Atelier de Chronométrie AdC#8 Split-Seconds Chronograph (Price, Pictures and Specifications)
The Atelier de Chronométrie #8 is the answer to the question of what an AdC rattrapante would be like. This split-second chronograph with 12-hour counter is based on a Venus 185 movement and it is presented in a new case design made of 18k Grey gold with teardrop lugs. The Pulsations black galvanic “gilt” dial with silvered lettering and scales, and applied Breguet numerals, completes the overall look of this chronograph.
The story behind each AdC are unique. The AdC#8 project started with the idea of a collector of independents from California who wanted a rattrapante chronograph with the AdC style. So, the first thing Atelier de Chronométrie did was to look for a good calibre base to start to work from. Finally, they found an entire vintage rattrapante chronograph with a calibre Venus 185. The first step to create a new rattrapante calibre was made.
Another essential part of the watch design was the case. It had to be a fancy organic case, where ergonomy was a key requirement of the customer. Its creation process was an authentic and constant challenge in terms of design and handcrafting and took 9 months. During this time, they changed the initial case design until they found a new one which was perfect.
For the dial, the idea of creating a medical with a pulsometric scale appealed to them. Apart from the black galvanic “gilt”, Atelier de Chronométrie also designed a two tone (rose and silver) dial, but the forcefulness of the black one was determinant for the final choice.
Throughout these 2 years they have been in regularly communication with the customer and some ideas have been incorporated during the evolution of the project such as the creation of the rattrapante wheel in Titanium with the AdC symbol as well as the re-design of the initial case.
The movement
A rattrapante calibre
The calibre is based on a Venus 185 movement (from a vintage split-seconds chronograph). From a total of 280 calibre parts, 50 new parts have been created completely by hand without using CNC milling machines. The rest of the 230 parts have been modified and decorated by hand too.
The finishes include handmade grainage as well as black polish, anglage, perlage, polished countersinks, straight graining, etirage des flancs, etc. The calibre aesthetics combines a balanced mixture made of the combination of the pink gold-plated bridges with the rodhium plated wheels and the steel accents of the levers and black polished parts as well the purple black polished beveled screws.
At the center, a new rattrapante wheel made of Titanium with the shape of the Atelier de Chronométrie symbol brings finesse and delicacy.
The case
Fancy teardrop lugs
Due to the height of this rattrapante calibre, the main goals for the creation of this case were to create a visual effect that make it “thinner” and secondly to make it comfortable on the wrist.
For those reasons, the center part of this three-body case has a curved shape and is combined with a concave bezel and case back. Inspired by the vintage chronographs, the teardrop lugs give more personality to the whole watch design. The design of the crown with the rattrapante pusher and the two pushers has been executed in order to not protrude excessively from the case profile to maintain harmony.
The dial
Pulsometric
Atelier de Chronométrie were attracted by the idea of creating a medical dial including in the design a pulsometric scale. The black galvanic “gilt” with mirror polished silvered lettering and scales was made by a technique very common in the past but nowadays is really rare and highly laborious to be properly executed. The applied Breguet numerals and three engine-turned counters combine perfectly with the 7 leaf hands made in 18k Grey gold.
Atelier de Chronométrie AdC#8 Split-Seconds Chronograph
Technical specifications:
· Movement based on a Venus 185.
· Manual winding.
· 23 jewels.
· Power reserve 36 hours.
· Frequency 18.000 b.p.h.
· 3 bridges made in Arcap with grainage finish, 18k pink gold plated, polished countersinks, anglage, etirages des flancs and purple black polished beveled screws.
· Free sprung balance regulated by 6 masselottes made in 18k rose gold with a black polished stud holder plate.
· Anchor bridge made of steel, black polished, polished countesinks and anglage.
· Purple black polished beveled screws.
· Rattrapante bridge made of steel with 18k pink gold chaton with black polished countersinks, anglage and beveled screws.
· Rattrapante wheel made of Titanium with the AdC symbol shape.
· Hand-engraved number 8 satined finish.
· All the levers have been decorated with anglage, polished countersinks and straight graining.
· The wheels have been rohdium plated and decorated with anglage and circular satin finished.
· Finishes included: grainage as well as black polish, anglage, perlage, polished countersinks, straight graining, etirage des flancs, etc.
· Pulsometric black galvanic “gilt” dial with mirror polished silvered lettering and scales and applied Breguet numerals and 3 engine turned sub-seconds.
· Handmade 18k Grey gold leaf 7 hands.
· 39’8 mm three-body case in18k Grey gold with concave bezel and case back and teardrop lugs with high polish finishes.
· Handmade 18k Grey gold rattrapante crown and 2 pushers.
· Dimensions: 39’8mm and 20mm lugs and 1’5mm height.
· Handmade 18k Grey gold buckle.
· Handmade leather strap.
· Handmade 18k Grey gold bracelet.
· Sapphire glass front and back.
The price for the Atelier de Chronométrie AdC#8 Split-Seconds Chronograph starts from Euro 85,000 if you want a similar watch.
