Introducing the Ateliers deMonaco Admiral Chronograph Flyback Saphir

Ateliers deMonaco might not be the most famous company around. In fact, some of you might not know this watch manufacture (and yes, it is a manufacture and not just a watch brand). However, Ateliers deMonaco has solid basis and isn’t new in the game. Indeed, it was founded in 2008 and it is in fact the high-end brand behind Frederique Constant, sharing the same owners, the same facilities and also being used as a laboratory for future developments at FC. And their latest creation has some appeal. Here is the Ateliers deMonaco Admiral Chronograph Flyback Saphir.

In a previous article, our contributor Robin looked at the Ateliers deMonaco Tourbillon Oculus 1297, a complex watch, which perfectly represents what the brand is. While its sister company Frederique Constant is playing on the affordable luxury field, Ateliers deMonaco is all about luxury, but not necessarily accessible. In the collection, we’re talking about tourbillons, perpetual calendars with jumping indications and even watches with the Hallmark of Geneva (and that means proper Haute Horlogerie). It might be linked to Frederique Constant, the concept is drastically different. However, links exist between the brands, as the experience gained to develop complex watches such as a flyback chronograph or a perpetual calendar can be seen in easier watches from FC – see our interview with CEO Peter Stas and the new QP from Constant.

For its new creation, Ateliers deMonaco takes an existing watch, the Admiral Chronograph Flyback, and gives it some more modern and more technical appeal, in a sapphire dial version. This watch has the beauty of an in-house produced chronograph movement with flyback mechanism. This function first appeared in 1936 and was a favorite amongst pilots and sportsmen. Indeed, this function allows to make several timing in a row, with a simplified sequence. While on a normal chronograph you need to press the start/stop button, then the reset button and the stat/stop button again to launch a new timing session, on a flyback chronograph, a single push on the button at 4 is required.

The appeal of this Ateliers deMonaco Admiral Chronograph Flyback Saphir comes from the visible mechanism on the dial side. All the chronograph parts (levers, springs) are now exposed to the eyes of connoisseur. This movement is indeed based on an automatic, 3-hand calibre, on top of which a flyback chronograph is added. Previously hidden behind the dial, these functions are now exposed. The automatic movement beats at 28,800vph and offers 38 hours of power reserve. Finishing is pleasant, with hand-engraved 22k gold rotor, perlage, hand-decorated parts on the dial side…

The Ateliers deMonaco Admiral Chronograph Flyback Saphir is housed in a 42mm case, available in a 18k pink gold or 18k white gold, polished by hand. The stylized pushers, with water-drop shape, have to be noticed for their elegance. The real novelty of course comes from the dial, entirely made out of sapphire crystal. Note that we’re talking about a complex dial here, with over 50 holes drilled, in order to affix the curved roman numerals or the minute and small second tracks.

The Ateliers deMonaco Admiral Chronograph Flyback Saphir is a limited edition of twice 88 pieces. More details on ateliers-demonaco.com.

Specifications of the Ateliers deMonaco Admiral Chronograph Flyback Saphir

• Case: 42mm diameter x 13.3mm thick – 18k pink gold or 18k white gold – sapphire crystal on the front and on the back – 30m water resistant
• Movement: dMc-760, in-house – automatic winding – 38h power reserve – 28,800 vibrations/h – hours, minutes, small second, chronograph with Flyback mechanism
• Strap: alligator leather strap on gold pin-buckle