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FREDERIQUE CONSTANT WORLD PREMIERE EVENT
Streamed live 3 hours ago: mAR 25, 2021
Frédérique Constant Genève
Something unprecedented in the watch industry is coming soon and you have been invited to discover it. Join the revolution now and learn more about our technological breakthrough in the field of precision timekeeping.
The word innovation is so often used and abused in the watch industry that it loses its true meaning. But the development Frederique Constant is unveiling today is an authentic horological breakthrough. A prodigious feat of engineering that relies on the principle of compliant mechanisms, the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is regulated by a revolutionary flexure pivot oscillator beating at an impressive frequency of 40Hz. Today MONOCHROME provides in-depth coverage of this unprecedented development with our article, video and live photos.
The way mechanical wristwatches are regulated has barely changed in centuries. To be more precise, not since the invention of the balance spring over three centuries ago. The basic operating principle is the following. Energy is stored by the mainspring inside the barrel. The energy is released via the gear train that drives the hands. The speed at which the gears rotate is controlled by the regulator that comprises the escapement and the oscillator. The escapement transfers energy to the oscillator (the balance wheel and its coiled hairspring) via impulses. In return, the oscillator regulates the escapement. Its oscillations unlock the escapement at a regular rate allowing the gears to rotate and the mainspring to unwind progressively.
IN-DEPTH - The Frederique Constant Slimline Monolithic Manufacture, with Groundbreaking Oscillator
Mar 25, 2021
Monochrome Watches
-------------
WORLD PREMIERE - The word innovation is too often used and abused in the watch industry, sadly becoming void of meaning. But the development Frederique Constant is unveiling today is an authentic horological breakthrough. A feat of engineering, the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is regulated by a revolutionary flexure pivot oscillator beating at an impressive frequency of 40Hz, using the principle of compliant mechanisms. MONOCHROME today goes in-depth with this revolutionary concept, as we speak with Niels Eggerding, Managing Director of Frederique Constant, Dr Nima Tolou, Founder and CEO of Flexous, and Pim Koeslag, Technical Director and Master Watchmaker at Frederique Constant. And yes, you'll find all the technical details and images to understand precisely why the Frederique Constant Monolithic Oscillator is such a strong innovation, and how it exactly works.
-------------
For the complete review article: https://monochrome-watches.com/fred...ure-video-review-technical-guide-specs-price/
SLIMLINE MONOLITHIC MANUFACTURE
PRE ORDER OR MORE QUESTIONS
FUNCTIONS
HOURS, MINUTES, SECONDS, DATE
MOVEMENT
FC-810 MANUFACTURE CALIBER, AUTOMATIC, HEART BEAT, SILICON MONOLITHIC OSCILLATOR, DATE ADJUSTABLE BY THE CROWN
PERLAGE, CIRCULAR SATIN-FINISHING, ANGLAGE AND CIRCULAR CÔTES DE GENÈVE DECORATIONS
19 JEWELS, 80-HOUR POWER RESERVE, 288’000 ALT/H, 40HZ
CASE
POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL 3-PART CASE
DIAMETER 40 MM
FRONT CONVEX SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL
SEE-THROUGH CASE-BACK
WATER-RESISTANT UP TO 3 ATM
DIAL
BLUE DIAL WITH GUILLOCHÉ CLOUS DE PARIS DECORATION AND PRINTED WHITE ROMAN NUMERALS
WHITE HANDS
DATE COUNTER AT 12 O’CLOCK
OPEN HEART SHOWING THE OCSILLATOR AT 6 O’CLOCK
STRAP
NAVY BLUE ALLIGATOR LEATHER STRAP
LIMITED EDITION
LIMITED TO 810 PIECES
Marking a world premiere, Frederique Constant presents a silicon oscillator beating at an unprecedented pace of 288,000 vibrations per hour, or 40 Hz. Redefining the principles of mechanical watch regulation, the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture ticks ten times faster than most mechanical movements. Thanks to its innovative design and reduced size, this revolutionary high-frequency silicon oscillator fits inside a traditional movement configuration. The 40mm Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is the proud recipient of this groundbreaking oscillator, the first watch in the world to boast a 40Hz frequency combined with a price that reflects the brand’s commitment to accessible luxury.
The Genesis – A Collaboration with Flexous
The idea behind the Monolithic Oscillator was born 3 years ago during an encounter between Peter Stas, co-founder and former CEO of Frederique Constant, and Dr Nima Tolou, founder and CEO of Flexous, an independent innovative horology-oriented technology branch of YES!Delft specialising in compliant or flexible mechanisms. Following their encounter, the Frederique Constant team commissioned Flexous with the production of a unique, flexible oscillating system. The technical mandates were clear: a size comparable to that of a traditional balance; the highest possible frequency; an 80-hour power reserve; and a cost-effective formula allowing the manufacture of significant quantities at a reasonable price.
A Revolution in Precision Timekeeping – The Monolithic Oscillator
With the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture, Frederique Constant replaces the 26 components of a standard assortment with a single component fitted with two regulation weights. Thanks to a new geometry of flexures and masses, the size of the oscillator (9.8mm diameter x 0.3mm thickness) was substantially reduced to match for the first time that of a conventional regulator. Another factor that kept the dimensions in check and create an ultrathin oscillator and to keep all functions in one thin silicon layer was the integration of the anchor system in the flexures. The third innovation responds to the adjustment weights used to regulate the flexure oscillator (just like the system used in a traditional free-sprung balance), a feature that allows watchmakers to fine-tune the frequency with exceptional ease.
Monocrystalline Silicon
The oscillator is made of monocrystalline silicon, a material that eliminates key weaknesses of traditional sprung balances. Monocrystalline silicon is 100% anti-magnetic, resilient to oscillations in temperature, less sensitive to gravity and four times lighter than a regular assortment. The absence of mechanical coupling means a lower generation of friction and wear on the parts. Consequently, less power is needed to drive the escapement wheel and the oscillating system. Finally, yet importantly, silicon does not require lubrication, which enhances the long-term reliability of the escapement.
The 30th Movement from Frederique Constant’s Manufacture
Because a traditional gear train cannot cope with the breakneck speed of a 40Hz regulator, Frederique Constant’s watchmakers designed a new base movement - automatic calibre FC-810. Capable of performing with the speed of the new silicon oscillator, the calibre also delivers a substantial 80-hour power reserve.
Slimline Manufacture
The Frederique Constant Slimline Monolithic Manufacture, a three-hand with pointer date, is the first model to bear this groundbreaking oscillator. Presented in a 40mm round case, the new watch features an elegant, classic dial with a guilloché hobnail pattern, printed Roman numerals paired with Breguet-style hands. The pulsating oscillator of the watch is revealed in an aperture at 6 o’clock.
On the reverse side, an exhibition caseback offers an unimpeded view of the automatic FC-810 calibre. Its traditional decoration combines Geneva stripes with perlage, and the oscillating weight is open worked.
The model is available in three limited editions: 810 pieces in stainless steel with blue dial and 810 pieces in stainless steel with a silver colour dial with a retail price of EUR 4,495 and 81 pieces in 18k pink gold retailing for EUR 14,995.
About Flexous Mechanisms
Flexous Mechanisms is an independent horology technology company specialized in the design and development of flexible watch parts with the focus on mechanical watches. Flexous was founded in 2012 in Delft, The Netherlands, as a spin-off of an internationally leading group in the field of flexible mechanisms at Delft University of Technology. We develop and produce custom-made innovative watch parts from concept to product. Working together with like-minded watch brands and watch part producers, we bridge the fields of traditional watch making and 21st century flexible mechanism design. We strive to become the most forward-thinking innovative technology provider in horology. Our vision is to eventually provide flexible watch parts for the main components in a watch and set new world boundaries for accuracy, precision, and runtime with a highly innovative approach.
Flexous.com
Streamed live 3 hours ago: mAR 25, 2021
Frédérique Constant Genève
Something unprecedented in the watch industry is coming soon and you have been invited to discover it. Join the revolution now and learn more about our technological breakthrough in the field of precision timekeeping.
The word innovation is so often used and abused in the watch industry that it loses its true meaning. But the development Frederique Constant is unveiling today is an authentic horological breakthrough. A prodigious feat of engineering that relies on the principle of compliant mechanisms, the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is regulated by a revolutionary flexure pivot oscillator beating at an impressive frequency of 40Hz. Today MONOCHROME provides in-depth coverage of this unprecedented development with our article, video and live photos.
BASIC PRINCIPLES
The way mechanical wristwatches are regulated has barely changed in centuries. To be more precise, not since the invention of the balance spring over three centuries ago. The basic operating principle is the following. Energy is stored by the mainspring inside the barrel. The energy is released via the gear train that drives the hands. The speed at which the gears rotate is controlled by the regulator that comprises the escapement and the oscillator. The escapement transfers energy to the oscillator (the balance wheel and its coiled hairspring) via impulses. In return, the oscillator regulates the escapement. Its oscillations unlock the escapement at a regular rate allowing the gears to rotate and the mainspring to unwind progressively.
IN-DEPTH - The Frederique Constant Slimline Monolithic Manufacture, with Groundbreaking Oscillator
Mar 25, 2021
Monochrome Watches
-------------
WORLD PREMIERE - The word innovation is too often used and abused in the watch industry, sadly becoming void of meaning. But the development Frederique Constant is unveiling today is an authentic horological breakthrough. A feat of engineering, the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is regulated by a revolutionary flexure pivot oscillator beating at an impressive frequency of 40Hz, using the principle of compliant mechanisms. MONOCHROME today goes in-depth with this revolutionary concept, as we speak with Niels Eggerding, Managing Director of Frederique Constant, Dr Nima Tolou, Founder and CEO of Flexous, and Pim Koeslag, Technical Director and Master Watchmaker at Frederique Constant. And yes, you'll find all the technical details and images to understand precisely why the Frederique Constant Monolithic Oscillator is such a strong innovation, and how it exactly works.
-------------
For the complete review article: https://monochrome-watches.com/fred...ure-video-review-technical-guide-specs-price/
SLIMLINE MONOLITHIC MANUFACTURE
FC-810MCN3S6
$5,157 USDPRE ORDER OR MORE QUESTIONS
FUNCTIONS
HOURS, MINUTES, SECONDS, DATE
MOVEMENT
FC-810 MANUFACTURE CALIBER, AUTOMATIC, HEART BEAT, SILICON MONOLITHIC OSCILLATOR, DATE ADJUSTABLE BY THE CROWN
PERLAGE, CIRCULAR SATIN-FINISHING, ANGLAGE AND CIRCULAR CÔTES DE GENÈVE DECORATIONS
19 JEWELS, 80-HOUR POWER RESERVE, 288’000 ALT/H, 40HZ
CASE
POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL 3-PART CASE
DIAMETER 40 MM
FRONT CONVEX SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL
SEE-THROUGH CASE-BACK
WATER-RESISTANT UP TO 3 ATM
DIAL
BLUE DIAL WITH GUILLOCHÉ CLOUS DE PARIS DECORATION AND PRINTED WHITE ROMAN NUMERALS
WHITE HANDS
DATE COUNTER AT 12 O’CLOCK
OPEN HEART SHOWING THE OCSILLATOR AT 6 O’CLOCK
STRAP
NAVY BLUE ALLIGATOR LEATHER STRAP
LIMITED EDITION
LIMITED TO 810 PIECES
Marking a world premiere, Frederique Constant presents a silicon oscillator beating at an unprecedented pace of 288,000 vibrations per hour, or 40 Hz. Redefining the principles of mechanical watch regulation, the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture ticks ten times faster than most mechanical movements. Thanks to its innovative design and reduced size, this revolutionary high-frequency silicon oscillator fits inside a traditional movement configuration. The 40mm Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is the proud recipient of this groundbreaking oscillator, the first watch in the world to boast a 40Hz frequency combined with a price that reflects the brand’s commitment to accessible luxury.
The Genesis – A Collaboration with Flexous
The idea behind the Monolithic Oscillator was born 3 years ago during an encounter between Peter Stas, co-founder and former CEO of Frederique Constant, and Dr Nima Tolou, founder and CEO of Flexous, an independent innovative horology-oriented technology branch of YES!Delft specialising in compliant or flexible mechanisms. Following their encounter, the Frederique Constant team commissioned Flexous with the production of a unique, flexible oscillating system. The technical mandates were clear: a size comparable to that of a traditional balance; the highest possible frequency; an 80-hour power reserve; and a cost-effective formula allowing the manufacture of significant quantities at a reasonable price.
A Revolution in Precision Timekeeping – The Monolithic Oscillator
With the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture, Frederique Constant replaces the 26 components of a standard assortment with a single component fitted with two regulation weights. Thanks to a new geometry of flexures and masses, the size of the oscillator (9.8mm diameter x 0.3mm thickness) was substantially reduced to match for the first time that of a conventional regulator. Another factor that kept the dimensions in check and create an ultrathin oscillator and to keep all functions in one thin silicon layer was the integration of the anchor system in the flexures. The third innovation responds to the adjustment weights used to regulate the flexure oscillator (just like the system used in a traditional free-sprung balance), a feature that allows watchmakers to fine-tune the frequency with exceptional ease.
Monocrystalline Silicon
The oscillator is made of monocrystalline silicon, a material that eliminates key weaknesses of traditional sprung balances. Monocrystalline silicon is 100% anti-magnetic, resilient to oscillations in temperature, less sensitive to gravity and four times lighter than a regular assortment. The absence of mechanical coupling means a lower generation of friction and wear on the parts. Consequently, less power is needed to drive the escapement wheel and the oscillating system. Finally, yet importantly, silicon does not require lubrication, which enhances the long-term reliability of the escapement.
The 30th Movement from Frederique Constant’s Manufacture
Because a traditional gear train cannot cope with the breakneck speed of a 40Hz regulator, Frederique Constant’s watchmakers designed a new base movement - automatic calibre FC-810. Capable of performing with the speed of the new silicon oscillator, the calibre also delivers a substantial 80-hour power reserve.
Slimline Manufacture
The Frederique Constant Slimline Monolithic Manufacture, a three-hand with pointer date, is the first model to bear this groundbreaking oscillator. Presented in a 40mm round case, the new watch features an elegant, classic dial with a guilloché hobnail pattern, printed Roman numerals paired with Breguet-style hands. The pulsating oscillator of the watch is revealed in an aperture at 6 o’clock.
On the reverse side, an exhibition caseback offers an unimpeded view of the automatic FC-810 calibre. Its traditional decoration combines Geneva stripes with perlage, and the oscillating weight is open worked.
The model is available in three limited editions: 810 pieces in stainless steel with blue dial and 810 pieces in stainless steel with a silver colour dial with a retail price of EUR 4,495 and 81 pieces in 18k pink gold retailing for EUR 14,995.
About Flexous Mechanisms
Flexous Mechanisms is an independent horology technology company specialized in the design and development of flexible watch parts with the focus on mechanical watches. Flexous was founded in 2012 in Delft, The Netherlands, as a spin-off of an internationally leading group in the field of flexible mechanisms at Delft University of Technology. We develop and produce custom-made innovative watch parts from concept to product. Working together with like-minded watch brands and watch part producers, we bridge the fields of traditional watch making and 21st century flexible mechanism design. We strive to become the most forward-thinking innovative technology provider in horology. Our vision is to eventually provide flexible watch parts for the main components in a watch and set new world boundaries for accuracy, precision, and runtime with a highly innovative approach.
Flexous.com
WINDING GUIDE
Caliber | Model | Turn Direction | Turns Per Day | |
FC-302 | Sellita SW300 Automatic | Slimline Automatic Gents Porcelain Dial | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-303 | Sellita SW200 Automatic | Automatic-Date Gents | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-305 | Sellita SW200 Automatic | Automatic Gents | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-306 | Sellita SW300 Automatic | Slimline Automatic | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-308 | ETA 2893 Automatic/Complicated | Highlife Triple Time | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-310 | Sellita SW200 Automatic | Heart Beat Ladies | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-312 | Sellita SW300 Automatic | Slimline Automatic | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-315 | Sellita SW200 Automatic | Heart Beat Date | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-318 2020 | Sellita SW290 Automatic | Ladies Automatic | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-320 | Sellita SW200 Automatic | Classics Automatic | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-325 | ETA 2892 Automatic/Complicated | Automatic Dualtime Big Date | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-330 | Sellita SW200 Automatic | Classics Automatic Moon Date | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-335 | Sellita SW200 Automatic | Classics Automatic Hb Moon Date | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-340 | ETA 2892 Ancienne Compliquee | Automatic Power Reserve Dual Time | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-345 | ETA 2895 Automatic/Complicated | Automatic Gents | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-350 | Sellita SW200 Automatic/Complicated | Automatic Gmt | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-360 | ETA 2892 Automatic/Complicated | Automatic Moonphase | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-365 | ETA 2892 Automatic/Complicated | Automatic Moonphase | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-380 | Sellita SW500 Automatic/Complicated - Yatch Timer Chronograph | Voyager Chronograph | Clockwise | 800 t/d |
FC-390 | ETA 2894 Automatic/Complicated | Chronograph Automatic Gents | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-392 | ETA 7750 Automatic/Complicated | Classics Chrono, Date | Clockwise | 800 t/d |
FC-393 | ETA 7750 Automatic/Complicated | Chronograph Date Automatic Gents | Clockwise | 800 t/d |
FC-395 | ETA 7751 Automatic/Complicated | Chronograph Automatic Moonphase | Clockwise | 800 t/d |
FC-396 | Sellita SW500 Automatic/Complicated | Peking To Paris Chrono | Clockwise | 800 t/d |
FC-397 | Sellita SW500 Automatic/Complicated | Vintage Rally, Chronograph | Clockwise | 800 t/d |
FC-610 | ETA 2892 Ancienne / Heritage Collection | Automatic Heart Beat Day-Date | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-680 | ETA 2892 Ancienne / Heritage Collection | Automatic Heart Beat Retrograde | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-700 | Manufacture - Automatic | Manufacture | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-701 | Manufacture - Automatic Moonphase | Slimline Moonphase Manufacture | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-702 | Manufacture - Automatic Moonphase | Slimline Moonphase Manufacture | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-703 | Manufacture - Automatic Moonphase | Slimline Moonphase Manufacture | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-705 | Manufacture - Automatic Moonphase | Slimline Moonphase Manufacture | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-710 | Manufacture - Automatic | Classics Manufacture | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-712 | Manufacture - Automatic | Classic Moonphase Manufacture | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-715 | Manufacture - Automatic Moonphase | Classic Manufacture Moonphase | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-718 | Manufacture - Worldtimer | Classics Manufacture Worldtimer | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-720 | Manufacture - Power Reserve | Manufacture Power Reserve | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-723 | Manufacture - Power Reserve | Slimline Manufacture Power Reserve | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-724-C | Manufacture - Zodiac | Manufacture Zodiac | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-750 | Manufacture - Hybrid | Hsw, Hybrid | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-760 | Manufacture - Chronographe | Flyback Chrono Manufacture | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-775 | Manufacture - Perpetual Calendar | Manufacture Perpetual Calendar | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-810 2020 | Manufacture - Monolithic | Manufacture Monolithic | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-930 | Manufacture - Automatic | Automatic Heart Beat Manufacture | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-935 | Manufacture - Automatic Moonphase | Automatic Heart Beat Manufacture Moonphase | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-938 | Manufacture | Automactic Heart Beat Manufacture Dualtime | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-941 | Manufacture | Heart Beat Manufacture, Silicium | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-942 | Manufacture - Automatic Moonphase | Automatic Heart Beat Manufacture Moonphase Date Silicium | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-945 | Manufacture - 24H Automatic Moonphase | Automatic Heart Beat Manufacture Moonphase Date Silicium | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-975 | Manufacture - Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon | Manufacture Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-980 | Manufacture - Tourbillon | Manufacture Tourbillon | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
FC-985 | Manufacture - Tourbillon | Manufacture Tourbillon, Date-Moon | Bi-directional | 650 t/d |
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