HELIOS 42 CARBON

Evolving a masterpiece, the Helios Carbon 42mm watch by Frédéric Jouvenot debuts a new casing specifically designed to enhance the visual pleasure of the spectacular dial-side arrangement which is at the heart of this ingenious collection.

Frédéric Jouvenot is an extraordinary watchmaker who, from his atelier in La Chaux-de-Fonds, creates timepieces of unparalleled originality. Hand-crafted using traditional methods, yet exhibiting supreme inventiveness, his Solar Deity collection pushes the boundaries and possibilities of time indication, with a unique dial architecture which represents the passing of the hours through a fascinating mechanical sundial. Aesthetically beautiful in the highest degree, the Helios Carbon 42mm watch brings a more refined profile to this highly covetable series.

No less complex than previous Helios models, Frédéric Jouvenot’S Helios Carbon 42 watch carries a completely redesigned case which offers the wearer improved visibility on the dial and movement side. With further attention devoted to the trademark Jouvenot openworked lugs and to the bezel area, the 42mm case has sleek profiling that is both elegant and refined. Manufactured from titanium it promises lightness on the wrist, and with a black DLC finish, it has a contemporary personality. Distinctive recesses in the bezel are positioned so they correspond with each hour, and adding subtle detailing, the flange has been engraved with arabic numerals.

The dial of the Frédéric Jouvenot Helios Carbon 42 watch is immediately compelling. Offering a three-dimensional architecture, twelve dual faced conical batons, represent the hours, each separated by a miniature pyramid crafted from forged carbon. Emanating from the centre of the dial, each baton transforms in its appearance by flicking through 180° from red to black, or vice-versa, at the passing of the hour. Luminous strips on the dark half of each one ensures excellent legibility in low light conditions. Despite the difficulty of working with the frangible carbon material, its unique texturing ensures that no two dials will ever be the same, and the contrast of its marbled surface with the smooth sunbeam batons is superb.

Having dispensed with the hour hand, an equally exceptional solution has been devised for the minutes. Beautifully simple in its execution and functionality, a central rotating disc, bearing the maker’s motif, aligns its arrow tip against the red disc which carries the minutes, rendered in pristine white numerals. Finishing this highly original façade, visible screws at the tip of each carbon pyramid enhance the aesthetic and give it a marginally industrial appearance.

Turn the Helios Carbon 42 watch by Frédéric Jouvenot over and the sapphire crystal caseback offers the wearer an even more in-depth view of the immaculate detail and hand finishing which has been devoted to the in-house manufacture manual movement. Notably, the mechanism which is at the heart of the jumping hour indication is enclosed within a 12mm capsule and is demanding of 100 components on its own.

Beating at a leisurely 28’800 vph, the calibre has a power reserve of 50 hours, and the detailing of its impeccable Côtes de Genève decoration, beveled edges and mirror polished finishes denotes its Haute Horlogerie prestige.

The Frédéric Jouvenot Helios Carbon 42mm is presented on a black alligator strap with titanium folding.