Pre-Basel 2015: MCT Frequential One F110

The Frequential One F110 from Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps (MCT) incorporates a new movement that embodies both masterful creativity and, some might say, the key to happiness.

MCT has established itself as the author of singular mechanical movements that represent time with depth and perception beyond the realm of traditional watchmaking. Some watch manufacturers appear to pursue complexity for its own sake. With the new Frequential One F110, MCT embraces complexity, then reduces it to its essence.

MCT Frequential One F110

Balance is a concept that is central to watchmaking, and to life. The balance wheel is the beating heart of the mechanical movement. Designing a new movement is an exercise in balancing competing ideals, as most complications add something in one area and take something away in another. Regulating the watch to achieve optimal timekeeping performance involves balancing various errors so as to minimize their influence. In life, finding the right balance can be the key that opens the door to happiness.

MCT Frequential One F110

In creating the caliber MCT-F1.0, the brand’s designers have reduced a complex movement to its essence. Look closely, and you see twin barrels, the escapement, balance wheel, balance spring, and two hands. Power, regulation, display – the essence of a mechanical watch. Of course the apparent simplicity is deceptive, as combining a centrally suspended balance wheel and a central time display presents a distinct challenge. MCT achieved this feat by moving the transmission from under the movement to the middle. The variable-intertia balance floats at the center of the movement, powered by a spring with a Breguet terminal curve. The hands, guided by a ball bearing, rotate around the suspended balance wheel. A subtle, linear power reserve display appears at 12 o’clock.

MCT Frequential One F110

Though the movement presents only its essential elements, the designer has taken care to create a compelling visual landscape. A spectrum of colors, shapes and finishes accentuate the effects of depth and light.

Viewed from the back, the owner can appreciate the black bridges with fine hand-chamfering and Côtes de Genève decoration. The manual-wind MCT-F1.0 caliber is comprised of 279 parts and it runs in 33 jewels at 18,000 vph or 2.5 Hz.

MCT Frequential One F110

The cushion-shaped case is made up of 45 parts and is crafted from grade 5 titanium with DLC treatment. The case measures 42 mm square and offers 30-meter water resistance.

The Frequential One F110 is distinctive, powerful and elegant, and the design reminds us that balance plays a central role in watchmaking, and in life.

MCT Frequential One F110 specs

 

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