DeWitt Innovations at IGOTT2
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DeWitt Innovations at IGOTT2

By AndrewD · Jun 28, 2011 · 7 replies
AndrewD
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
7 replies2608 views10 photos
f ๐• in ๐Ÿ’ฌ โœ‰ ๐Ÿ”—

AndrewD's retrospective on the DeWitt presentation at IGOTT2 in 2011 offers a rare glimpse into the brand's early innovative period. His detailed account and accompanying images highlight DeWitt's commitment to complex horological solutions and distinctive design, providing valuable context for understanding the brand's trajectory in high watchmaking.

I have already presented the DeWitt WX-1 Concept Watch [Click Here for the video and photos] and some miscellaneous shots from the formal presentations, but Nathalie and the DeWitt team also brought with them some quite special watches that we were able to get up close and personal with.

The first was the “Antipode”, a reversible watch with repetition minutes (linked to home time), tourbillon and GMT. Despite being 45.5mm in diameter, the watch is made from titanium and is relatively light. Titanium is, of course, an excellent material for the transmission of sound.


Next was the Tourbillon Differential which has been a favourite of mine since I became aware of it in 2005. We did a post a few years back on 'interactive' watches, and this was my nomination. When the mainspring is fully wound you can continue to wind, well 'play', with the differential system. This watch won the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve in 2005 and is shown here in platinum, but is also available in rose gold and either titanium with RG and black rubber or WG with RG and black rubber.





This third piece is the Tourbillon Force Constante a Chaine. We had already had the opportunity to try our hand at assembling the tiny chain which is made up of 192 components. Each link has a tiny (and I mean tiny) "W" logo engraved on it, and the chain is assembled and riveted together by hand.


Note that the Tourbillon is of the 'flying' design ...






This watch also features a constant force device, and I took the opportunity to snap a photo with F.P.Journe's solution to the constant force issue. In the DeWitt the constant force device absorbs the force generated by the barrel once every second and redistributes it to the tourbillon every 10 seconds. 43mm case (the FPJ is 40mm) available in Pt, WG and RG.


I wish I had more pictures of these three watches, because there is more here than you might think at first glance. On the right is the Twenty-8-Eight Tourbillon but with a dead beat seconds and automatic winding. A so-called Automatic Sequential Winding (ASW) system that keeps the movement functioning at 92-96% of the mainspring tourque. This is a patented system and this RG version measures 46mm. In the middle is the Tourbillon Force Constante a Chaine and on the left is the Twenty-8-Eight Tourbillon in WG. Can you see the front of a steam engine in the Art Deco-inspired dial? The watch measures 43mm and is in WG.




Perhaps it is Nathalie's influence, but DeWitt have a nice collection of ladies watches, a segment which often seems to be an afterthought for many Manufactures. This watch is called the "Golden Afternoon" and is in WG with a white MOP dial that mimics the cloudy sky. Lovely depth to the dial and note the leaf-shaped hands. Inside is an ETA 2892 and the case diameter is 39mm.





Andrew



This message has been edited by MTF on 2011-06-29 14:26:30 This message has been edited by MTF on 2011-07-01 08:37:25

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AN
AndrewD
Jun 29, 2011

The P10 DeWitt Twenty-8-Eight Tourbillon was officially launched at IGOTT2. It is a very limited edition of 3 pieces in rose gold with a customized dial highlighting the โ€œ178โ€ - We All Prosper Together - Purists credo. A beautifully rendered piece with rich colours and both modern and Art Deco-inspired flourishes in the design. Andrew

AN
AndrewD
Jun 29, 2011

The most impressive thing that we all took away from the DeWitt afternoon was the detail and work that went into crafting the dials, cases and movements. Here are a couple more shots to demonstrate ... This is the dial from the Academia Quantieme Sport. Note the radiator 'grilles' on each side that support the retrograde day-date scales. Dial from the RG Twenty-8-Eight Tourbillon ... Unfortunately there is nothing to show you the scale here, but believe me when I tell you that these hand-polishe

MT
MTF
Jun 29, 2011

Although there will only be three pieces of the DeWitt P10 edition, they are numbered 1, 7 or 8. Thus, it may be puzzling for the casual observer if you have #8 and there are only three pieces in the world! How to order? 1. Write to dedicated order e-mail address: PuristS10th @ puristspro . com [remove spaces] 2. State your contact details and which model of PuristS 10th edition watch that you want. 3. State your PuristS log-in name. 4. Instructions about payment and delivery time will follow. T

EI
ei8htohms
Jun 29, 2011

I knew next to nothing about the brand before meeting them at IGOTT2 and came away from their presentation and interactive session with a great respect for what they've been able to accomplish in such a short time. They are a very innovative and surprisingly vertically integrated manufacturer and I look forward to seeing how they continue to develop. Thanks for the pics! _john

MT
MTF
Jun 29, 2011

We like to root around to find the hidden luxuries! MTF

AN
AndrewD
Jun 29, 2011

I had no prior expectations at all for the DeWitt session and was very impressed. Thanks for including them in the program, Melvyn! In addition, the DeWitt team were involved in the entire IGOTT program, from the opening 'mixer' on Sunday evening to the final summation on Thursday morning. That's quite an investment of time for a company CEO. And Nathalie was very open to our comments about the DeWitt watches. Andrew

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