Maitres du Temps – Fine Arts Chapter POCKET Watch Tourbillon "Chinese Zodiac"

Maitres du Temps – Fine Arts Chapter POCKET Watch Gold Tourbillon "Chinese Zodiac" - Unique Pièce

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A NEW CHAPTER FOR 

MAÎTRES DU TEMPS – FINE ARTS
Pocket Watch – Piece unique

Maîtres du Temps continues its cultural approach to the conception of superlative timepieces with a merging of fine watchmaking and artistic expression. The next stage in the journey of Maîtres du Temps is the creation of a series of pocket watches, each a unique piece representing one of 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac.

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By manufacturing wristwatches embodying the aspirations and talents of the world’s finest watch makers, Maîtres du Temps demonstrated its commitment to technical excellence. In the Fine Arts Chapter, the collaboration embraces the aesthetic elements, looking to the Far East and using the Chinese decorative arts to complement a decidedly Swiss entity, realizing the essence of an objet d’art.

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Blending the two cultures, the Asian and the European, demanded a second, simultaneous blend, that of Art and Mechanics. The pocket watches embody the notions of both “Maîtres des Arts” and “Maîtres du Temps,” while also voicing a tenet close to the heart of Maîtres du Temps founder, Mr. Steven Holtzman: “Culture is like a bridge, one that connects the disparate elements of a civilization.”

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For Mr. Fan Zeng, the artist undertaking this challenge, the occasion to work with Maîtres du Temps calls on his myriad talents as a renowned author, humanitarian, poet, and painter.

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According to the Chinese Concept of Masters, this polymath is regarded as “a perfect master.” As a champion of “returning to the classics and nature,” Mr. Fan Zeng recognizes in Maîtres du Temps a like-minded facilitator. Steven Holtzman says, “It is an honour and privilege for Maîtres du Temps to work with Mr. Fan Zeng, as he is the epitome of everything our brand represents.”

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12 original paintings have been produced by Mr Fan Zeng to adorn the white onyx dials of watches that complement his technical specifications. It is yet another blend, one of simplicity and complexity.

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The watch devised for this project shows only the hours and the minutes, yet its back reveals a power reserve indicator and a one-minute tourbillon.

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Each dial highlights both the animal and the personality traits of the zodiac sign it represents. Mr Fan Zeng also includes human beings in the design, to better convey the spirit of each sign, from the delightful Year of The Pig and Year of the Rabbit, to the majesty of the Year of the Dragon.

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Steven Holtzman says, “By collaborating with Mr. Fan Zeng, Maîtres du Temps has been able to bring about the perfect mixture of art, mechanics, and history on a grand level.” Mr Fan Zeng adds, “I believe that this watch will be a very important part of horological history.”

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  Mr Fan Zeng
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Zodiac signs signification

The above images describe the harmony between man and nature.

- Horse symbolizes Speed.
Zhong Kui rides a horse to get rid of evildoers.

- Goat symbolizes Beauty.
A beautiful girl tends to her goats by Lake Baikal.

- Monkey symbolizes Friendship.
Monkeys in the forest also have feelings and befriend an old man.

- Roosters symbolize Joy.
Children play with young roosters in the spring breeze.

- Dog symbolizes Loyalty.
A child is waiting for the arrival of a guest with his dog.

- Pig symbolizes Harmony.
A child is playing tai chi with a piglet and everything is harmonious.

- Rat symbolizes Integrity.
See The Classic of Poetry: “Behold a rat! Its skin has a glossy sheen! Then know that man's demeanor is odious and mean!” It means that even a rat has a sense of shame. How can a man be shameless?

- Ox symbolizes Hard Working.
See Going Home by Tao Yuanming: “Country folk will come to tell me that spring has come, and that farming will begin in the western field.” It means that - farming starts when spring comes.

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- Tiger symbolizes Power.
A tiger is powerful.

- Rabbit symbolizes Prosperity.
In a year with a good harvest, children feed rabbits with vegetables.

- Dragon symbolizes Energy.
Sengyao, a famous painter, did not paint the eyes when he painted dragons. When he did paint the eyes, the dragon came to life and flew away.

- Snake symbolizes Rhythm.
The snake understands music and dances to the rhythm.

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Technical Specifications

Collection: FINE ARTS

Model: POCKET WATCH – Pièce Unique
Pièce unique – each piece representing one of 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac

Movement
Caliber SHC08
Manual winding mechanical movement
Dimensions: 32.8 mm x 6.36 mm
Number of components: 207
Number of jewels: 33
Power reserve: 60 hours
Tourbillon rotation: 60 seconds
Balance frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)

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Finishing:  Côtes de Genève, perlage, hand beveling, polished screw heads, straight-grained steelwork
Case
18K Red Gold
Number of components:  23
Diameter: 46 mm
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Display back: sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
High polish and satin finishes
Dial
Miniature hand painting on white Onyx
Individual, hand-painted painting Mr. Fan Zeng - one of 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac.
Hands
Central hour and minutes hands
Power reserve indicator on the back side
One-minute tourbillion on the back side

Specifications may change without notice.

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Contact

Maîtres du Temps Sarl

Rue Daniel Jeanrichard 18
CP 926
CH-2301 La Chaux-de-Fonds
Switzerland
Téléphone:        +41 32 911 17 17
Fax :                     +41 32 911 17 18
presscenter@maitresdutemps.com

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Maîtres du Temps – CHAPTER Three MIDNIGHT BLUE Gold

Maîtres du Temps – CHAPTER Three MIDNIGHT BLUE Gold Limited Edition NEW

Introduction:
At first he was attracted by the deep black color of the dial. By slightly tilting the watch the light was reflected in the complex decorations; giving the dark color shades of midnight blue.

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The very classic esthetics of the dial were in fact hiding an astonishing complication. By pressing the pusher on the crown, the two concealed dial panels positioned at 12 and 6 hours were lowered at first and then they smoothly slide under the dial thus revealing two new time indications. At 6 hours he could now see a cylinder indicating a second time and at 12 hours on another cylinder, the smiling face of the sun.

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By pressing again on the pusher of the crown the two dial panels repositioned themselves perfectly and flush on the dial so the secret was again well hidden. It was the first time he saw such a mechanism and he played delightfully opening and closing several times the dial panels.
The Chapter Three met exactly his taste as he loved classical and innovative high end horology. At the same time this watch was an ideal partner to accompany him on his long trips where, lost between the cities and the time differences, he needed to know his home time.

Maîtres du Temps – Atelier d’Horlogerie -  is very proud of the Chapter Three because for the first time, a watch model is manufactured entirely in our workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds using developments that are both highly technical and innovative. As with every Chapter a specific movement was designed for this timepiece.

For this new execution of the Chapter Three, special attention was given to the color of the dial. The deep black color emphasizes the classical esthetic of the watch and the beauty of the guilloche finish. This new dial complements the choice of the existing silver and anthracite versions.

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Collection Chapter Three: reveal the time
The ingenious mechanism of the opening of the dial becomes the DNA of the Chapter Three. A pusher on the center of the crown allows to lower two concealed dial panels of the dial in order to reveal two additional and hidden time indications: a second time zone indication (also known as GMT) and a Day/Night indicator, both displayed on cylinders, the signature feature of Maîtres du Temps – Atelier d’Horlogerie. The elegant sophistication has never reached such a level before.

The Movement: a technical prowess
Starting from scratch in designing the movement has allowed integrating the cylinders within the caliber rather than just adding a module needing much more space. The high precision conical gears improve the distribution of power and the reliability of the different mechanisms. The tailor made architecture of the movement also includes the opening and closing mechanism of the revealing dial panels.

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Incorporating this mechanism into the movement rather than the case allows for the complete optimization of reliability without increasing its. But a rich display associated with a distinguished elegance is not sufficient: an outstanding watch must also be a precise timepiece.

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For this purpose the movement is regulated by a Straumann escapement which is equipped with a low mass and energy efficient escape lever and a balance spring with Breguet overcoil improving the isochronism.

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The Dial: beauty of the guilloche
The Chapter Three is a timepiece displaying hours, minutes, seconds, date and moon phase all set on a sumptuous guilloche dial in an elegant round 18K gold case.

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When the concealed panels are positioned flush on the dial, the hour and minute hands are completed by a small second counter at 8 hours harmoniously counterpoised by a date counter at 2 hours and at 4 hours by a moon phase indicator representing the shadow of the Earth passing over a photo realistic moon. The small counters of the second and date indicators are subtly enhanced by a guilloche “Clous de Paris” and are identified by small and neat name plates.

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The opening and closing mechanism is a complication in itself. When the dial is closed a light pressure on the pusher in the crown lowers the panels below the level of the dial, and then releasing the pusher the same disappears below the dial unveiling the cylinders of the second time zone and the Day/Night indicator. A new pressure of the pusher creates an inverted rotation of the panels and resets them in the initial position before making them rise flush with the dial when releasing the pusher.

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The hands in 18K solid gold and large Roman Indicies are placed on the magnificent dial which is finely guilloche with a sunray design.

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Indication on high precisions cylinders: the time indication is not flat anymore
The high precision cylinders are the esthetical and technical signature of all timepieces of Maîtres du Temps – Atelier d’Horlogerie. They have to be very resistant and extremely light in weight so as to optimise the functioning of the movement.

In order to maximize the readability the second time indicator positioned in the lower part of the dial is displayed on two separate cylinders: the hours 1 to 6 on one and 7 to 12 on the other one. In the transition of the cylinders (forward and backward) between 6 and 7 and 12 and 1, the cylinder which is not used moves horizontally out of view giving space to the other cylinder.

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This innovative and unique mechanism is patented. Using two cylinders instead of just one means that only 6 figures have to be engraved on the circumference of the cylinder and this offers the possibility for the figures to be twice as large and therefore twice as easy to read.

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The cylinder for the Day/Night indication, which is positioned on the upper part of the dial, requires a 30 days manufacturing cycle. This very demanding manufacturing process goes through high precision machining, lining of hybrid ceramic, polishing, colouring of the sunrays and the stars through a galvanic process and finally hand painting of the faces of the Sun and the Moon.

A new page of the Chapter Three is written and the story continues….. 

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Technical Specifications

Model: CHAPTER Three MIDNIGHT BLUE Gold

References:  C3R.00.00.106 Chapter Three Midnight Blue White Gold
References:  C3R.55.00.106 Chapter Three Midnight Blue Red Gold

Central hours and minutes, small seconds, date, moon phase, concealed second time zone on cylinder, concealed Day/Night on cylinder, manual winding mechanical movement.
Displays
Central hour and minute hands
Small seconds at 8 o’clock
Date on sub-dial at 2 o’clock
Moon phase at 4 o’clock
Concealed Day/Night on cylinder at 12 o’clock
Concealed second time zone on cylinder at 6 o’clock
Caliber SHC03
Manual winding mechanical movement
Dimensions: 35.6 mm x 8.2 mm (inclusive of dial opening mechanism)
Number of components: 319
Number of jewels: 39
Power reserve: 36 hours
Dual mainspring barrels in series
Balance frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Straumann balance spring with Breguet overcoil and low-mass escape lever
Finishing: Côtes de Genève, perlage, beveling, and polished screw heads
Case
18K gold
Number of components: 49
Dimension: 42mm
Sapphire crystals on top and display back with anti-reflective coating
Shaped pusher: desynchronizes cylinders from time indication when setting second time zone
Crown: 3 positions plus pusher
       Position 0: Winding
       Position 1: Setting date and moon phase
       Position 2: Setting time
       Pusher: Open/close dial panels
Water resistance: 30 meters/100 feet/3 ATM
Dial
Roman numerals
Sunray guilloche, Clous de Paris guilloche
Hands: 18K gold
Hands
18 K gold hands
Rounded stamped with hand bevelled and polished heads
Bent minute hand
Day and Month High Precision Cylinders
Concealed time zone: dual sliding embossed, aluminum Anticorodal cylinders
Concealed Day/Night: engraved and hand painted
Strap and buckle
Hand-sewn alligator strap with 18K gold tang buckle
* Specifications may change without notice.
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Contact
Maîtres du Temps Sarl
Rue Daniel Jeanrichard 18
CP 926
CH-2301 La Chaux-de-Fonds
Switzerland
Téléphone:     +41 32 911 17 17
Fax :        +41 32 911 17 18
presscenter@maitresdutemps.com
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Maîtres du Temps – CHAPTER TWO Classique

Maîtres du Temps – CHAPTER TWO Classique Red Gold Limited Edition NEW


« He admired the perfect shape of his Chapter Two Classique. In particular the gold indexes, which seem like small ingots literally set on the deep black dial to mark the hours in impeccable manner while giving the watch a general design of a complex and refined architecture.

« He admired the perfect shape of his Chapter Two Classique. In particular the gold indexes, which seem like small ingots literally set on the deep black dial to mark the hours in impeccable manner while giving the watch a general design of a complex and refined architecture.

It reminded him of his first visit to New York, when on the corner of 5th Avenue and 34th Street he discovered the Empire State Building. Built in the 30’s and located in the heart of Manhattan, the Art Deco architecture gives  this 444 meters tall mythical building a mighty presence of incredible elegance. He was ten years old then and thirty years later this recollection was still clearly present in his memory.
He glanced at his watch once again. His daughter would finish school in five minutes. The two cylinders and big date of his watch indicated distinctively the date of the day: Monday, September 1st.  It was her tenth birthday and they would spend the rest of the day together to celebrate this precious event».

*    *    *

On the occasion of the 5th Anniversary of the launch of the Chapter Two Original, Maîtres du Temps – Atelier d’Horlogerie is proud to present the Chapter Two Classique.
This new model underlines even stronger the architectural aspect of the collection through its Art Deco inspired dial on which the bold indices majestically indicate the hours.

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Collection Chapter Two: character and innovation

The Chapter Two collection features an instantaneous triple calendar displayed in large format thanks to the innovative high precision cylinders that in fact makes it the most legible mechanical calendar wristwatch in the world.
Its outstanding movement is imbedded in a shaped case that expresses the strength and character of this collection.

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Movement: Instantaneous Triple Calendar with Big Date

The technically revolutionary movement of the Chapter Two is the result of the unique know-how of Maîtres du Temps – Atelier d’Horlogerie and meets the highest requirement in terms of precision and performance. In particular, the driving mechanism of the cylinders required important cognitive development and innovative techniques. The performance of the instantaneous change of the big date and the displays positioned on the two cylinders at 6 o’clock (day) and at 12 o’clock (month) proves the quality of this innovative concept. 

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The most legible mechanical calendar in the world

Chapter Two features elegant central hour and minute hands in solid gold with diamond-cut facets finishing and a small second at 6 o’clock, the big date at 12 o’clock and the day and month indication in full words on their respective cylinders. The combination of the big date and the displayed days and months in full letters gives the Chapter Two a legibility never seen before on a triple calendar wristwatch.

High Precision Cylinders: resistance and lightness

The Cylinders represent the essential DNA of Maîtres du Temps. They are manufactured in Anticorodal, an alloy of manganese, aluminum and magnesium which is resistant to oxidation and corrosion.
The artisanal process of decoration of the cylinders requires several weeks of precise work, from the individual engraving of the day and month to the handmade coloring. Each step of the process needs a specific know-how and unique care.

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The Dial : The purity of Art Deco

Inspired by the architectural codes of the Art Deco style the dial reflects a supreme purity of the shapes. Everything is done to facilitate the legibility of time. Long indices in solid gold set on a smart Opalin finished surface clearly indicate the hours.
This original dial strengthens the character of the timepiece and makes it look elegant and classic.

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The Case and its finish: complexity and beauty

The fluidity of the design of the distinctive tonneau shaped case hides its complex architecture and sophisticated design. Every single aspect of this timepiece is the result of refined and meticulous work: the inner lines of the lugs follow the wavy curves of the case giving it a unique harmony, while the day, date and month correctors have their functions engraved to facilitate their simple use.
Six specially shaped sapphire crystals with anti-reflective surface treatment – three on top of the case and three on the case back – offer a unique visual access on the cylinders and the movement mechanism.
Looking through the octagon-shaped sapphire crystal of the display back into the beautifully decorated movement within, the eye is immediately drawn to the richly engraved symbolically goblet-shaped rotor of the automatic winding system. The intricate pannier guilloche decorating the rotor’s center provides a noble counterpoint to the text around the rotor’s periphery that reads Masters and Their Craft — A Lifelong Pursuit of Excellence.

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“The goblet symbolizes the spirit of collaboration. It is the vessel where each of our Atelier watchmakers’ contribution is combined into a superb blend of talents and passions. The result is rich and unique,” says Steven Holtzman, founder of Maîtres du Temps  – Atelier d’Horlogerie.

The richly hand-decorated movement features a veritable melody of harmonious fine finishing, from the sunray
Côtes de Genève on the bridges with their perfectly beveled edges, to the helical spirals and perlage on the mainplate, to the mirror-polished screw heads.

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*    *    *

After 5 years of success, the Chapter Two Classique line complements and extends the Chapter Two collection. At the same time it reinforces the timeless character of these exceptional timepieces.
And the Chapter Two story continues……..

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Technical Specifications

Model: CHAPTER TWO Classique

References:  C2T..55.21.255

Instantaneous triple calendar, big date, day indication on high-precision cylinder, month indication on high-precision cylinder, small seconds, automatic winding mechanical movement
Movement : 
Caliber SHC01 
Automatic winding mechanical movement
Symbolic goblet-shaped rotor in 22K gold, panier guilloche, and relief text
Dimensions: 45 mm x 32 mm x 9 mm
Number of components: 338
Number of jewels: 32
Power reserve: 50 hours
Balance frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Finishing: sun-ray Côtes de Genève, perlage, beveling, colimaçonnage, and polished screw heads
Displays
Central hands indicating hours and minutes
Sub-seconds at 6 o’clock
Big date at 12 o’clock
Day indication on high-precision cylinder at 6 o’clock
Month indication on high-precision cylinder at 12 o’clock 
Functions
Time: hours, minutes, seconds
Instantaneous triple calendar: big date, day, and month 
Correctors
Date corrector at 2 o’clock
Day of the week corrector at 4 o’clock
Moon phase corrector at 8 o’clock
GMT corrector at 10 o’clock
Case
18K gold
Number of components: 49
Dimensions: 58 mm x 42 mm x 16 mm
Six sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coating
High polish and brushed finishes on compound-curve surfaces
Dial
Number of dial components: 16
Smart Opalin surface finishing
Diamond-cut applied hour indices in 18K gold
Big date opening frame in 18K gold 
Hands
18K gold hands
Diamond-cut facets finishing 
Correctors
Day corrector on caseback bottom
Month corrector on caseback top
Big date corrector on side of case at 2 o’clock
Day and Month high-precision cylinders
Black anodized Anticorodal aluminum
Strap and buckle
Genuine hand-sewn alligator leather strap with 18K gold deployant buckle

* Specifications may change without notice.
------------------------------------------------
Contact
Maîtres du Temps Sarl
Rue Daniel Jeanrichard 18
CP 926
CH-2301 La Chaux-de-Fonds
Switzerland
Téléphone:     +41 32 911 17 17
Fax :        +41 32 911 17 18
presscenter@maitresdutemps.com
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