Hands-On – The New Manufacture Royale 1770 Micromegas Revolution Limited Editions

The 1770 Micromegas Revolution is a spectacular launch from the “Indie” watchmaking brand based in Vallorbe that we have not got a chance to review yet. Clearly, once you can manage to a closer look at this watch, you understand that this would have been a pity not to cover it. As the brand is introducing three exclusive limited editions, we take a look at this architectural double tourbillon – and with on of them rotating super, super-fast.

The name ‘Manufacture Royale’ traces its origins to enlightenment and Voltaire. In 1770, the French philosopher created watchmaking workshops near Geneva. Now based in Vallorbe, the modern-day Manufacture Royale cultivates the free-thinking spirit that inspired Voltaire, designing watches with distinctive personality and powerful visual impact. Their latest creation, the 1770 Micromegas Revolution is no exception and combines complex engineering with a bold, creative design.

The 1770 Micromegas Revolution is a double flying tourbillon whose specificity is that each of the tourbillon rotates at its own speed. One completes a super quick rotation in just 6 seconds whereas the other opts for the traditional minute. Its impressive construction features a torque stabilizer to average out the two tourbillon for enhanced precision.

This eye-catching ballet is completed by the oscillations of a cool micro-rotor. The hours, are indicated with a regulator-type display. The minutes can be read on skeletonized wheel thanks to a pointer.

The first thing to catch your eye with the 1770 Micromegas Revolution is the play of movement, volumes, contrasting materials and colours. The watch is a fascinating 3D mechanical microcosm in constant motion. The 3 new limited editions are enhanced with a CVD treatment on the MR08 calibre to produce an even more assertive style. This coating consist in a fine deposit of a transparent metal oxide. It is offered in three different versions: titanium with purple or blue CVD and pink gold with khaki CVD.

The large 45mm case features its traditional notched bezel and two sidebars held by four screws which frame the middle case, to form elegant horns. The sapphire case back offers a different perspective on the movement and the ballet of the tourbillon. The colored CVD coating casts an original light on the large Geneva stripes applied on the movement.

The 1770 Micromegas Revolution comes on a qualitative, hand-stitched alligator strap with folding buckle. www.manufacture-royale.com.

Technical specifications – Manufacture Royale 1770 Micromegas Revolution limited editions

• Case: 45 mm diameter x 11.8 mm height – 18k pink gold or titanium – sapphire crystal on the front and on the back – water resistant to 30m
• Movement: Calibre MR08 – automatic winding with micro-rotor – 40h power – 28,800 vibrations/h and 21,600 vibrations/h – Hours, regulator-type display. Minutes, display on skeletonized wheel.
• Strap:  alligator leather strap with folding buckle
• 3 limited editions of three pieces – titanium with purple or blue decor, pink gold with khaki décor.
• Retail price : gold 164,000 CHF, titanium 142,000 CHF