IN-DEPTH - The Frederique Constant Slimline Monolithic Manufacture, with Groundbreaking Oscillator

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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.

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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
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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.


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For the complete review article: https://monochrome-watches.com/fred...ure-video-review-technical-guide-specs-price/


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SLIMLINE MONOLITHIC MANUFACTURE

FC-810MCN3S6​

$5,157 USD
PRE ORDER OR MORE QUESTIONS

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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

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WINDING GUIDE​

CaliberModelTurn DirectionTurns Per Day
FC-302Sellita SW300 AutomaticSlimline Automatic Gents Porcelain DialBi-directional650 t/d
FC-303Sellita SW200 AutomaticAutomatic-Date GentsBi-directional650 t/d
FC-305Sellita SW200 AutomaticAutomatic GentsBi-directional650 t/d
FC-306Sellita SW300 AutomaticSlimline AutomaticBi-directional650 t/d
FC-308ETA 2893 Automatic/ComplicatedHighlife Triple TimeBi-directional650 t/d
FC-310Sellita SW200 AutomaticHeart Beat LadiesBi-directional650 t/d
FC-312Sellita SW300 AutomaticSlimline AutomaticBi-directional650 t/d
FC-315Sellita SW200 AutomaticHeart Beat DateBi-directional650 t/d
FC-318 2020Sellita SW290 AutomaticLadies AutomaticBi-directional650 t/d
FC-320Sellita SW200 AutomaticClassics AutomaticBi-directional650 t/d
FC-325ETA 2892 Automatic/ComplicatedAutomatic Dualtime Big DateBi-directional650 t/d
FC-330Sellita SW200 AutomaticClassics Automatic Moon DateBi-directional650 t/d
FC-335Sellita SW200 AutomaticClassics Automatic Hb Moon DateBi-directional650 t/d
FC-340ETA 2892 Ancienne CompliqueeAutomatic Power Reserve Dual TimeBi-directional650 t/d
FC-345ETA 2895 Automatic/ComplicatedAutomatic GentsBi-directional650 t/d
FC-350Sellita SW200 Automatic/ComplicatedAutomatic GmtBi-directional650 t/d
FC-360ETA 2892 Automatic/ComplicatedAutomatic MoonphaseBi-directional650 t/d
FC-365ETA 2892 Automatic/ComplicatedAutomatic MoonphaseBi-directional650 t/d
FC-380Sellita SW500 Automatic/Complicated - Yatch Timer ChronographVoyager ChronographClockwise800 t/d
FC-390ETA 2894 Automatic/ComplicatedChronograph Automatic GentsBi-directional650 t/d
FC-392ETA 7750 Automatic/ComplicatedClassics Chrono, DateClockwise800 t/d
FC-393ETA 7750 Automatic/ComplicatedChronograph Date Automatic GentsClockwise800 t/d
FC-395ETA 7751 Automatic/ComplicatedChronograph Automatic MoonphaseClockwise800 t/d
FC-396Sellita SW500 Automatic/ComplicatedPeking To Paris ChronoClockwise800 t/d
FC-397Sellita SW500 Automatic/ComplicatedVintage Rally, ChronographClockwise800 t/d
FC-610ETA 2892 Ancienne / Heritage CollectionAutomatic Heart Beat Day-DateBi-directional650 t/d
FC-680ETA 2892 Ancienne / Heritage CollectionAutomatic Heart Beat RetrogradeBi-directional650 t/d
FC-700Manufacture - AutomaticManufactureBi-directional650 t/d
FC-701Manufacture - Automatic MoonphaseSlimline Moonphase ManufactureBi-directional650 t/d
FC-702Manufacture - Automatic MoonphaseSlimline Moonphase ManufactureBi-directional650 t/d
FC-703Manufacture - Automatic MoonphaseSlimline Moonphase ManufactureBi-directional650 t/d
FC-705Manufacture - Automatic MoonphaseSlimline Moonphase ManufactureBi-directional650 t/d
FC-710Manufacture - AutomaticClassics ManufactureBi-directional650 t/d
FC-712Manufacture - AutomaticClassic Moonphase ManufactureBi-directional650 t/d
FC-715Manufacture - Automatic MoonphaseClassic Manufacture MoonphaseBi-directional650 t/d
FC-718Manufacture - WorldtimerClassics Manufacture WorldtimerBi-directional650 t/d
FC-720Manufacture - Power ReserveManufacture Power ReserveBi-directional650 t/d
FC-723Manufacture - Power ReserveSlimline Manufacture Power ReserveBi-directional650 t/d
FC-724-CManufacture - ZodiacManufacture ZodiacBi-directional650 t/d
FC-750Manufacture - HybridHsw, HybridBi-directional650 t/d
FC-760Manufacture - ChronographeFlyback Chrono ManufactureBi-directional650 t/d
FC-775Manufacture - Perpetual CalendarManufacture Perpetual CalendarBi-directional650 t/d
FC-810 2020Manufacture - MonolithicManufacture MonolithicBi-directional650 t/d
FC-930Manufacture - AutomaticAutomatic Heart Beat ManufactureBi-directional650 t/d
FC-935Manufacture - Automatic MoonphaseAutomatic Heart Beat Manufacture MoonphaseBi-directional650 t/d
FC-938ManufactureAutomactic Heart Beat Manufacture DualtimeBi-directional650 t/d
FC-941ManufactureHeart Beat Manufacture, SiliciumBi-directional650 t/d
FC-942Manufacture - Automatic MoonphaseAutomatic Heart Beat Manufacture Moonphase Date SiliciumBi-directional650 t/d
FC-945Manufacture - 24H Automatic MoonphaseAutomatic Heart Beat Manufacture Moonphase Date SiliciumBi-directional650 t/d
FC-975Manufacture - Perpetual Calendar TourbillonManufacture Perpetual Calendar TourbillonBi-directional650 t/d
FC-980Manufacture - TourbillonManufacture TourbillonBi-directional650 t/d
FC-985Manufacture - TourbillonManufacture Tourbillon, Date-MoonBi-directional650 t/d
 
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Horological Revolution! FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Slimline Monolithic Manufacture - 40 Hz​


Sep 21, 2021

WatchAdvisor
AKedOLRfjmZVnfMH-BMGInRgLZGLEQST9MAt_zDflAWH=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj


Compliant or flexible mechanisms ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complia... ) are the next big thing in watchmaking and open a new realm of possibilities. Given the elastic properties of certain materials like silicon, it is possible to create compact, precise monolithic single-piece components to replace some of the assembled mechanical parts. Frederique Constant now uses these flexible, jointless structures in the design of its revolutionary oscillator. A groundbreaking concept and a breakthrough in the field of precision mechanical timekeeping, the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is equipped with a movement ticking at an astounding 288,000 vibrations per hour, ten times faster than most mechanical watches! In a regular mechanical movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the seconds hand makes eight moves to complete one second. With the FC-810 Monolithic Manufacture calibre, the seconds hand performs 80 moves per second. It delivers the smoothest possible motion of a seconds hand as it ticks faster than the eye can see!

Frederique Constant replaces the 26 components of its standard assortment with a single component fitted with two regulation weights. Made of monocrystalline silicon, the Monolithic oscillator also integrates the escapement anchor in its flexible structure.

Three novel innovations distinguish the oscillator:

A revolutionary small-size one-piece oscillator. Thanks to the geometry of flexures and masses, it is possible to produce for the first time a flexible pivot oscillator in the footprint of a traditional balance wheel.

An ultrathin oscillator with a new anchor system. The escapement anchor is incorporated into the oscillator and, for the first time, its function is integrated into the flexures allowing a substantial reduction in size while keeping all the functions in one thin silicon layer.

Adjustment weights to regulate the flexure oscillator just like those used on a traditional free-sprung balance. Watchmakers can easily fine-tune the frequency and precision by simply turning two weights.

Thanks to the engineering of the oscillator's flexures and geometry, Frederique Constant’s team reduced its dimensions to the size of a conventional regulator and increased its frequency for enhanced accuracy. While many traditional mechanical movements operate at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (= 4 Hz), the Monolithic Manufacture represents the first Swiss-made mechanical watch oscillating ten times faster at an astonishing 288,000 vibrations per hour, or 40 Hz. Despite this high-speed frequency, the efficiency of the mechanism delivers a substantial 80-hour power reserve.

The new topology of the flexures and masses has permitted the creation of an unprecedented compact size for a flexure pivot oscillator (9.8 mm in diameter and 0.3 mm in thickness). For the very first time, the anchor has been integrated within the flexure. The revolutionary design combines high-frequency (40 Hz) with low amplitude (6° versus ~300° for a regular balance wheel).

The choice of material for the oscillator 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. This results in reduced force between the components: 2.5 times less torque/couple is generated. In particular, the energy waste related to the stop and go motion of the Swiss lever escapement are eliminated. Finally, yet importantly, silicon does not require lubrication. This enhances the long-term reliability of the escapement and avoids the oiling demands generated by high frequency.

The rate regulation is performed using adjustment weights, just like the system used in a traditional free-sprung balance. The setting system is extremely precise, dividing time intervals in hundredths of a second versus tenths of a second for regular mechanical movements running at a 4 Hz frequency.

Given the innovative design of the escapement, the traditional devices to measure the rate of the movement (which rely on the ticking sound of the movement) are inoperative. To calculate the average rate in seconds per day, laser cameras taking 250,000 images per second were used.

Discover even more details in the video ...

Slimline Monolithic Manufacture in stainless-steel: 4’795 CHF incl. 7,7 % VAT
Slimline Monolithic Manufacture in 18 carat rose-gold: 15’995 CHF incl. 7,7 % VAT

 
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