Based in Le Locle in Neuchatel, Novowatch, the new atelier dedicated to the creation of RALF TECH ‘s Editions Manufacture timepieces employ not only traditional artisan watchmaking techniques but also ultra-modern tooling for the finishing their creations - controlling all stages of production of their movements, from conception to the development of their parts and decoration.
The components of the RALF TECH Edition Manufacture movements, including bridges, springs, wheels, barrels and covers to the barrel, screws and pins – are all machined individually with the utmost care. They are decorated using traditional techniques such as banding, sun-bursting, snailing and perlage.
Constructed, decorated and assembled entirely by the hands of a single watchmaker, the new WRX Edition Manufacture Torpedo boasts not only outstanding finishing quality, but absolute exclusivity with each Editions Manufacture series composed of just a few truly special pieces. Depending on the collection, only 1 to 22 pieces are produced, some of these are customizable upon request.
In February 2003, Frank Huyghe and his team mate, A.Sidali found the proof of the existence of a Spanish C3 submarine that sank in 1936. Believed to have disappeared forever, it lay for 67 years on the seabed - 75 meters deep. Inside were its torpedo tubes (still full). The WRX Editions Manufacture Torpedo’s dial decorations are inspired by the control panel at the back of a torpedo tube of the same type used by the C3.
Combining several materials, two levels with overlapping decorations fixed by screws (beveled and polished by hand), a matte black PVD pressure manometer and matte anthracite grey PVD Manufacture hands with red tips - it is completely handmade and requires more than 60 labor-intensive hours by a watchmaker to carry out each of the different technical steps to create it, from the machining of its parts to its assembly.
The WRX Edition Manufacture Torpedo is powered by a RALF TECH automatic mechanical Caliber Type 63 - the result of two years of research. It has been entirely developed, manufactured and assembled in-house by Novowatch’s master-watchmaker in the new atelier dedicated to the Editions Manufacture of RALF TECH in Le Locle, Switzerland. See bottom of post for full specifications and features of the Type 63.
The Torpedo's case has been constructed from 316L surgical Stainless steel case that has been treated with a matte black DLC coating. It has a diameter 47.5 mm (without crown). Lest we forget with all the complexity of its dial and movement, the Torpedo is actually based on a very capable diver –
the features of which include: a 2.4mm-thick anti-reflective treated Sapphire crystal, a reinforced and protected screw-down crown, a Sapphire crystal exhibition caseback affording a view of the Torpedo's manufacture movement with its hand-decorated rotor, a Stainless steel unidirectional divers bezel with a hand-polished Ruthenium dive-time scale and a water-resistance to 300 meters! For reference, Ruthenium is a rare hard white metal and is a member of the platinum group.
Presented on a 26mm black Louisiana alligator strap and in a luxury black wooden box , the WRX Manufacture "Torpedo" is issued in a Limited Edition of 10 pieces, priced €9800.
The WRX Edition Manufacture Torpedo is the first model in RALF TECH’s new Editions Manufacture series, showcasing what the French dive watch brand are able to achieve as an artisan Manufacture!
The Torpedo is accompanied by the WRX Edition Manufacture Pirates - also equipped with a manufacture movement, the mechanical manual caliber Type 77. Both models will be officially unveiled at the Parisian Salon ‘Belles Montres’ on November 21st. The following models in the series will be presented at Baselworld 2015.
Mechanical Automatic Calibre type « 63 »
+ Manufactured Mechanical Movement
+ Automatic unidirectional rotor
+ Diameter 30.00 mm - 13 ¼ lignes
+ Number of jewels: 24
+ Frequency: 4Hz, 28,800 alternations / hour
+ Balance Angle 49 °
+ Spiral spring type: Spiral of Archimedes
+ Inertial Balance wheel: diamond-hardened and gold-plated
+ Escapement type: Top®
+ Bridge, barrel bridge, balance bridge, automatic bridge with brass Rhodium plating
+ Anchor and escape wheel in polished steel
+ Brass coated anchor point treated with hardening nickel chemical bath
+ Côtes de Genève decoration and colimaçonné bevel (snailed), all coated in Rhodium
+ Jewels treated with 2N gilding
+ Barrel reinforced with Nivaflex® spring
+ Incabloc ® anti-shock System
+ Power reserve 50 hours
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