Combining some of the most interesting technologies of recent years, the House has developed a revolutionary oscillating system that offers a viable alternative to the balance-spring and, at the same time, to the anchor escapement. The material is silicon, whose great elasticity has already been used in unconventional escapements by houses such as Ulysse Nardin and Girard-Perregaux. The operating principle is that of the compliant mechanism, already seen applied - for example - by Patek Philippe in the Aquanaut Travel Time 5650G Advanced Research (2017), but with a traditional material such as metal. The oscillator, in a small way, may resemble that of the Zenith Inventor, but in addition to vibrating at a frequency of no less than 40 Hz (288,000 oscillations/hour) as opposed to the Zenith's 18, unlike the latter it incorporates an escapement with an escapement that functions practically identically like an anchor escapement. As in the compliant mechanismthe system is realised by translating the operation of numerous traditional components into that of just one, drastically reducing creep and friction. If the Frederique Constant Slimline Monolithic can be considered a child of an established trend, that of the study of new high-frequency, antimagnetic and more stable regulators, it marks a true milestone for mechanical watchmaking wishing to reinvent itself. The House not only launches an innovative time-measuring system, but uses it to equip a watch that is not unattainable in price. Another unique feature of the new Monolithic oscillator is its dimensions, comparable to those of a normal balance-spring: it measures 9.8 mm in diameter by 0.3 mm in thickness. Also not to be underestimated is the fact that the system requires less energy to keep it moving and the torque is also 2.5 times less than a traditional oscillator. Last but not least, silicon requires no lubrication, thus ensuring long-term escapement reliability by avoiding the high-frequency demand for special lubricant. The Slimline Monolithic Manufactrue is available with a 40 mm case in 18-carat rose gold (limited edition of 81 pieces) or in steel (the latter combined with a silvered or blue dial, limited edition of 810 pieces each).
Prices: 14,995 euros (18-carat rose gold); 4,495 euros (steel).
