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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.

Ateliers deMonaco offers a unique timepiece to support  the 2019 Only Watch auction

Born as an Haute Horlogerie brand, Ateliers deMonaco is all about design, performance, technology, innovation and craftsmanship.

Founded in 2008, the Maison counts 6 in-house movements combining tradition and high-end watchmaking know-how with technical innovation.

Pim Koeslag, co-founder, master watchmaker and CEO of the brand has made his dream come true when he first created his own tourbillon minute repeater movement. Today, he proudly presents another spectacular masterpiece: the Tourbillon – Oculus 1297 Only Watch.

Equipped with the manufacture dMc-980 calibre, the watch is designed, produced, and assembled in Ateliers deMonaco’s workshops. Its patented tourbillon movement called Tourbillon XP1 (eXtreme Precision 1 minute) is one of the most precise in the world with a tolerance between 0 to 2 seconds per 24 hours.

The hand-decorated calibre boasts chamfering, circular graining and satin-finishing decorations, a 22k gold rotor representing the Principality of Monaco’s crown and includes a silicium escape wheel and lever.

A major innovation for this timepiece is its 44mm watch case made from a technique used in the automotive industry called forged carbon. For this timepiece, Ateliers deMonaco developed a new method including 18k gold in the process: carbon fibre, gold and resin are mixed together and placed in a mould. The mixture is then heated and pressed to form a block. After the moulding process, the case is meticulously refined to achieve the perfect shape. Thanks to this exclusive method, the case is thus unique.

The timepiece features a multi-layered decentred dial treated with dark grey PVD and is decorated with a lozenge pattern in relief. Roman numerals and dauphine hands finally come to complete the already beautifully detailed dial.

Hours and minutes can be read on the dial while the small seconds can be read on the Tourbillon opening at 6 o’clock.

A smoke-grey alligator leather strap with nubuck finishing brings additional character to this unique watch.

Ateliers deMonaco is proud to donate this one-of-a-kind timepiece to the Only Watch biennial auction, Only Watch supporting the treatment of muscular dystrophy diseases and pushing the boundaries of science.

Poinçon de Genève Dressed by The Monaco Prince’s Palace Logo

Since 2015, Ateliers deMonaco is among the happy few very meticulous watchmaking houses to have earned the Geneva seal.

To receive this recognition, each watch component has to be made with the utmost care and be finely decorated. Moreover, each movement must be assembled, adjusted and encased in the brand’s manufacture in Geneva. This is a controlled label, guaranteed by the state of Geneva and a beacon of exceptional quality ensuring that the purchased product is both flawless and authentic.

This year, two new prestigious models join this prestigious collection and further express the brand’s attachment to watchmaking tradition – making timepieces that are not only a mere measurement instrument, but a true work of art.

Limited to 18 pieces each, the watches are offered in an 18K rose or white gold case. The Monaco prince’s palace logo has been placed at 6 o’clock to pay homage to the brand’s heritage and hand-applied roman indexes have been added to enhance its elegance. The watches are designed to achieve a luxurious aesthetic appeal on both sides. Thanks to its see-through case-back, the wearer can admire the hand decorations on the movement such as chamfered, drawn flanks, drafted marks and mirror polish on the steel parts. For the bridges: chamfered, drawn flanks, circular graining and Côte de Genève decorations. This limited-edition collection is presented with a black and a brown hand-stitched alligator leather strap with either an 18K white or rose gold tongue buckle.

In addition to the Poinçon de Genève certification, these new models include the patented Ateliers deMonaco “Freebeat” adjustment system. In a conventional regulation system, pins on both side of the hairspring are used to regulate how much it can wind and unwind, regulating the speed of the balance wheel. By allowing the hairspring to bounce against these pins, in combination with gravity forces, the unfortunate side effect of these collisions is that it interferes with the precision of the movement itself. The “Freebeat” regulation system controls the hairspring’s length with an adjustable crémaillère (straight bar with teeth on one edge, allowing it to be fixed at different lengths) obsoleting the need for pins and avoiding any interference.

To bring power to these timepieces, the watchmakers of Ateliers deMonaco have equipped them with the in-house and patented manual dMc-708 calibre, featuring a 38-hour power reserve and ruling the central hour, minute and second hands. The ultra-thin characteristics of this calibre enabled the brand to encase it within a delicate 9.2mm high case.

Ateliers deMonaco endows its Sirène timepiece with a new Champagne colour

 

Ateliers deMonaco, watchmaking manufacture, first launched its La Sirène timepiece in 2009. 9 years later, the brand offers its leading lady a beautiful new Champagne look for the festive season. This delicate piece offers a perfect balance between watchmaking tradition and dazzling beauty. Luxuriously composed of gold and diamonds, this piece of jewellery will bring charm and elegance to any feminine wrist.

Developed and made in Ateliers deMonaco’s manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, the dMc-700 automatic movement is assembled by the Maison’s passionate watchmakers. The masterpiece of this movement is its hand-engraved, 22-carat gold rotor which represents the Principality of Monaco’s coat of arms. Ateliers deMonaco is the only brand allowed to use this shield.

This traditional movement is encased by a 18-carat rose gold case magnified by 617 champagne-coloured diamonds, set to fit the shape of the case perfectly. In perfect harmony with the case, a delicate flower called King Protea is represented on the dial. Three rows of 24 lozenge-shaped settings welcome 120 champagne diamonds to create the corolla. The heart of the flower is made of white mother-of-pearl, and is surrounded by a rose gold ring. Finally, to echo the colour of the white mother-of-pearl and the base of the rhodium-plated rose gold dial, a white alligator strap enhances the whole.

This new timepiece, La Sirène Champagne, is the fourth reinterpretation of the original La Sirène Topaze piece created in honour of HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco. This flagship model of the women’s Ateliers de Monaco collection is limited to 8 pieces only. An ideal and coveted gift for the holidays.

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.

 

 

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.

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.