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RUDIS SYLVA RS12 GRAND ART HORLOGER REVIEW

A remarkable contribution to modern day watchmaking, the Harmonious Oscillator, developed by Rudis Sylva represents a new benchmark for physical resonance within the confines of a wristwatch case. A mechanism which has been described as one which is as important as Breguet’s tourbillon, the pairing of two toothed balances in the Harmonious Resonance mechanism is a unique arrangement which enables instantaneous correction in the vertical position, thus defying the laws of Earth’s gravity. Showcasing this extraordinary innovation within an exquisite hand decorated setting, the RS12 Grand Art Horloger is, from every aspect a monumental timepiece.


An independent watchmaking company which by its very name pays homage to the creation of watchmaking in the Jura region, Rudis Sylva have become vanguards for métiers d’art techniques, by highlighting the collaborative skills of artisan watchmaking in the area. The development of their Harmonious Resonance is considered by many in the industry to be a significant technical advancement in progressive watchmaking and it is without doubt a triumphant achievement for such a small scale independent company.


Beautifully executed throughout, the watch is housed within a rounded case of 18ct rose gold or 18ct white gold, featuring meticulous vertical satin finishing on the case side, with contrasting polishing on the bezel. Finished with a domed sapphire crystal, the casing is sized at 44mm across, and with a height of 14.3mm the watch carries a noble presence on the wrist.


Visually compelling, the lower sector of the watch façade is dominated by the revolutionary Harmonious Oscillator, an invention which quite literally makes the seemingly impossible, possible. Building upon the theoretical conclusion of better timekeeping through resonance, Rudis Sylva have invented a novel physical resonance arrangement, comprising of two toothed balances linked together. While the pair are physically linked, only one of the balances is linked to the escapement, and this enables it to then provide the impulse which drives the other. As the pair work in symmetrical opposition, each instantly averages the error of the other regardless of the position of the cage which holds them, as it completes its mesmerising 60 second circumlocution.


Complex, yet incredibly beautiful, superlative finishing has been embellished upon every tiny detail, and notably, the titanium cage whose form recalls that miniature weaponry, features 28 bevelled angles, despite the challenges of rendering such decoration on this type of construction material. Elsewhere, flawless guilloché work on the lower part of the mainplate, which upon further inspection reveals row upon row of increasingly smaller pyramid motifs, is an impressive, eye-pleasing inclusion. Visually secondary to the formidable panorama of the mechanisms, the indication of the hours and minutes are represented on a classically styled off-centred display, via golden hand-made hands and Roman numerals and markers, and with a arc shaped seconds indicator on their lower dial.


Powering the watch, the in-house manual winding calibre beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Featuring the patented invention, the “Harmonious Oscillator”, which is a world first with two toothed balances, which exhibits a resonance effect from the first oscillations, the development of this sophisticated movement and the superb finishing employed in its construction demonstrates both the flair for innovation of this exciting independent watchmaking company, and also their commitment to upholding traditional métiers d’art skills. Adhering to the artisan styling codes of the watch, the solid caseback also features splendid craftsmanship, with a sundial motif, hand engraving and script which serves as a reminder of the importance of time, simply stating “Ultima Forsan”.


A masterful, technically accomplished timepiece, the Rudis Sylva RS12 Grand Art Horloger Harmonious Oscillator comes presented on a hand-stitched alligator leather strap secured with a pin buckle.


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