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International Chronometry Competition - Louis Moinet winner!
Vertalor has just won the International Chronometry Competition. The organizer's analogy offers a perfect summary of the demanding standards for the contest: "the Chronometry Competition is the equivalent of five Formula 1 Grand Prix races - without a single pit stop!"
The scientific validity of the Competition is based on five tests, including three measurement cycles, exposure to magnetic fields, and exposure to impacts. These particularly difficult tests lasted four months.
Winning the gold medal is thus an acknowledgement of talent and performance - the extent of which may be grasped by considering that the strength test alone comprises no fewer than 150 impacts.
The requirements of the Competition tests are of an extremely high level. This has been demonstrated once again: of the 28 competing watches, only six passed all the tests and earned a ranking. The Competition only reveals the names of the first 3 in each category.
Tourbillon : Les Ateliers Louis Moinet, from Saint - Blaise, won first prize with their calibre 8009. They obtained a total of 682 points. There was no 2nd or 3rd prize.
Chronograph : Tissot SA, from Le Locle, won the first prize in this new category, with its calibre CO1.211. It obtained a total of 572 points. There was no 2nd or 3rd prize.
Classic : For the 3rd consecutive year in this category, Tissot SA from Le Locle won the first prize, but also 2nd and 3rd prize.
Young watchmakers : No prize could be awarded in this category, since none of the watches passed the tests.
There were 18 young watchmakers and 7 companies taking part: Chopard, Dodane, Kerbedanz, Pequignet, Les Ateliers Louis Moinet, Sellita Watch and Tissot.
The watches entered in the Competition undergo four months of testing. They are subjected three times over to the chronometric certification tests, as defined by international standard ISO 3159.
The tests are conducted in collaboration with the Swiss Chronometry Inspectorate (COSC), Besançon Observatory and Arc Advanced Engineering college (HE - Arc).
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Greubel Forsey - New manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds
The dedicated building, located a mere stone's throw from the Eplatures airport, is now home to the four companies created by Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, and jointly run by the two founders along with CEO Emmanuel Vuille: Greubel Forsey, CompliTime, CT Design and CT Time. Over one hundred people have now moved to the new premises from the Ancien Manege and other sites where the Greubel Forsey adventure began.
Vividly reflecting the nature of Greubel Forsey watches, the new workshops are designed to be a concentrated blend of technological feats displaying a distinctive soul underlining the link between the past, present and future. It is composed of two buildings: a 17th century listed farmhouse renovated by Mr. Gilles Tissot (an expert in the renovation of Neuchâtelstyle historical buildings) which will serve as a reception area. It also houses the Unique Timepieces workshop, a showcase for the brand's creative excellence. The renovation work preserved numerous key features such as the shingle roof, external envelope and foundations. Various decorative aspects can be admired, such as a vaulted cellar, a former open fireplace, an 18th Century master room with its wood-worked ceiling and tiled stove, a carved doorway dating back to 1668, as well as the sundial symbolising the passage of time and perfectly suited to the building's new function.
The main building directly linked to the farm and designed by architect Pierre Studer houses the development and production premises. Its original shape reflects a geological fold as seen in the topography of the Jura mountains, further enhanced by a 'green' or garden roof. It is also the first double-skin environment-friendly construction in the region and the glass outer walls create a natural thermal buffer zone. In summer, the air circulates to create a cool breeze; while in winter it is enclosed to serve as additional insulation. The ground-floor ventilation is equipped with an adiabatic cooling system (the extracted air is cooled by water evaporation and then used in a heat exchanger to cool the pulsed air). The ventilation system on the uppermost floor, home to the watch movement and final assembly department, is cooled by filtered air. Inside the building, concrete has been widely used to better stabilise temperature.
Natural light streams into the whole interior from the outer walls and through the impressive glazed covered courtyard. The staircases on each side are a subtle reminder of the Ancien Manege.
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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.
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Tissot - Couturier
Just as the creations of the world's great fashion designers rely on the perfect mix of fabric and cut, the Tissot Couturier timepieces blend elegant lines with materials to match. This new 'collection' of 21 watches expresses modern elegance, tailor-made to today's diverse style statements. Sophisticated chronographs meet understated classics in one family, all closely related through their uncompromising attention to detail.
Styled for individuals
The Tissot Couturier watches express their made-to-measure character through a selection of five different movements. There are two Tissot Couturier Chrono Auto models, one powered by the celebrated 7750 Valjoux movement, the other by a newly developed ETA C01.211 mechanism. In these timepieces, the attention to detail is evident in small, finely marked, round chronograph counters, mirrored by a circular white date display. The Tissot Couturier Gent Auto turns heads with its symmetrical design, which is underlined by a two-part, arc-shaped date display at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. The Tissot Couturier Gent Quartz is a three-hand timepiece that seduces with its simplicity. Its counterpart is the Tissot Chrono Quartz with larger counters and a rectangular date window.Time for finesse
All declinations of timeless elegance find their place in the Tissot Couturier family. For instance, there is a rose PVD interpretation and a sporty version with orange details for the automatic version. The wristlet comes in a choice of a metal finish or different coloured leathers, including a crocodile-look option. All attachments are smoothly integrated into the case to add an elegant signature. The eye for detail, which acts as the Tissot Couturier family's DNA, makes frequent appearances in the design, for example in a wave pattern on the lugs and faceted indices. In all of its outfits, the Tissot Couturier promises to outlive any fashion whim and stand the test of time.Features
[Rating: 5 / 5 stars]
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