Vertalor has just won the International Chronometry Competition. The organizer’s analogy offers a perfect summary of the demanding standards for the contest: “the Chronometry Competition is the equivalent of five Formula 1 Grand Prix races – without a single pit stop!”
The scientific validity of the Competition is based on five tests, including three measurement cycles, exposure to magnetic fields, and exposure to impacts. These particularly difficult tests lasted four months.
Winning the gold medal is thus an acknowledgement of talent and performance – the extent of which may be grasped by considering that the strength test alone comprises no fewer than 150 impacts.
The requirements of the Competition tests are of an extremely high level. This has been demonstrated once again: of the 28 competing watches, only six passed all the tests and earned a ranking. The Competition only reveals the names of the first 3 in each category.
Tourbillon : Les Ateliers Louis Moinet, from Saint - Blaise, won first prize with their calibre 8009. They obtained a total of 682 points. There was no 2nd or 3rd prize.
Chronograph : Tissot SA, from Le Locle, won the first prize in this new category, with its calibre CO1.211. It obtained a total of 572 points. There was no 2nd or 3rd prize.
Classic : For the 3rd consecutive year in this category, Tissot SA from Le Locle won the first prize, but also 2nd and 3rd prize.
Young watchmakers : No prize could be awarded in this category, since none of the watches passed the tests.
There were 18 young watchmakers and 7 companies taking part: Chopard, Dodane, Kerbedanz, Péquignet, Les Ateliers Louis Moinet, Sellita Watch and Tissot.
The watches entered in the Competition undergo four months of testing. They are subjected three times over to the chronometric certification tests, as defined by international standard ISO 3159.
The tests are conducted in collaboration with the Swiss Chronometry Inspectorate (COSC), Besançon Observatory and Arc Advanced Engineering college (HE - Arc).
