Whilst others increase the frequency of their escapements the brand Antoine Martin showed its new Slow Runner. The balance wheel oscillates at 1 Hertz or 7200 A/h. Click here and discover the watch …
With the idea of “slowing down time”, the brand Antoine Martin has created a stunning counterpoint in mechanical watchmaking. Contrary to the ongoing trend towards small, rapidly oscillating balances (e.g. Breguet with its 10 Hz or 72.000 A/h esapement), Antoine Martin has made an unequivocal commitment to large dimensions, poise and longevity. The balance of the new “36.001” caliber beats with an unbelievably leisurely frequency of 7.200 beats per hour, or just one hertz (1 Hz or 7.200 A/h). This is not even half as fast as the slowest-running designs currently available in the modern watchmaking industry.
When developing the new movement Master Watchmaker Martin Braun did not rely solely on new high-tech materials such as silicon or unusual dimensions, by making a number of selective design modifications, Martin Braun significantly improved the movement’s isochronism (evenness of the rate). The balance wheel has two weighted screws to aid adjustment (in place of the usual index or arrow). The extreme precision involved in production of the silicon balance-spring meant that both the position of the stud and the “knee” in the spring could be optimized. The balance rim oscillates on a balance bridge with an additional shock absorption system and six cabochon jewels.
Discover more now directly form Master Watchmaker Martin Braun by listening to my interview…
Martin Braun
This is how the Antoine Martin Slow Runner looks like.
Check out the huge balance wheel and the unusual long balance-spring … You have to enlarge the pictures by clicking on them to discover more details
This video shows you the idea of “slowing down time” …
The balance wheel oscillates at a frequency of 7.200 beats per hour, or just one hertz (1 Hz or 7.200 A/h)
The scond hand moves very slowly over its dial …
Just to compare … this balance wheel oscillates at the speed of 2,5 Hz or 18.000 A/h
I’m not a native speaker but a watch lover,Mr.Alexander.
I don’t get the meaning of “the stud and the knee” that you mentioned in your article.
Could you kindly explain it to me,please?
Thanks.
Sidney from Shanghai.
I just had Martin Braun on the phone. He will now personally answer you the question and explain what he meant. I understand your question to good. I had the advantage to also read a German text where the particularity of the spiral was explained. The German translation for “stud” is “Ansteckpunkt” and for “knee” “Spiralknie” … 🙂 Anyhow the optimizations Martin Braun did with spiral improve the Isochronism of the watch. As soon I have Martin Braun´s answer I will post it ..
“You have to feel and to see”
I think this sums up watches for me! Thanks for another great interview.
Thanks