Complications
Kong's insightful post offers a rare glimpse into the creative and technical minds behind Montblanc's Villeret 1858 Collection, specifically focusing on the ExoTourbillon Chronographe. By introducing designer Anais Hamel and watchmaker Julien Miribel, Kong humanizes the intricate process of haute horlogerie, providing context for the innovation and craftsmanship that define Montblanc's high-end pieces. This article is invaluable for understanding the blend of artistry and engineering at the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie.
The Rolex Bubble Back, reference 1858, represents an early example of Rolex's self-winding waterproof wristwatches. This reference is part of the broader Bubble Back family, characterized by its distinctive domed case back designed to accommodate the thicker automatic movement of the era. It showcases Rolex's foundational efforts in developing robust and reliable automatic timepieces for everyday wear, laying groundwork for future Oyster Perpetual models.
This particular reference features an 18k white gold case, measuring 38mm in diameter. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal, protecting a silver dial. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, specifically the Boucheron 1858 caliber, offering a power reserve of 42 hours. The fixed bezel and leather strap complete the watch's classic presentation.
For collectors, the reference 1858 holds interest as an early and relatively rare iteration within the Bubble Back series, especially in white gold. Its larger case size for the period also makes it appealing to modern tastes. The presence of a date complication adds to its functionality, distinguishing it from simpler time-only Bubble Back models and highlighting Rolex's early integration of practical features.
One thing I'm struggling to figure out. If the stud of the hairspring is attached to the tourbillon cage, won't the momentum of the cage still be imparted to the balance, through the spring? A
The big advantage is that the cage itself is much lighter so less energy is needed to turn the cage, and more can be used to keep a good amplitude on the balance. I think that this type of tourbillon, I would call it half-flying, also has advantages in shock resistance as one end of the balance wheel is pivoted in a bridge fixed directly to the plate. (as opposed to pivoting in the cage which is pivoted in a brige on the plate) And of course there is no cage to block the view of the balance, hai
to get into beat! the top and pivot of the balance are experiencing different amounts of friction and the top also sees different amounts of friction on the tick versus the tock. A
Beautiful review of a beautiful watch. Wonderful movement, aesthetically and technically. Love it. Would change some things on the dial but that's all. Thank you. Vte
of the dial you would change, saying you are the designer? Would like to hear your inputs. Thanks for viewing Vte. Kong
Would change the color, I think black it's too sporty for this high end piece, and does not match the "savour" of the sweet movement. The white roman numerals don't look ok to me, maybe this is not the final version dial but they make it look "cheap". Too many colors red, blue, white, black, silver, gold. Would try to find a more balanced, to the eye, color combination. And would remove the HUGE pusher at 7:30. This is just my opinion, hope to not offend any one. Best. Vte PS: I love it, anyway.
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