Chronometry - Second Concours Announces Participants
WORLDTEMPUS - 8 July 2011
When the winner of the first chronometry competition held since 1967 was announced, it was big news in the watch world. Testing one watch's accuracy over that of another had not been accomplished in more than 40 years, thanks in great part to the unquestionable hold that quartz has over mechanical systems.
The watch world seems to be recovering nicely from the economic recession, and the desire for such a fundamental - and fun - technical competition begun in days of yore has once again emerged.
While in the premier competition held in 2009, only 16 watches divided into two categories (companies and independent watchmakers) were submitted, the new edition of the competition boasts three separate classifications: traditional movements coming from companies, tourbillon movements coming from companies, and traditional movements submitted by watchmaking schools. In the latter category, there are four submissions from four very different students at four schools of watchmaking: two Swiss, one French, and one American. All four of these submissions are made on the basis of the ETA Unitas 6498 caliber. Here, apparently, the test is to see which student can best regulate this standard, stable workhorse to optimal chronometer specifications.
The other 14 submissions come from ten companies: Kari Voutilainen, Chopard's LUC, MHVJ (a Vallee de Joux supplier), Mido, F.P. Journe, Technotime, Tissot, Frederique Constant, Greubel Forsey, and Leroy - all European companies based either in Switzerland or France.
It is interesting to note that Jaeger-LeCoultre, the company that took both first and second place in the last competition - with two tourbillons, no less - is not participating in the 2011 edition. CEO Jerôme Lambert explained that since the company took both first and second places with tourbillons in the 2009 competition, the company wanted to enter a different movement. However, the desired movement - a new one - was not yet ready to launch, and thus the Le Sentier-based brand decided not to enter the competition this time around. "It is not that important for us anyway," Lambert remarked. "The competition's testing is very similar to the 1000 hour test that we subject every one of our watches to. Certainly, after the last competition, most of the other companies learned that in addition to accuracy, it is also important to consider stability."
Measurements will be carried out in officially certified laboratories in Besançon, Biel and Le Locle. The watches will undergo magnetism and shocks tests reproducing conditions of everyday use. The Committee of Honour is chaired by astronaut and EPFL professor, Claude Nicollier. The jury comprising independent individuals and journalists in the luxury watch industry is chaired by Jean-Marc Triscone, dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva. Technical commissioner and a member of the jury is Laurent-Guy Bernier, delegate of the Swiss national metrology office METAS.
The winners of the competition will be announced on October 20 at the Château des Monts watch museum in Le Locle.
Tissot - The new timeless duo
The 2009 Tissot Heritage timepieces turn the clocks back to 1941 for their inspiration. Two limited editions preserve the aesthetics of an original 1941 Tissot wristwatch in a 'must-have' contemporary chronometer with COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres) certification. These timepieces even apply their proven precision to nature with an integrated telemetre to calculate the distance between the wearer and a lightening bolt. The 2009 Tissot Heritage watches have a fascinating story to tell, to both dedicated collectors and today's trendsetters.
Timeless style
The dial of both 2009 Tissot Heritage editions reflects the unrivalled precision of the Swiss 7753 chronograph movement inside via intricate, golden markings, giving it the character of a fine mechanical instrument. This masterpiece of timekeeping presents itself against the backcloth of a smooth, black dial. A row of intersecting circles, comprising two counters and a mesmerising spiral tachymetre in the centre, builds a bridge from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock. The even numbers are boldly marked and interspersed with elongated rectangular indices. This rectangular form is mirrored by the 38 mm case's attachment elements which secure the crocodile leather bracelet in place in true geometric style.
Memories that count
One of the 2009 Tissot Heritage limited editions consists of just 333 numbered pieces. This model has a case made of pure 18-carat rose gold. The second edition being added to the year's collection comes in stainless steel and has 3,333 pieces. The number of each watch is engraved on the ornately decorated case back, which also incorporates a window through which to view the 27 jewel automatic movement at work. Both editions are chronometers, verified by testing carried out by the independent COSC over several consecutive days in five positions and at three temperatures. From all angles, these timepieces celebrate over 150 years of precision watch making, with Tissot adding its signature of confirmation on the front and back in the form of a historical logo. With these 2009 limited editions, Tissot introduces two of tomorrow's collectors' items today.
Tissot, with its signature 'Innovators by Tradition', has been pioneering craftsmanship and innovation since its foundation in 1853. Today Tissot is a member of the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch producer and distributor. For over 155 years the company has had its home in the Swiss watch making town of Le Locle in the Jura mountains but now also has a presence in over 150 countries. The Tissot innovation leadership is enabled by the development of high-tech products, special materials and advanced functionality. With a broader, more versatile range of high-quality timepieces at an attractive price than any other Swiss watch brand, Tissot also expresses its commitment to making excellence accessible. As official timekeeper and partner of NASCAR®, AFL, CBA, MotoGP and the World Championships of cycling, fencing and ice hockey, Tissot is committed to respecting tradition, underlining its core values of performance, precision and setting new standards.