Tag Archives: timepiece

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.

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.

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.

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.