Horological Meandering

2 opposite trends in the industry: low and high frequencies

 

It is very funny to compare these two market trends.

The big brands, which have the required financial strength are currently investing a lot in R&D to develop high frequencies watches. Of course, we think about Tag Heuer but we don't have to forget Breguet with its 10hz watch which was unveiled last year and AP with the ChronAP and its 6hz frequency. Chopard and Zenith (that's pure logic) also have projects in his field. The new materials, the producing machines make this quest possible but a lot of obstacles have to be removed: the energy, the constant force, the lubrification (or not), the reliability, the behaviour of the balance wheel and of the spiral, the wear of the parts... there are so many constraints that only a company with a financial stamina can lead such kind of projects.



And we have at the same time the offer coming from the independant watchmakers.

Of course, they don't have the same means and they couldn't afford such investment even if they wish to explore this area. But it is not only a question of money. It is also a question of the way they understand the watchmaking art.

Big brands and independant watchmakers are persuing the same objective: to design the most accurate watch possible because Chronometry has to be the final quest for any watchmaker.

But independant watchmakers believe that the constraints brought by high frequencies are too high for an unpredictable result: after all, accuracy has a sense only if it is sustainable. And what is more reliable than a large balance wheel, a low frequency caliber with a very constant behaviour?

The 2011 Basel Fair gave us the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful low frequency watches coming from independant watchmakers. Let's browse them!

The interesting point is that even if the frequencies of these watches are in the 2,5 / 3hz range, the watchmakers use different solutions. Look at the lay-out of these calibers. You won't find two similar ones.

Aaron Becsei:

Eva Leube:

The Grönefeld Brothers and their 1hz watch (with a 3hz movement):

The McGonigle Brothers:

Peter Speake-Marin's Thalassa:

The beautiful balance bridge from Kari Voutilainen:

But things are not so easy... some independant watchmakers have travelled in the higher frequencies domain like Romain Gauthier and his 4hz movement:

And of course... De Bethune (5hz) !

To be clear, I'm much more attracted by low frequency watches: I love their behaviours, their sound, the beauty of the movements. I don't say that the high frequencies watches have to be neglected: they contribute a lot in the evolution of the watchmaking art and some of the innovations that they will bring will be useful... for a lot of watches whatever are their frequencies.

And what about you ?

Do you feel a deep interest for this race towards the high frequencies or do you prefer to stay inside a more classic if not reliable area with the low frequencies watches ?

Fx

This message has been edited by foversta on 2011-04-12 13:25:42