Baselworld 2015: ANDROGYNE ORIGINE 245th Anniversary Limited Edition
Baselworld 2015: ANDROGYNE ORIGINE 245th Anniversary Limited Edition
Voltaire founded Manufacture Royale 245 years ago, in 1770. So we asked ourselves: What watch would Voltaire make and wear today? Surely such a cultured philosopher, writer and entrepreneur who, among many other things, taught the world to “Dare to think for yourself”, would choose something audacious and innovative that you can’t find everywhere.
Androgyne “Origine” is the latest in-°©‐house creation from Manufacture Royale, made in the audacious spirit of its founder Voltaire. Of course, the progressive Voltaire would be astounded at the fact that we are still, in 2015, wearing mechanical, analogue watches. However, in the era of connectedness, choosing to wear your very own personal timepiece on the wrist is a sign of freedom that shows an understanding of contemporary mechanical art.
Just like our other Androgyne models, Androgyne “Origine” features an eye-°©‐catching, unmistakably steampunk-°©‐inspired 52-°©‐part case with flexible lugs to ensure extreme wearability. This ingenious construction gives a linear frame to the circular watch dial where 12 bezel screws mark the hours.
We wanted Androgyne “Origine” to truly stand out from our other models in the collection. A lot of energy went into the complete skeletonisation of the hand-°©‐wound movement, which proudly shows off the softly curved bridges. But that was not enough. We also changed the technical aspects of the tourbillon escapement. Upgrading to that of a flying tourbillon with silicon escape wheel and ceramic ball bearing is on par with our mission: blending creativity and traditional values while integrating the latest industrial advancements of modern watchmaking.
The skeletonisation of the 167-°©‐part Androgyne “Origine” movement allows one to completely follow the precise action of the flat balance spring oscillating 21,600 times per hour. With no dial obscuring the view, one can truly enjoy all the finishing executed according to strict haute horlogerie tradition. The MR06 movement’s brass parts have gone through flank drawing, which removes any machine marks and prevents corrosion, before being chamfered by our master craftsmen. Last but not least, the parts have undergone an electrolytic treatment, which gives them the black ruthenium coating.
Androgyne “Origine” has been produced in a strictly limited edition, first in best dressed. 20 pieces are in rose gold and 45 in black PVD-°©‐coated stainless steel. Why these numbers? We are playing off of the fact that our spiritual founder Voltaire started Manufacture Royale 245 years ago, which is also reflected in the “245ème Anniversaire,” engraved on the back of the watch.