Observatoire 1872

Press release

 

 

 

 

In 1872, in order to improve the already renowned performances of the Geneva watchmaking business, the Classe d'Industrie et de Commerce de la Société des Arts entrusted the Geneva Observatory with supervising the chronometer rating competition. Badollet won the first edition of the Concours de l'Observatoire, intended to reward the accuracy of the best chronometer, with its pocket-watches sweeping the first three places. Badollet, having played an active part in the watchmaking adventure from the 18th to the 20th centuries, wished to create a series of models linking the brand's rich past to its current renewal and reflecting its respect for time-honoured values. These Instruments of Time, named “Observatoire 1872”, combine a classic case with a shape evoking that of pocket-watches, and movements boasting a resolutely contemporary technical sophistication.

THE OBSERVATOIRE 1872 MINUTE REPEATER, AN EXCEPTIONAL COMPLICATION WITHIN AN HISTORICAL FRAME

With the Observatoire 1872 Minute Repeater, Badollet houses one of the most intricate complications, the minute repeater, within a classic pocket-watch type construction, while endowing it with the technological breakthroughs characterising the brand renewal.

AN UNDERSTATED EXTERIOR LENDING ITSELF TO PERSONALISATION

This understated and elegant Instrument of Time features a round 44 mm-diameter case with gentle shapes in 18-carat gold. Water-resistant to 30 metres, it is enhanced by a glareproofed sapphire crystal glass and case-back. Presented here with an openworked opaline dial set with 72 diamonds and 12 sapphires, the Observatoire 1872 Minute Repeater, like all Badollet Instruments of Time, can be interpreted and customised according to personal wishes within the boundaries of technical feasibility. The rhodium-plated leaf-type hands can also be customised. Clearly visible through the transparent case-back and dial opening, the meticulous finishing – bevelling, circular graining and Côtes de Genève – cleverly reveal the added value inherent to this Haute Horlogerie creation. The hammer, gongs and inertial flywheel of the minute repeater mechanism can be admired on the bridge side.

A CALIBRE COMBINING TWO MAJOR COMPLICATIONS IN THE WATCHMAKING REPERTOIRE

At the heart of this horological gem beats Calibre BAD1655, a mechanical hand-wound movement with tourbillon type Swiss lever escapement. This Calibre combines two major complications of the watchmaking art: the flying tourbillon and the minute repeater, which is triggered by a dedicated sliding bolt at 9 o'clock. Driven by the same concern for optimal functionality, the Observatoire 1972 Minute Repeater is distinguished by the exceptional clarity of the sound it emits. When the mechanism is activated, the time is audibly signalled by the hammers striking the appropriate gongs. These hammers sound the hours on the low-pitched gong, quarters by alternating between the low- and high-pitched gongs, and minutes on the high-pitched gong. Moreover, its striking work is visible on the dial side, while the hammers, gongs and flying tourbillon can be viewed on the bridge side. The watch displays the hours and minutes, while the flying tourbillon carriage – enhanced by a bridge bearing the Badollet signature – performs one complete rotation that may be admired at 6 o'clock on the dial side.

THE OBSERVATOIRE 1872 MINUTE REPEATER IS NOT A REVISITED VERSION OF AN HISTORICAL TIMEPIECE: IT IS AN INSTRUMENT OF TIME INSPIRED BY RESPECT FOR THE BADOLLET KNOW-HOW AND TRADITIONS. THE PERSONALISED NATURE OF THE EXTERIOR, THE TECHNICAL SOPHISTICATION OF THE MOVEMENT AND THE EXCEPITONALLY LIMPID TONE OF ITS GONG NONETHELESS MAKE IT A RESOLUTELY CONTEMPORARY INSTRUMENT OF TIME.

 

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 

MOVEMENT BAD1655
Hand-wound movement
80-hour power reserve
Tourbillon visible on the dial side at 6 o'clock
Minute repeater with striking mechanism sliding bolt at 9 o'clock
CASE
18-carat white gold
Cambered colourless sapphire crystal glareproofed on both sides, ultra-hard surface treatment
Colourless glareproofed sapphire crystal back 18-carat white gold crown
External diameter : 44 mm
Wristband lugs : 24 mm
Water-resistant to 30 metres
DIAL
18-carat gold Opaline silver-coloured dial, set with 72 diamonds and 12 sapphires
HANDS
Hours and minutes: leap type, blued steel
STRAP
Safari alligator mississipieinsis leather, cut-padded, leather-lined, hand-sewn, saddlestitched.
Matt or shiny finish
BUCKLE
 Folding clasp in 18-carat white gold
 Pin buckle in 18-carat white gold