Although this statement piece is a superb example of DeWitt’s ability to create a precious and exclusive jewellery wristwatch, the inclusion of innovative mechanisms also demonstrate the Manufacture’s Haute Horlogerie skills.

With a grey coloured dial featuring decorative stripes and white gold elements, the Academia Tourbillon Force Constante à Chaîne Jewellery White Gold watch is the embodiment of refinement.  However, the exposed sections, which offer a glimpse into the complex mechanisms, make this piece come alive on the wrist and reveal its true Haute Horlogerie personality.

In an opening at 8 o’clock the Constant-Force mechanism is showcased. This ingenious little four-armed devise, which completes 6 revolutions per minute and which also features its own balance-spring, enables an unwavering supply of energy to be delivered, ensuring accuracy.    Right from the moment that the mainspring is fully wound, until the end of its reserve of power, the Constant-Force mechanism ensures that the energy supplied will not fluctuate, but will be given in precise and regular impulses, regardless of how much tension is remaining in the mainspring.  A similar opening at 5 o’clock provides a vista into the micro-mechanics of the tourbillon.

On the upper dial, just above the centrally mounted white gold hour and minutes hands, is a power reserve indication unlike any other.  Here, DeWitt have incorporated a system that relays energy to the power-reserve indicator.  When winding the barrel-spring, the rotation of the crown drives a tiny chain consisting of 192 hand-crafted components.  This novel device uses an intermediate wheel to activate the power-reserve indicator sliding on a worm screw at the 10 o’clock location.  If the pointer is in the red zone, the power-reserve is close to zero, when it is in the green zone, this means the barrel-spring is sufficiently wound.  The mechanism provides a stunning visual representation and it gives a marginally industrial feel to this otherwise elegant watch dial.

Underscoring the exemplary status of this magnificent timepiece, the 43mm 18-carat white gold case has been set with a precious chequered decoration of alternating white and black baguette-cut diamonds, adding prestige to the bezel, lugs and case side.  Brilliant-cut diamonds enhance the profile of the crown and, in a final flourish of élan, an exquisite little diamond cabochon has been set within its centre.

Housed within this exclusive gem-set 18-carat white gold 43mm case, the manually-winding DeWitt Manufacture movement beats at 21,600vph, retaining a generous power reserve of 72 hours.  A sapphire case back reveals the meticulous hand-finishing of its components.

Presented on a black alligator leather strap with 18-carat white gold triple folding claps signed with the DeWitt “W” motif, this 25 piece limited edition model will appeal to the discerning collector who has a penchant for masterful Haute Horlogerie innovation with a luxurious twist.