Having founded his eponymous watch Micro-Manufacture in 2004, Count Jérôme de Witt, a descendent of Napoleon Bonaparte, can draw upon his noble heritage in order to create a portfolio rich with authentic watchmaking traditions.
With their Academia Tourbillon Force Constante Ruby Rose Gold wristwatch, DeWitt arguably underscore their commitment to the creation of exclusive wristwatches created using only the most luxurious materials and gemstones. But, the piece also demonstrates the company’s Haute Horlogerie skills through the inclusion of innovative technical mechanisms.
In the pursuit of accuracy, generations of watchmakers have had to face up to the same quandary – the reality that a timekeeper’s accuracy will ultimately depend on the unchanging release of energy from its power source. On a wristwatch the frustration lies in the fluctuation of energy transferred from the mainspring, which like any wound spring will lose some of its “momentum” as it uncoils.
But, integrated within their Academia Tourbillon Force Constante Ruby Rose Gold model, Manufacture DeWitt, have developed a solution to the issue - an additional Constant-Force mechanism, created to ensure that the power will not fluctuate. Right from the moment that this watch has been fully wound up until the end of its reserve of power, the energy will be supplied in precise and regular impulses, regardless of how much tension is remaining in the mainspring.
Such a complex innovation deserves to be showcased, and in an opening at 8 o’clock on the dial of this innovative timepiece the wearer is offered a full look-see into the little four-armed devise which completes 6 revolutions per minute and which also features its own balance-spring. This innovative micro-technology enables an unwavering supply of energy to be delivered, ensuring accuracy.
A similar opening at 5 o’clock provides a vista into the mechanisms of the tourbillon. Each of these openings has been enclosed with a tinted sapphire covering.
The black dial has been given a superb sunray hand-finished motif and, as an ode to automobile symbolism, the upper section features a car radiator grille motif, with a contrasting textured background, enhanced by a rhodium-plated decorative fillet. At the centre, the open-worked rose gold sword-shaped hands indicate the hours and minutes via a combination of Roman and Arabic numerals.
The 43mm 18-carat rose gold case has been set with 103 baguette-cut and 34brilliant-cut rubies, totalling 18.25cts. Set around the bezel, crown and on the profile of the “Imperial Columns” on the case side, they shimmer with intensity from every angle. A pert little cabochon ruby set into the centre of the crown adds a final sumptuous flourish.
Inside, the DeWitt mechanical hand-winding movement beats at 21,600vph and it retains a power reserve of 72 hours. The superlative hand-finishing can be appreciated through the sapphire case back. The piece comes presented on a black alligator leather strap fitted with a folding clasp in 18-carat rose gold set with 14 baguette-cut rubies.
Aimed at the discerning collector who above all, appreciates exceptional rarity, the DeWitt Academia Tourbillon Force Constante Ruby Rose Gold is a Pièce Unique.
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