 in 18 carat gold, including: 12 white gold, 12 yellow gold and 12 rose gold.

Finally, to ensure the various elements can be appreciated in exceptional detail, the two sapphire crystals on the case (bezel and case back) benefit from an anti-reflective treatment on both sides.

A patented mechanism

The flyback function first appeared in 1936, enabling pilots and elite athletes to time themselves over long and short distances. A straightforward concept, it allows the chronograph to be stopped, reset and restarted with a single press of the push-piece, rather than three successive presses.

True to its goal of making complications both easier to use and more efficient, the patented Admiral Chronographe Flyback by Ateliers deMonaco is no exception. This feature measures a succession of elapsed times, while eliminating many repetitive and unnecessary operations. The flyback module has only 96 parts, making it one of the most efficient flyback modules in the world, as well as one of the most affordable, thanks to its ingenious construction.

Ateliers deMonaco introduces two new timepieces to the Admiral Chronographe Flyback Armure collection

Inspired by the armour of the Chevalier en Armure represented in the seal of Monaco, the new Admiral Chronographe Flyback Armure watches are truly exclusive and innovative pieces for connoisseurs and horology lovers.

Back in 2017, Ateliers deMonaco launched the first Admiral Chronographe Flyback Armure timepieces featuring an Armure-treated stainless steel case combined with a multi-layered anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal glass. One year later, the Maison partnered with Prato Automobiles choosing this specific Armure watch case to create two Admiral Chronographe Flyback models to be part of the Prato line. Indeed, this case was the perfect ambassador for the brands’ common values; audacity, quest for performance and a constant search for innovation.

The 2019 models are available in two different finishings. The first one comes with a beautiful blue dial adorned with polished silver-coloured Roman numerals and dauphine shaped hands, offering an elegant and harmonious contrast. The second one has a black and white aesthetic; the watch features a silver coloured dial & hands whereas the Roman numerals are black PVD coated.

Both models are embellished with a beautiful guilloché decoration at the centre of the dial as well as Ateliers deMonaco’s signature lozenge-shaped hour-marks.

To power the Admiral Chronographe Flyback timepieces, the patented self-winding dMc-760 calibre is used. The movement features an innovative “direct return-to-zero” mechanism that helps the flyback function to be even more accurate. This piece of technology is encased in an ergonomic 42mm case diameter, strengthened by Ateliers deMonaco’s unique Armure treatment. The case is exposed to a chemical process including carbon diffusion at low temperature which hardens the steel’s surface. When using this method, the hardness is increased from 220 Vickers to 1200 Vickers, making the metal about five times more scratch-resistant.

True to its passion for tradition and Haute Horlogerie know-how, the Admiral Chronographe Flyback Armure timepieces have an open case back through which one can admire the perfectly decorated calibre. All bridges are hand decorated with circular satin-finishing, circular graining, Côtes de Genève, chamfered and drawn line decorations. And finally – a prestigious signature for all Ateliers deMonaco automatic watches – a 22K gold rotor bringing a luxurious finishing touch to the whole.

VIP dinner in Bangkok in partnership with IAMWATCH

Last July 25th has occurred a VIP dinner organised by Ateliers deMonaco in partnership with IAMWATCH, the Thai most famous watch magazine.

Watch aficionados and collectors enjoyed a night in the Compass SkyView Hotel’s Mojito Lounge.

On this occasion, the Ateliers deMonaco collection has been presented in a intimate atmosphere.

The novelties have been very well received by the guests and especially the Admiral Chronographe Flyback Prato with its carbon & gold dial.

Ateliers deMonaco has integrated the Marbella’s most prestigious boutique: Gomez Y Molina. 

Ateliers deMonaco is proud to be on display at Gomez Y Molina, Marbella, Spain. The most prestigious store of the city.

Located Puerto Banus Paseo Benabola s/n 29660 Puerto Banus, feel free to visite the boutique during your summer holidays. Enjoy the late opening hours to see our new models.

 

 

Poinçon de Genève – Jet d’Eau de Genève

To celebrate the 10th years anniversary of the brand, Ateliers deMonaco introduces two new models in its Poinçon de Genève collection. This collection – already very prestigious as it carries the Geneva seal certification – becomes even more special thanks to a new grand-feu enamel dial. Ateliers deMonaco is now part of the very few watchmaking manufactures that offer Métiers d’Art timepieces.

The Geneva water jet is the city’s most famous emblem and has been chosen to be featured on these two new dials. To produce one dial by itself, it takes more than fifty hours of work. Indeed, the grand-feu enamel is the most delicate and difficult decoration technique. Each step requires time.

To create the Jet d’Eau de Genève dial, several enamel techniques are used. On a base plate made of 18 carats white gold, the first step is called cloisonné enamel. It is an ancient technique dating back to a time prior to the Middle-Ages. It involves the creation of compartments with small gold threads and then precise enamel filing.

The second technique used on this dial is called champlevé enamel. Introduced in the XII century, it has been created alternatively to the cloisonné one and gathers engravers and enamellers. The engraver produces the holes in which the enameller will fill different coloured enamels. The effect is then emphasised by the engraver and his chisel with which he will add a final touch to every 18 carats white gold partitions. This step is the most delicate one. If the engraver puts too much pressure, he can separate the enamel from the wall and ruin all the work achieved.

Finally, the last step is the sublime grand-feu enamel. It is a well-known technique which consists to melt a glass composite called silica at a temperature up to 500°C.

In the case of the Ateliers deMonaco Jet d’Eau de Genève dial, the temperature is raised up to 790°C. Several layers are necessary in order to get the colour gradient. Thanks to its complex artisanal process, every single dial is unique.

The Ateliers deMonaco Poinçon de Genève Jet d’Eau de Genève collection is available with an 18 carats white gold and an 18 carats rose gold models are available in a 40mm case diameter and a 9.2 mm case thickness. Limited to 18 pieces only for each model, these watches are equipped with the dMc-708 patented calibre, has a 38-hour power reserve and 18 rubies. To perfect the watch, a hand-stitched alligator leather strap which coming with an 18 carats gold pin buckle.

Bespoke – Monaco 1968

Half a century ago, the 1968 Automobile of Monaco took place on the car circuit of Monte-Carlo. This prestigious event was won by the British, Sir Graham Hill and his Lotus Ford Cosworth. This year, is the 10th year anniversary of Ateliers deMonaco. In order to celebrate, the watch manufacture created a unique piece inspired by the official poster of this signed by Michael Turner. This watch is named «  de Monaco 1968 ». Always aiming to offer the utmost of excellence, technology and know-how are at the core of the brand’s values. This unique timepiece comes to reaffirm this position.

The most outstanding part of the timepiece is its dial. Hand-engraved by master-engraver Mr Bernard Ditzoff, one of the best. His trade required patience, dexterity and precision. The masterpiece’s dial is composed of three different plates made of 18K white gold. Applied on each other, this construction allows for an impressive relief effect. The first plate represents the Monaco 1967’s winner, Denny Hulme driving his Babham-Repco, he is closely followed by Graham Hill and his Lotus turning the gasworks hairpin. On the second plate lays the prestigious Monaco harbour and surrounding buildings. Lastly, the third plate is dedicated to the French Riviera’s partly cloudy speckled sky. To sublime the dial, dauphine shaped hands sweep by small lozenge indexes, the iconic symbol of Ateliers deMonaco.

The clock works are enveloped in a hand-brushed, hand-polished and hand-assembled 18K white gold 44mm diameter case. The sapphire case-back gives a window to the dMc 700 Ateliers deMonaco manufacture movement. This self-winding mechanical movement includes 26 rubies, has a frequency of 28’800 vibrations per hour and a 40-hour power-reserve. What distinguishes this movement is the delicate finishing such as a 22k hand-engraved gold rotor representing the crown of the Principality of Monaco, hand-decorated bridges: Gear-train bridge, balance-cock and barrel-bar are magnified by a circular-graining. The automatic device bridge is decorated with lozenge forms, the Ateliers deMonaco signature. The hand-stitched alligator leather strap and its 18K white gold folding buckle bring a refined finish to this unique piece. The technical know-how to execute such a complicated dial and the delicate finishing of this timepiece testify the expertise cultivated within the Ateliers deMonaco Manufacture.

Ateliers deMonaco participates in Top Marques Monaco 2018

Ateliers deMonaco is delighted to participate in Top Marques Monaco 2018.

The latest novelties of the brand are presented for the first time this year in Monaco.

Feel free to visit www.topmarquesmonaco.com for more information about the event.

 

 

Two new models in the Admiral Chronographe Flyback collection named Prato in partnership with Prato Automobiles

Ateliers deMonaco and Prato Automobiles, partners since November 2017, share the same requirement for precision and high level performance. The two brands come together with their common values ​​represented by audacity, a sense of aesthetics, the quest for performance, the constant search for innovation, craftsmanship, technology and know-how. Automobile enthusiasts generally have a strong interest in precious timekeepers and vice versa. In both environments, extreme precision and sporty elegance play an important role. To date, we are launching two new models in the Admiral Chronographe Flyback named “Prato”.

 

Prato Automobiles X Ateliers deMonaco

The collaboration between Prato Automobiles and Ateliers deMonaco began six months ago with the launch of the Orage motorcar and the Tourbillon Oculus 1297 Orage watch.

The watch includes a microchip inside its strap that allows to open and start the engine of the vehicle. Thus, the Tourbillon Oculus 1297 Orage timepieces are reserved only for the elite owners of the Orage automobiles.

This year, our two Prato models are open to everyone. The unique design inspired by modern sports cars is head-turning and perfectly embodies the identity of the Orage motorcar. It’s a modern testimony to adrenaline and chills of racing.

Flyback chronograph function

The classic chronograph allows us to measure the time of a given action. Thanks to the flyback function, all you need is a single gesture to go from one measurement of time to another. Indeed, it is no longer necessary to stop, reset and restart the chronograph to measure a succession of events. Just by pressing the “flyback” button at 4 o’clock to measure two successive time intervals. This function makes it possible to have a much more precise measurement and simplicity of use.

A patented Flyback mechanism called “direct return to zero”

The dMc-760 manufacture caliber comprises 226 components split between two main parts. The first is the base movement, intended for the hours, minutes and seconds functions. The second is the module that features the flyback chronograph mechanism, which is composed of 96 components.

In order to always gain in efficiency, our watchmakers have developed a patented system called “direct return to zero”. This instantaneous flyback system is in fact the simplification of a succession of events. Instead of working successively, our system functions directly which means: Pressing the pusher just once, starts the timer again from zero. In this case, the pusher at 4 o’clock and its associated mechanism causes three tasks to be performed very quickly one after the other: First, the clutch is disengaged; secondly, the chronograph is reset to zero by means of the single-piece hammer, whose sloping surfaces turn the two zero reset hearts so that the hands reposition themselves vertically; and thirdly, the clutch engages once more as soon as the pusher is released. The sequence of movements involved in this action proceeds directly from the pusher to the clutch lever.

A design developed in collaboration with Prato Automobiles

The Admiral Chronographe Flyback collection is expended with two new models called Prato which are inspired by the Orage motorcar. The first, more classic, features a polished steel case, dauphine hands and two silver-colored counters contrasting a black carbon dial mixed with 18-carat white gold. The second, more sporty, has a black DLC steel case, dauphine hands and two rose gold color counters complementing a black carbon dial mixed with 18-carat rose gold. For both versions, Roman numerals are polished, curved, applied and treated with black PVD. The dials are adorned with the logos of “deMonaco” and “Prato”.

A steel case Armure

With the desire to always use state of the art techniques, the 42mm case is treated with a process called Armure that allows steel to be about five times more scratch resistant than ordinary steel. Indeed, it is treated with a chemical process of diffusion of carbon at low temperature which hardens the surface of the steel. From 220 Vickers to 1200 Vickers. This case is both exceptionally ergonomic and comfortable to wear.

An innovative dial

The dials of the two Prato models are inspired by a technique used in the automotive industry called forged carbon. We developed a new method that includes 18-carat gold in the process. This is the first time ever in watchmaking history that such a dial is created. To achieve this result, carbon fiber, gold and resin must be mixed and placed in a mold. Then, this mixture is heated and pressed to fix everything and form a block. Thanks to this technique, each dial is unique. After the molding process, each dial is meticulously refined to achieve the perfect shape.

A distinguished partnership between Prato Automobiles & Ateliers deMonaco

Coming from two distinctive industries, Prato Automobiles and Ateliers deMonaco have yet many common values. Passion, design, performance, technology, innovation, craftsmanship and know-how are the shared values of this car manufacturer and this watch manufacture.

Prato automobiles

Car manufacturer stem from the passion of two men: Bruno Prata, automobile designer and Rodolphe Tousset, mechanical engineer. Both wanted to create a car with an aggressive and dynamic look and thus giving raw and pure sensations.

Ateliers deMonaco

Ateliers deMonaco is a watch manufacture issued of a watchmaker’s dream, Pim Koeslag, about creating its own tourbillon minute repeater movement. Founded in 2008, the brand counts today 6 in-house movements blending tradition and watch making know-how with technical innovation.

When the automobile industry meets the watchmaking industry

Prato Automobiles and Ateliers deMonaco have worked on a spectacular project which becomes today a reality.

After several years of research and development, the supercar called Orage from Prato Automobiles is born. This car is a pure marvel which offers to its driver an experience and pure, raw and dynamic driving sensations. Thus respects the core values of the car manufacturer. Concerning the technical aspect, three technologies are turning this car to an innovative concentrate:

  • World’s most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine mounted in a production car with 900 hp
  • World’s first car to use full OLED technology for its optics
  • World’s first car to use aerospace electronics with sterling 24 carat gold connectors for full reliability in extreme conditions

 

The car is intrinsically linked to the watch Ateliers deMonaco Tourbillon Oculus 1297 ORAGE. Indeed, this timepiece is in actually the hypercar ORAGE’s key. An electronic chip is placed in the watch strap and allow the opening of the car.

The Tourbillon Oculus 1297 Orage watch is equipped with the patented Tourbillon XP1movement which had needed several years of research and development and presents the below technical specifications:

  • One of the most precise tourbillon movement in the world with a tolerance between 0 to 2 seconds per 24 hours.
  • A perfect tourbillon’s cage balance
  • A silicium escape wheel and lever
  • A 22 karats gold hand-engraved rotor.

The car and its watch will seduce their users. They both made of ultra-light carbon fiber and are limited to 19 pieces. In addition, the car chassis’ number is carved on the watch dial. The whole making a combo of sporty and refined design.