Celsius X VI II : The world’s most off-centred tourbillon

LeDix Véloce
Case: black PVD-coated grade 5 monobloc titanium, carbon fibre inserts Size: 100x49x23mm Weight: 245g Movement : mechanical with kinetic recovery system (100h power reserve, with an additional three hours added by each case opening), 330 parts including an offcentred flying tourbillon (36mm) mounted on shock-absorbers. Functions: hours, minutes, power reserve, phone, photo, video Water resistance: 30m (watch part) Accessories: chain, ebony presentation box, holster hands-free kit, docking station Limited series: 18

Celsius X VI II is fundamentally an innovative brand that combines mobile telephony with prestige watchmaking in creating nomadic objects d’art. In an age when the fascination exercised by micromechanics is generating an unprecedented surge of creativity and  ingenuity, Celsius X VI II does far more than just fit in with the current movement. Celsius X VI II reinvents micromechanical applications by going beyond the established watchmaking framework in place for the past five centuries in order to create an astonishing new symbiotic relationship with microelectronics. The synergies thus achieved by Celsius X VI II mark the start of a full-fledged revolution. It encapsulates the founders’ dream of drawing on historical roots in order to humanise the future of communication. A dream that embraces a concept that is still impossible today but may one day come true : an entirely mechanical cellphone ! This new benchmark in the world of prestige objects is the very first “coalition” product of its kind. Never before had micromechanics and microelectronics been so intimately associated. Nonetheless, simply being a “world-first product” is not the most remarkable characteristic of this creation, since this definition would confine it to the status of an original and yet undoubtedly expected juxtaposition.
Unveiled in 2010 in a first limited edition, what is doubtless the world’s most exclusive nomadic object stems from four years of research and development. Among the 600 mechanical parts requiring six months to produce and assemble by hand are the world’s most off-centred tourbillon (36mm), mounted on four shock-absorbers ; and a patented automatic winding system activated by each opening of the phone which generates an additional three hours of power reserve. Celsuis X VI II has christened this kinetic energy recovery system “Remontage Papillon” (butterfly winding). Representing a micromechanical treasure trove, LeDix eloquently expresses innovation through a range of fascinating features including an original battery-ejection system, cushioned screen-flap closing, and a mechanical-locking flap protecting the connector. The brand new 18-piece limited series in blackened titanium and carbon fibre places LeDIX Véloce firmly in the field of motor sports. The uniquely designed sapphire crystal ‘hood’ or ‘bonnet’, the splendid high-tech engine and the aerodynamic lines of the articulated bodywork embody a perfect symbiosis of form and function, accentuated by the carbon fibre inserts.

 

PATENTED SYSTEM
At first glance, LeDIX is a clamshell cellphone with an integrated tourbillon watch. As streamlined as a sports car, this aerodynamic creation is made from grade 5 titanium with polished edges and brushed faces, discreetly enhanced by inserts. It is a paragon of contemporary elegance. The exclusive mechanical movement has what it takes to appeal to the most demanding watchmaking connoisseurs : a flying tourbillon equipped with exclusive shock-absorbers and more offset than any existing model; a modern design focusing on transparency ; as well as fine watch finishing and decoration. This state-of-the-art communication instrument comprises a range of features that take micromechanics well beyond its usual boundaries, including a mechanical battery-ejection system ; a main connector protected by a mechanical-locking flap; and screen-flap closing cushioned by a set of spring-mounted ball bearings. Such aesthetic elegance, functional efficiency and appealing design are not confined to the 245 grams of this jewel carved from a single block of grade 5 titanium. Its intuitive multilingual interface and its cutting-edge electronics are accompanied by an entire “ecosystem” of high-end accessories: a resin and leather docking and synchronisation station; a hand-crafted leather holster; an ingenious brushed metal and leather hands-free kit; a sophisticated chain to attach LeDix Véloce ; and naturally a mechanically opening three-compartment presentation box in ebony wood

 

Accessories
An intrinsically noble and functional world Minimum of 2 hand-stitched leather accessories per set. All accessories are made by specialized craftsmen. The most surprising might be the Holster, a bold yet subtle and functional creation … Mechanical hands-free kit in polished or satin-brushed metal and leather. Designed by Celsius X VI II. This so called “tie-pin“ accessory includes an ingenious ring system ensuring that the wires don’t tangle. Docking station resin, leather and polished and satin-brushed metal. Designed by Celsius X VI II. Serves to recharge and synchronise the phone.
Mysterious packaging composed of mechanical components crafted in noble materials

 

A movement never yet seen in a phone :
Patented mechanical hinge with clicks and pinions forming a “Remontage Papillon” (butterfly winding) system serving to harness and store the kinetic energy generated by the user. This energy is then used to activate the mechanical system. (Each opening and closing of the phone generates an additional 3 hours of power reserve). 120-hour power-reserve indicator displayed over a 200° angle. “Flying Solitaire”  tourbillon visible on both sides. World’s most off-centred tourbillon (36 mm), regulating organ mounted on shockabsorbers (4 springs). Barrel disengageable by a slipping spring.


Brice Lechevalier is editor-in-chief of GMT and Skippers, which he co-founded in 2000 and 2001 respectively. He has also been CEO of WorldTempus since it joined the GMT Publishing stable, of which he is director and joint shareholder. In 2012 he created the Geneva Watch Tour, and he has been an advisor to the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève since 2011. Also closely involved in sailing, he has published the magazine of the Société Nautique de Genève since 2003, and was one of the founders of the SUI Sailing Awards in 2009 and the Concours d’Elégance for motor boats at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2015.

Review overview
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