Horological Revolution! FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Slimline Monolithic Manufacture - 40 Hz

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Compliant or flexible mechanisms ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complia... ) are the next big thing in watchmaking and open a new realm of possibilities. Given the elastic properties of certain materials like silicon, it is possible to create compact, precise monolithic single-piece components to replace some of the assembled mechanical parts. Frederique Constant now uses these flexible, jointless structures in the design of its revolutionary oscillator. A groundbreaking concept and a breakthrough in the field of precision mechanical timekeeping, the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is equipped with a movement ticking at an astounding 288,000 vibrations per hour, ten times faster than most mechanical watches! In a regular mechanical movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the seconds hand makes eight moves to complete one second. With the FC-810 Monolithic Manufacture calibre, the seconds hand performs 80 moves per second. It delivers the smoothest possible motion of a seconds hand as it ticks faster than the eye can see!

Frederique Constant replaces the 26 components of its standard assortment with a single component fitted with two regulation weights. Made of monocrystalline silicon, the Monolithic oscillator also integrates the escapement anchor in its flexible structure.

Three novel innovations distinguish the oscillator:

A revolutionary small-size one-piece oscillator. Thanks to the geometry of flexures and masses, it is possible to produce for the first time a flexible pivot oscillator in the footprint of a traditional balance wheel.

An ultrathin oscillator with a new anchor system. The escapement anchor is incorporated into the oscillator and, for the first time, its function is integrated into the flexures allowing a substantial reduction in size while keeping all the functions in one thin silicon layer.

Adjustment weights to regulate the flexure oscillator just like those used on a traditional free-sprung balance. Watchmakers can easily fine-tune the frequency and precision by simply turning two weights.

Thanks to the engineering of the oscillator's flexures and geometry, Frederique Constant’s team reduced its dimensions to the size of a conventional regulator and increased its frequency for enhanced accuracy. While many traditional mechanical movements operate at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (= 4 Hz), the Monolithic Manufacture represents the first Swiss-made mechanical watch oscillating ten times faster at an astonishing 288,000 vibrations per hour, or 40 Hz. Despite this high-speed frequency, the efficiency of the mechanism delivers a substantial 80-hour power reserve.

The new topology of the flexures and masses has permitted the creation of an unprecedented compact size for a flexure pivot oscillator (9.8 mm in diameter and 0.3 mm in thickness). For the very first time, the anchor has been integrated within the flexure. The revolutionary design combines high-frequency (40 Hz) with low amplitude (6° versus ~300° for a regular balance wheel).

The choice of material for the oscillator eliminates key weaknesses of traditional sprung balances. Monocrystalline silicon is 100% anti-magnetic, resilient to oscillations in temperature, less sensitive to gravity and four times lighter than a regular assortment. The absence of mechanical coupling means a lower generation of friction and wear on the parts. Consequently, less power is needed to drive the escapement wheel and the oscillating system. This results in reduced force between the components: 2.5 times less torque/couple is generated. In particular, the energy waste related to the stop and go motion of the Swiss lever escapement are eliminated. Finally, yet importantly, silicon does not require lubrication. This enhances the long-term reliability of the escapement and avoids the oiling demands generated by high frequency.

The rate regulation is performed using adjustment weights, just like the system used in a traditional free-sprung balance. The setting system is extremely precise, dividing time intervals in hundredths of a second versus tenths of a second for regular mechanical movements running at a 4 Hz frequency.

Given the innovative design of the escapement, the traditional devices to measure the rate of the movement (which rely on the ticking sound of the movement) are inoperative. To calculate the average rate in seconds per day, laser cameras taking 250,000 images per second were used.

Discover even more details in the video ...

Slimline Monolithic Manufacture in stainless-steel: 4’795 CHF incl. 7,7 % VAT
Slimline Monolithic Manufacture in 18 carat rose-gold: 15’995 CHF incl. 7,7 % VAT