After wowing the watchmaking world with the Winch Tourbillon Vertical timepiece, Cabestan is back with another mind-boggling creation, the Sol Invictus. Combining the iconic chain and fusée, drums, and vertical tourbillion from the Winch timepiece with a revolutionary new technique, the Sol Invictus is another mechanical wonder for your wrist. The new technique has been evolved to produce and treat silicium crystals that can be used to produce highly efficient solar cells suitable for small surfaces and low luminosity. A technical genius, this timepiece holds the title of being the world’s first commercial utilization of this groundbreaking technology.
Two brushless micromotors (typically used in the medical field) are used, one for rewinding the movement and the other for setting the time. A miniature controller regulates and amplifies the electrical charge, manages the two micromotors via a programmable oscillator, and assures the direction and the speed of the motor. At the same time, a twin-blade electromechanical contact is used to open and close the electrical circuit. The blending of solar technology with traditional watchmaking skills has resulted in this spectacular timepiece.
Jean-François Ruchonnet, working with Marc Alfieri (whose designs have inspired the watchcase of this timepiece), placed his spectacular vertical Cabestan movement in the center of the timepiece. He then added two solar panels mounted in metal frames held in place by skillfully designed pivots. The micromotors and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are visible under the solar cells. The complex mechanism that links the crown to the movement also features a striking 30 mm long axle that traverses the movement in its width.
Jean-François Ruchonnet has added his own touch to the watchcase restyling it by giving it an elegantly curved shape, a single curved crystal, a lateral window at 9 o’clock, and a sapphire case back.
The mechanical wonder, that is, the Sol Invictus, will boast of a $560,000 price tag and be made on-demand according to customer’s requirements.
[Gizmodo And Hodinkee]
