Slimline Monolithic Manufacture - 40Hz: the new technology of Frederique Constant

Frederique Constant presents a technological breakthrough in the field of chronometric precision. Redefining the principles of regulating mechanical watches, Slimline Monolithic Manufacture offers industry-leading precision by ticking ten times faster than most mechanical movements. Made of silicon, its oscillator replaces a multi-part assembly and eliminates many of the weaknesses of mechanical watches. Thanks to its specific design and small size, the revolutionary high-frequency oscillator has been designed to fit within a traditional movement setup. Housed within a 40mm case with a dial opening to view the oscillator, this cutting-edge technology is available at a price point that upholds the brand's commitment to affordable luxury.

The way mechanical watches are regulated has not changed for the past three centuries. The invention of the balance-spring assembly in the 17th century has had a lasting influence on mechanical watchmaking. Since then, mechanical watches have been based almost exclusively on the balance-spring, consisting of a thin coiled spring attached to the balance, which allows the balance to oscillate back and forth at a constant frequency. In doing so, it controls the speed at which the clock gears turn and influences the speed. Although it has been improved over time, the balance-spring principle has remained unchanged and virtually unchallenged for more than three centuries.

Flexible or compatible movements are the next big step in watchmaking and open up a whole new realm of possibilities. Given the elastic properties of certain materials such as silicon, it is possible to create compact and precise monolithic one-piece components to replace some of the assembled mechanical parts. Today, Frederique Constant employs these flexible, seamless structures in the design of its revolutionary oscillator. An innovative concept and a breakthrough in the field of chronometric precision, the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is equipped with a movement that beats at a staggering 288,000 vibrations per hour, ten times faster than most mechanical watches!

Frederique Constant replaces the 26 components of a standard assortment with a single component equipped with two regulation weights. Made of monocrystalline silicon, the monolithic oscillator also integrates the lever escapement into its flexible structure. Three groundbreaking innovations set the oscillator apart:

1.A revolutionary small size one piece oscillator. Thanks to the geometry of flexes and masses, it is possible for the first time to produce a flexible pivot oscillator in the place occupied by a traditional balance wheel .

2. An ultra-thin oscillator with a new lever system The lever escapement is incorporated into the oscillator and, for the first time, its function is integrated into the goosenecks, allowing for a substantial reduction in size while keeping all functions in a thin layer silicon

3. Adjustment weights to regulate the bending oscillator like those used in a traditional free-oscillation balance-spring. Watchmakers can easily adjust the frequency and precision simply by turning two weights.

Through the fascinating engineering of the flexures and the geometry of the oscillator, Frederique Constant's team reduced its dimensions to the size of a conventional regulator and increased its frequency to improve precision. While many traditional mechanical movements operate at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the Monolithic Manufacture represents the first Swiss-made mechanical watch to oscillate ten times faster at a staggering 288,000 vibrations per hour or 40 Hz. Very high frequency, the efficiency of the mechanism offers a considerable power reserve of 80 hours.

The Genesis: A Collaboration with Flexous

The idea for the monolithic oscillator was born during a meeting between Peter Stas, co-founder and former CEO of Frederique Constant, and Dr. Nima Tolou, founder and CEO of Flexous , an innovative watchmaking-focused technology subsidiary of YES!Delft, the Dutch technology leader. Following their meeting, the Frederique Constant team commissioned Flexous to produce a unique and flexible oscillating system with particular specifications.

Gathering together high-profile multidisciplinary expertise, a joint project between the Frederique Constant and Flexous teams was launched. The characteristic technical goals of an innovative bending oscillator were simple:

1.A size comparable to a traditional balance wheel to fit inside a standard movement with minor adjustments.

2.The highest possible frequency

3.80 hour power reserve

4.A profitable formula that would allow the manufacture of large quantities at a reasonable price.

A Revolution in Chronometric Precision: The Monolithic Oscillator

The new topology of flexures and masses has enabled the creation of a flexure-pivot oscillator of unprecedented compact size (9.8 mm diameter). diameter and 0.3 mm thick). For the first time, the looper has been integrated into the flex. The revolutionary design combines high frequency (40 Hz) with low amplitude (6° vs ~300° for a typical flywheel).

The choice of material for the oscillator eliminates the key weaknesses of traditional hairsprings. Monocrystalline silicon is 100% antimagnetic, resistant to temperature fluctuations, less sensitive to gravity and four times lighter than a normal assortment. The absence of mechanical coupling means less generation of friction and wear of the parts. Consequently, less power is needed to drive the escape wheel and oscillating system. This results in reduced force between components: 2.5 times less torque/torque is generated. In particular, energy loss associated with the stop-go movement of the Swiss lever escapement is eliminated. Finally, and most importantly, silicon does not require lubrication. This improves the long-term reliability of the exhaust and avoids the lubrication demands generated by high frequency.

Speed ​​regulation is done using adjustment weights, just like the system used on a traditional free-oscillation balance wheel. The adjustment system is extremely precise, dividing time intervals into hundredths of a second versus tenths of a second for regular mechanical movements running at a frequency of 4 Hz.

Due to the innovative design of the escapement, traditional devices for measuring movement speed (which rely on the sound of movement ticking) do not work. To calculate the average rate in seconds per day, laser cameras taking 250,000 images per second were used.

The Thirtieth Movement of the Manufacture Frederique Constant

It soon became apparent to the watchmakers at Frederique Constant that a traditional gear train could not cope with the breakneck speed of a 40 Hz regulator. led to the design of an entirely new base movement, the automatic caliber FC-810, capable of running at the speed of the new silicon oscillator. The entire power chain had to be redesigned as the gear train was equipped with four wheels between the barrel and the exhaust pinion, instead of the three wheels found in a conventional movement. However, the efficiency of the regulator still manages to offer a considerable power reserve of 80 hours.

In a typical mechanical movement that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the seconds hand makes eight movements to complete one second. With the Monolithic Manufacture caliber, the seconds hand makes 80 movements per second. It offers the smoothest possible movement of a second hand as it ticks faster than the eye can see.

Slimline Monolithic Manufacture

Frederique Constant's Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is the first model to feature this revolutionary movement.

Presented in a 40mm round case, the new watch features an elegant dial with guilloché decoration / nail-stamped motif and printed Roman numerals combined with Breguet-type hands. Frederique Constant's iconic Heart Beat aperture is perfect for displaying the pulsing oscillator of the clock in an aperture at 6 o'clock. The date pointer at 12 o'clock provides a classic counterpoint to the high-tech oscillator at 6 o'clock.

On the reverse, the transparent caseback offers an unobstructed view of the automatic caliber FC-810. Its traditional decoration combines Genevan stripes with pearlescent, and the oscillating weight is openwork.

The model is available in three limited editions: 810 pieces in stainless steel with a blue dial, 810 pieces in stainless steel with a silver dial and 81 pieces in 18k rose gold.

In conclusion, the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is a beautiful blend of classic watchmaking and high-tech innovation.

In the words of Niels Eggerding, Managing Director of Frederique Constant: "the new Slimline Monolithic Manufacture embodies Frederique Constant's visionary spirit, determination and passion for watchmaking savoir-faire."

Dr. Nima Tolou, CEO of Flexous Mechanisms, comments: "We are very proud of this exciting result achieved in just two years, from conception to production of a collector's watch. We are proud of the synergy achieved in this unique project by Frederique Constant-Flexous."

About Flexous Mechanisms

Flexous Mechanisms is an independent watch technology company specializing in the design and development of flexible watch parts with a focus on mechanical watches. Flexous was founded in 2012 in Delft, the Netherlands, as a spin-off from an internationally leading group in the field of flexible mechanisms at the Delft University of Technology. Develops and produces bespoke innovative watch parts from conception to product. It works together with like-minded watch brands and watch part producers, bridging the fields of traditional watch making and 21st century flexible movement design. Flexous strives to become the most progressive provider of innovative technology in watchmaking. Ultimately, his vision is to provide flexible parts for the major components of a watch and to set new world limits for accuracy, precision, and running time with a highly innovative approach.