Loading...Having visited the Manufacture of Manufacture Royale in Vallorbe, I have seen their production processes, the oil and lubricant free manufacturing of watchparts, and how they create these wonderful skeletonized timepieces. This is their latest model.
Voltaire founded Manufacture Royale over 245 years ago in 1770. Today, we ask ourselves, what watch would he make and wear in this postmodern century? Surely such a cultured philosopher, writer and entrepreneur who, among many other things, taught the world to “Dare to think for yourself,” would choose something audacious and innovative that cannot be found everywhere. The answer? The Androgyne Royale.
Androgyne Royale is the latest in-house creation in the Androgyne collection made in the bold spirit of Voltaire. Just like our other Androgyne models, Androgyne Royale features an eye-catching, unmistakably steampunk-inspired 52-part case with flexible lugs to ensure extreme wearability. This ingenious construction gives a linear frame to the circular watch dial where 12 bezel screws mark the hours. To ensure that the Androgyne Royale stood out from the rest of the collection, all unnecessary material was removed, resulting in a complete skeletonization of the hand-wound movement that proudly shows off the softly curved bridges. But that was not enough. As with our first completely skeletonized Androgyne, the flying tourbillon with silicon escape wheel and ceramic ball bearing makes an encore appearance. This time, it is framed in a Royale Blue or Royale Grey movement, with contrasting skeleton hands, on par with our mission: blending creativity and traditional values while integrating the latest industrial advancements of modern watchmaking.
The 167-part Androgyne Royale skeletonized movement displays the precise action of the flat balance spring oscillating 21,600 times per hour. With no dial obscuring the view, it is possible to truly enjoy all the finishing executed according to strict haute horlogerie tradition. The MR06 movement’s brass parts have gone through flank drawing before being chamfered by our master craftsmen. Last but not least, the parts have undergone a PVD treatment, resulting in their intense color.
Androgyne Royale Steel features a Royale Blue movement with contrasting stainless steel skeletonized hands, polished stainless steel case, and blue alligator strap. MSRP: 56,000 CHF or MSRP: $61,600.00 USD in the US.