Tag Archives: time

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.

A new Prato model joins the Admiral Chronographe Flyback collection in partnership with Prato Automobiles

This year, Ateliers deMonaco has introduced a new model to its prestigious Admiral Chronographe Flyback collection; the Prato. The pieces – launched in March of this year – were presented as the fruit of the brand’s new partnership with Prato Automobiles. Further completing the collection, is a new timepiece in rose gold. A standout piece that asserts the brand’s luxurious standards and passion for mechanics.

An ideal partnership

If two worlds were made to collide, watchmaking and automobiles were the ideal candidates.

The two industries definitely echo each other on many levels – precision, a care for detail and a smart design are just a few mere examples. It is therefore no surprise that Ateliers deMonaco and Prato Automobiles came together in an effort to bring their ideals into a series of fine timepieces.

A rose gold marvel of mechanics and aesthetics

An addition to the chronographs released earlier this year, Ateliers deMonaco’s rose gold newcomer needn’t envy its predecessors.

Its shiny 18K rose gold polished case houses the brand’s automatic hand-decorated dMc-760 caliber – the heart of the patented Flyback complication which offers its wearer, a single gesture to go from one measurement of time to another. Protecting this complex mechanical core, a delicate carbon fiber and 18K rose gold dial. Thanks to a specific technique often used in the automotive industry, each dial is meticulously finished and, more importantly, unique.

A face further enhanced by black PVD treated applied roman numerals and the Prato logo.

Finally, the counters and Dauphine hands complete the timepieceoffering a powerful and playful contrast with the rich, textured dial.

Savoir-faire

Because beauty should come from within, Ateliers deMonaco takes pride and patience in preparing its components and assembling its movements. The dMc-760 makes no exception to the rule.

The in-house caliber is composed of 226 components split in two essential parts. The first is the base movement, intended to bring to life the hours, minutes and seconds of the watch. The second is the module carrying the flyback chronograph mechanism, which relies on 96 components.

The movement is assembled by hand by the brand’s skilful watchmakers, a long and delicate process which requires both experience and finesse.

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 created a unique timepiece for the FC Barcelona football player Daniel Alves

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To honour an extraordinarily talented man, Ateliers deMonaco created a unique timepiece for the famous Brazilian football player Daniel Alves on the occasion of his nomination at the FIFA/FIFPro World XI Award 2015.

For many years now the exciting game of football has been the inspiration behind some of Haute Horlogerie most complicated and sophisticated timepieces. Playing for FC Barcelona since 2008, Daniel Alves became famous for being one of the best defenders in the world. He earned a place in the FIFA FIFPro World XI for 2015 during the ceremony of the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2015, which took place in Zurich on January, 11th.

Both football player and watchmaker have in common the passion for precision and skill. Ateliers deMonaco admires these qualities in Daniel Alves as a sportsman. He embodies professionalism paired with vitality and team spirit. In honour of his talent and his great career, the independent high-end luxury watch brand Ateliers deMonaco have created a unique timepiece called the Tourbillon Oculus – Dani Alves.

This personalised timepiece was specially designed for Daniel Alves, who’s an enthusiastic person with a creative mind and an adventurous personality.

Handcrafted by our skilled watchmakers and dedicated to the highest level of precision, the Tourbillon Oculus is truly as artful as Daniel Alves is on the field. This watch is powered by its own in-house developed and patented Xtreme Precision Tourbillon movement. This calibre encapsulates a unique hybrid between craftsmanship and innovative technology, delivering one of the most accurate Tourbillon movements in the world today.

This movement is housed in an 18k rose gold case of 44mm that features a beautiful subdial in sapphire. The design of this unique timepiece is underlined by the wonderfully delicate “Côtes de Genève” decoration and the dial aperture at 6 o’clock that shows the hand engraved tourbillon cage held by a sapphire bridge. The case back of the Tourbillon Oculus enables the finesse and sophistication of the details of the movement to be observed, such as the perlage finishing and the hand engraved 22K gold rotor.

The Tourbillon Oculus is finished with a personalized hand-stitched alligator strap and is delivered in a very elegant custom-made box. It’s undeniable that this unique watch will remain a signature piece forever, just as unique as Daniel Alves.

About Ateliers deMonaco:

Ateliers deMonaco was founded in 2008 to permit the next generation of watchmakers create timepieces of exceptional quality, with the latest innovation and the rarest, most exquisite and robust materials; to go far beyond what was considered possible. Our dream is one of relentless reinvention and commitment to bring you the extraordinary. We do this not only by putting something truly exceptional on your wrist but also by ensuring your deMonaco timepiece is more than an object of desire, a true reflection of your individuality. What unites us with our clients is the belief that life is not only about luxury, but luxury sure is life!

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Pim o’clock

“Pim o’clock” this is how QP Magazine named our master watch maker and co founder of Ateliers deMonaco.
Nice article published in the latest issue of QP Magazine UK.

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