jfsuperior
145
The revolutionary rotor (pun intended)
While most Swiss watch companies focus on new complications and/or designs a few other companies have concentrated their efforts on new revolutionary oscillating weights, a.k.a rotors, which would bring additional benefits with automatic winding.
Let's have a look at three different rotor concepts:
PERRELET
First, in 1995 the Perrelet watch brand introduced a twin rotor which in principle, at least, twin rotors turning in unison would reduce the one-sided weight and distribute it evenly between the two interdependent rotors. I know of no extensive research or tests done by anyone to determine the efficiency of their double rotor system in comparison to single rotors found on the same caliber movements.
CARL A. BUCHERER
The new A1000 calibre, developed by Bucherer last year and now being launched, is an automatic movement with a peripheral rotor that winds bidirectionally. That means the oscillating mass circles the perimeter of the movement rather than being placed over the bridges. The A1000 has undergone extensive testing and the no problems have been found with the winding efficiency of the peripheral rotor.
Because of the fact that the bridges are entirely free of obstruction, one can add complications to the top of the movement as well, and not just modules to the dial side. This could leave the way for an amazing range of add-ons. A serious watch collector expressed hope to see an integrated column wheel chronograph; it will be the only watch of its kind where the chronograph assembly is not obscured by the winding mechanism.
FREDERIC JOUVENOT
The latest revolutionary rotor: Announced last year, Frederic Jouvenot's innovation, the Automatic Chronograph Evolution has its automatic rotor (oscillating weight) on the dial side of the movement.
I think this is the first time any movement manufacturer has parted with the conventional arrangement of an automatic rotor on the train side of the movement..
There are THREE advantages of having the rotor facing the wearer:
First, from a design point of view, this added feature provides the dial with additional animation. The oscillating weight has been cut out in such a way that there is a clear view of the minute counter at 3 o'clock and the small seconds at 9 o'clock regardless of the viewing angle of the watch.
Second, and even more interesting, this particular disposition offers a spectacular clear and unobstructed view, through a glass back, of a classic column wheel chronograph movement.
Third, it allows a wearer to observe the functioning of the rotor so vital to keep a proper power reserve. It would help a person sitting all day at a computer easily notice the lack of motion on the rotor assuring him that it's not the timepiece that is malfunctioning but rather his fault. He can remedy that problem by placing his timepiece on an automatic watchwinder overnight.
To conclude, we are witnessing an era in which watchmakers no longer accept technical limits and have surpassed conventional old ideas by inventing new exciting and refreshing concepts.
Regards,
Jack Freedman
The revolutionary rotor (pun intended)
