foversta
[PuristSPro Moderator]
20814
The fascinating Opera 3
The Opera 3, which was introduced during the 2003 SIHH, is an unique watch within the whole industry. Bewitching, magical, the purpose of the Opera 3 is to give the ability to its lucky owner to wear a true music box on his wrist... and also to choose the melody. The music can be played to the passing hour or when you required it.
At first glance, the Opera 3 seems to be a large (43mm), quite think (14mm) classic watch. But quickly we can notice some specificities on the dial.
First of all, the dial is opened at 12: thanks to this, we can see the flywheel which regulates the speed of the music. The power reserve indicator of the Carillon is located at the right side of the dial while the melody selector is opposite. Have you ever seen before a watch which allows you to choose between Mozart and Tchaikovsky ?
Despite its size, the watch can be worn very easily.
But of course, the main interest comes from the sound which is played by the watch... well, sound is not the correct word, I must say : melody.
The Opera 1 was a Repetition watch with Tourbillon, the Opera 2 was an Opera 1 but with QP and the Opera 3, thanks to its main feature, is maybe the watch of this collection which more deserves its name...
But how does the music box work ?
And how do you choose between the Swan Lake and A little night music ?
The answer can be found by watching the caliber:
The carillon is
composed of a keyboard with 20 blades and a drum with
around 150 hand-mounted pins. When you move the melody selector, the drum moves in order that the correct pins are in front of the blades. So the chosen melody can be played. Of course, the blades, the drum, the pins have been miniaturised in order to be inserted into a watch case. An outstanding work made in collaboration with Christophe Claret.
Please note that the melodies can be personalized upon request.
The following movie I took gives you an idea of how the drum turns. You will notice that the crown also turns at the same time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4sAKf6nXRA
When the watch plays the music, you understand why the Opera 3 is so special, so unique, so seductive...
I would like to thank a lot the watchmaker from GP who was present at the Salon Belles Montres for the time he spent with me.
Fr.Xavier
