Atelier Ardoise

An exceptionally elegant featuring and ultra-thin slate dial. Its creation has been made possible by advanced technological research.

The precious rock was extracted from 300 million year old geological strata. This fine slate with its characteristic veined pattern was obtained from marine sediments necessitating particular geological conditions as its occurrence is so rare in nature. To process this material, the researchers at Paul Picot developed special techniques drawing directly on the watchmaking tradition of the Jura region, where initiative and experimentation are closely linked. The round pieces of slate are first cut to size and then reduced to a thickness of 0.6 mm, which places a severe strain on their delicate and friable structure. After the delicate phase of cutting out the aperture and applied chapters, only 1.5% of the materials fashioned in this way will be used for the final assembly. Untreated, the natural dial then reveals its wild elegance, endowing each watch its own individual character. The smaller and carefully bushed central dial makes a striking contrast with the raw aspect of the slate.

The Atelier line embodies the philosophy of “Noblesse du detail”. It sticks out through its movements with mechanical complications, most of them exclusive, its classical and refined shape. This line asserts the will to respect the watchmaking tradition however opening new technological and esthetical perspectives.

Technical specifications :

• Dial in real slate
• 18ct rose gold case
• Sapphire crystal and case back with anti-reflection coating
• Screw-down crown
• Water-resistant to 50 metres
• Leather strap (Louisiana)
• Pin buckle in 18ct rose gold