New horology ! The expression is entirely appropriate in describing the creations by the third brand belonging to Frédérique Constant. Based in the Principality whose name it bears, the Ateliers deMonaco offers timepieces distinguished by strong and creative designs, on the fringes of conventions and driven by in-house developed movements – an authentic luxury to which few companies can lay claim. The expertise developed by the Ateliers deMonaco, in partnership with some of the most talented Swiss artisans, has enabled this youthful brand to create extremely precise timepieces enhanced by manual finishing testifying to the considerable attention devoted to details.
The Perpetual Calendar QP-EZ issued in an 88-piece limited edition provides an admirable illustration of this expertise. When the watchmaking craftsmen and engineers of the Ateliers deMonaco began their research, their objective was to succeed in producing the most readable, reliable, accurate and easily adjustable perpetual calendar. It name “QP-EZ” is indeed entirely explicit, since the EZ initials refer to the “ EaZY adjust system ”. Simply pressing the crown enables the user to adjust the hour, date, day, week, month and date functions – an innovation liable to appeal to those already acquainted with the Perpetual Calendar complication and who are thus well aware of how complicated the process of adjusting such a timepiece generally is.
The Grand Tourbillon Minute Repeater TB-RM1 is also a fine example of the innovative developments conducted by the Ateliers deMonaco, which also benefit from the technical platform of the Manufacture Frédérique Constant, in Plan-les-Ouates. This square-shaped titanium timepieces houses a hand-wound movement combining the two star horological complications. This hand-engraved caliber clearly visible through the hand-openworked dial reveals the wealth of exceptional craftsmanship lavished on this 8-piece limited edition.
The visual and technical magic of the tourbillon is also highlighted in the Ronde d’Or model issued in an 18-piece limited series. This stunning tourbillon model equipped with a self-winding movement features superbly rounded titanium curves framing an elegant dial punctuated in the upper half by elegant Roman numerals. The lower part features an extremely broad opening providing an extraordinary view of the tourbillon including the signature Ateliers deMonaco sapphire bridge. This magnificent technical and aesthetic accomplishment once again testifies to the expertise cultivated by Ateliers deMonaco in the field of grand complications.
Finally, while the Principality of Monaco witnessed a magnificent royal wedding this year, the eponymous brand celebrates the match between feminine grace and technical sophistication. Created in tribute to Charlene Wittstock, who had indeed visited the Ateliers when they opened two years ago, the evocatively named La Sirène model marks the company’s entry into the world of ladies’ watches. This creation radiates a refinement that is visible at first glance on the dial with its floral motif sprinkled with blue topazes reminiscent of the eyes of the princess and of the swimming pools in which she accomplished her sporting feats. Technique meets aesthetics at the heart of the 39 mm titanium case topped by a white gold bezel set with blue topazes, since this superb timepiece is driven by a self-winding movement equipped with a silicon escapement. A stunning creation that only eight women will enjoy the privilege of wearing.

 

 

 

Perpetual Calendar QP-EZ
Movement : mechanical hand-wound Case : titanium Diameter : 43mm Functions : hours, minutes, large date, day, month, week, leap year Caseback : sapphire crystal Strap : alligator leather Water resistance : 30m Limited Edition : 88

 

La Sirène
Movement : mechanical self-winding Case : titanium set with 46 topazes on the bezel Diameter : 39mm Functions : hours, minutes, central seconds Caseback : sapphire crystal Strap : alligator leather Water resistance : 30m Limited Edition : 8

 

 

In the field of Fine Watchmaking, excellence does not always lie in an abundance of complications. It is also expressed through apparently less complex mechanical timepieces that nonetheless involve considerable expertise. This simplicity is conveyed through the new Ronde de Monte-Carlo timepieces introduced by Ateliers deMonaco. Extremely elegant watches in feminine or masculine versions designed for understated daily living. Interpreted in ultra-light titanium, rose gold or white gold versions, the new Ronde de Monte-Carlo models feature an extremely elegant 39mm case in which informed connoisseurs will recognize the distinctive characteristics of watches from Ateliers deMonaco, embodying the multiple aesthetic and mechanical facets of refinement.