One of the most individual and progressive independent watch manufacturers of our time, since its revival in 2010, Manufacture Royale has established a reputation for its wonderfully elaborate case designs, Haute Horlogerie watchmaking, and meticulous hand finishing. Pronounced, eye catching and intriguing, its collections are fascinating flights of fancy where the brand’s technical complexity is executed with flair and distinction.

The Manufacture Royale ADN Spirit Steel Bronze is a watch which commands the attention of the eye from first glance. Unconventional and dramatic in its construction, three dimensional dial and contrasting colour way, it is a radical piece of contemporary design and superb workmanship throughout.

With its distinctive structural case construction in polished stainless steel, the ADN Spirit is impressive and captivating in its aesthetics. Its round bezel and case is cradled by tubular limbs with jointed pivots which allow the lugs to adapt to any wrist size, guaranteeing superb wrist-hugging comfort, and at 46mm across it has an imposing presence on the wrist.

Beneath the sapphire crystal, the dial is almost completely open, and with only a pair of small blue sapphire glass panels at the 12 and the 6 adorned with numerals, and offset small seconds at the 9, so the display instead showcases the spectacular architecture of the bespoke movement in a contemporary interpretation on the principles of traditional haute horlogerie.

Coated with a semi transparent bronze coloured chemical vapour deposit, the angular bridges are stripped back, allowing for an uninhibited three dimensional view of the open worked barrel and gear train, and the constantly oscillating balance which is suspended in the lower portion of the dial.

Underneath, a sapphire caseback reveals the skeletonised single plate which houses the movement’s components. Here the barrel and exquisite winding mechanism which is operated by the crown are exposed. The detailing throughout is meticulously executed, and every surface has been finished with either grained, sunray guilloché or highly polished hand decoration.

As with every other part of the watch, the hand winding MR010 movement has been produced using traditional artisanal techniques and finished by hand. Beating at 28’800 vib/h it boasts a power reserve of at least 48 hours when fully wound.

Presented on a durable, weatherproof khaki coloured fabric strap with robust pin buckle, the Manufacture Royale ADN Spirit Steel Bronze is an exceptional watch of daring modern design and superb technical finesse.