One independent Swiss watch brand has become known around the globe for brilliance in innovation, precision watchmaking, and excellence in craftsmanship, introducing the Antoine Martin. The brand introduced this timepiece, said to be the world’s largest and slowest balance. Creative genius behind the brand release is Martin Braun, and this timepiece ticks at the lowest frequency currently possible.
The Antoine Martin creates lowest balance frequency, featuring 7200 beats per hour and no less than 24 millimeters in diameter, which makes the balance almost as big as the timepiece. Compared to other watch manufacturers who try to reduce the size of a timepiece while trying to increase the frequency of the speed, this brand chose to take a path less traveled.
Technical and mechanical expertise is the foundation of this timepiece, that offers 7200/2 oscillations per hour, or the equivalent of 1 hertz means that the second hand makes two steps per second. In addition to the balance, the design guarantees the power reserve for at least four days. The words ‘7200 beats per hour’ is printed across the top of the watch, and printed on the left side of the dial are the words ‘one hertz’, as well as on the large subdial for seconds.
Unveiling the timepiece at the Baselworld event, Martin Braun captured the attention of the world when the brand launched the Eos model, and now has teamed up with Antoine Meier to create this latest masterpiece, the Antoine Martin. The brand’s CEO, Bruno Jufer is the final member of the trio, a professional who brings great recognition in the watchmaking field.
The Antoine Martin creation was developed based on Braun’s concept that the fast paced world is eventually going to reach the point when things will all slow down, and that was the approach he wanted to take with this design. While there are still unknown details of this timepiece to be disclosed at the Baselworld event, one thing we know for sure, there are two versions of the slow runner.
Those designs are both created with a silver colored dial, and placed in a circular housing of 42mm. There are however some very exciting variations. One is exhibited in a stainless steel housing, blued hands and an exquisite black alligator strap. The other design case is in red gold, blued hands and a brown alligator wristlet. The transparent back cover is made of sapphire crystal and featured on the face is the remaining power reserve indication that sits at the ten o’clock position.
For those who appreciate limited edition fine pieces, or look forward to the newest and innovative designs, the Antoine Martin will be something you definitely need to take the time to see, and if it will be a great fit for your collection.