Tag Archives: watchmaking

PRESS RELEASES

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

Posted on by ATELIERS DEMONACO
30
Aug

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.

PRESS RELEASES

Poinçon de Genève – Jet d’Eau de Genève

Posted on by ATELIERS DEMONACO
06
Jun

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.