Astronef

ASTRONEF propels us into the exclusive world of uncompromising modern watchmaking. It is heir to both ancestral know-how and an unyielding desire to create the design of tomorrow. Its character combines adrenaline and contemporary art. Its ultra-complex mechanism, with its 471 components, required more than three years of research. ASTRONEF introduces today a new technology: two tourbillons rotating in opposite directions at high speed. They cross paths 18 times per hour (every 3 minutes and 20 seconds) and are built on two different levels. This gives life to a captivating animation, which unfolds before the wondering gaze. In all, six distinct elements are in motion: two satellite tourbillons rotating around the dial, as well as their two cages and their two counterweights.

The mechanism is hidden in the base of the frame, which is only 3.75 mm thick. The advantage of this construction is that it clears the stage to enhance the magic of the show being staged. The spectacular design linked to the complexity of the mechanism is marked by its control tower – or central column – which transmits the orders to the tourbillons and hands.

Spectacular and very light tourbillons - the weight of a cage is only 0.25 grams, in order to guarantee the correct speed through fine poising. Each cage rotates in 60 seconds and requires perfect poising, which also relies on an 18K gold counterweight weighing 0.4 grams.

The curved crystal of ASTRONEF reveals the powerful mechanism which is accentuated by the lightness of its gold frame and sapphire container. This maximum transparency enables observers to admire a unique sight. The technical construction of the case is unusual

- a sapphire container mounted on an 18K gold frame

- openworked lugs and case middle

- a sapphire dome and its applied inner bezel ring 

Every detail of ASTRONEF expresses technicality, elegance and exclusivity based on of a unique mechanism stemming from extensive research experience.