The Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is equipped with Frederique Constant's newly developed monolithic oscillator. What is the appeal of this watch that will shake up the heart of mechanical watches? Two commentators, Natsuki Ando, president of Precog Studio, and watch journalist Tetsuo Shinoda, discuss this with Masamasa Hirota, editor-in-chief of Chronos Japan.
Text by Yoshiko Agata
Revolutionizing the regulator and escapement, the key element of mechanical watches
Hirota
"The mechanism that controls the accuracy of a mechanical watch is the regulating escapement. In the case of the Swiss lever type that is used in most mechanical watches today, the balance (regulating mechanism) consisting of a hairspring and balance wheel oscillates, and this regular repetitive motion is received by the escapement consisting of an anchor and escape wheel, causing the hands to move at a constant speed.
The Monolithic Oscillator condenses the functions of such a regulator and escapement into an integrated silicon part and escape wheel. What are your first impressions of the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture, the first watch to feature this mechanism?
It features a classic dial with Breguet hands, Roman numerals, and a Clous de Paris pattern. The latest monolithic oscillator is visible at 6 o'clock, conveying its cutting-edge technology. Automatic movement (Cal. FC-810). 19 jewels. 288,000 vph. Stainless steel (diameter 40mm, thickness 11.38mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Limited to 810 pieces worldwide. Price: 594,000 yen (tax included).
(I.e.
"It feels very Frederique Constant. It was the same with the tuning fork watches of the 1960s, but when a new mechanism is born, it is presented openly (in terms of design) so that it is easy to understand, and as it becomes more commonplace, it goes through a process of gradually hiding it. So, if Frederique Constant is going to take that approach, it makes sense that they would go with the heartbeat, which is the brand's icon. Also, it is one of the few models that has left a lasting impression on me among this year's new watches."
Shinoda
"I think this watch is typical of Frederique Constant, which is not afraid to try new things. In fact, the company was one of the early adopters of silicon parts, and in 2008 they developed a tourbillon movement with a silicon escape wheel. There were gasps of surprise within the industry when this was announced."
Hirota"Yes. Personally, I think that Frederique Constant's series of silicon parts developments have finally been completed."
A rational mechanism suitable for mechanical watch beginners
(I.e."Speaking of silicon oscillators, there was the Zenith Defy Inventor, released in 2017, but I wonder what the difference is."
(Editor's note: In 2017, Zenith developed a silicon oscillator with an integrated regulator and escapement (the Zenith Oscillator) and installed it in the Defy Inventor.)
Hirota"The biggest difference is the miniaturization. If the size were larger, distortion would occur when it vibrated, but this is roughly the same size as a conventional balance wheel, so there is no problem. Also, by adding a part for adjusting the speed, it is easier to adjust the accuracy."
(I.e.What are the advantages of this oscillator?
Hirota"It has an ultra-high beat rate of 288,000 vibrations per hour, which is about 10 times faster than a regular movement, so it is resistant to shocks and theoretically has high accuracy."
This stainless steel model features a refreshing navy dial and white hands and indices. The high-frequency movement ensures smooth movement of the second hand. Automatic (Cal. FC-810). 19 jewels. 288,000 vph. Stainless steel (diameter 40mm, thickness 11.38mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Limited to 810 pieces worldwide. Price: 594,000 yen (tax included).
Hirota"The mechanisms of mechanical watches haven't changed for about 300 years, but there are problems with errors due to positional differences and, in modern times, magnetization*. This oscillator solves these problems, so I personally think it's a good choice. It will also be suitable for people who are not accustomed to using mechanical watches."
(Editor's note: Conventional balance springs and escapements are made of alloys containing iron, so they become unstable when magnetized. In modern times, there are many devices around us that generate magnetism, such as smartphones and PC speakers.)
(I.e."It's the first practical silicon oscillator, and it's affordable, so it's sure to satisfy anyone looking for a monumental model."
