Mechanical watch timing is now democratised with Frederique Constant Analytics, a small, clip-on sensor that monitors the beat of a mechanical watch, from the same company that brought us the smartwatch which resembles a traditional analogue wristwatch. Traditionally a job done by a desktop watch timing device (often know by the trade names Witschi or Vibrograph) that typically cost several hundred dollars or more, rate measurement is now pocket sized.

The device has to be connected to a smartphone via cable, and used together with Frederique Constant’s proprietary SwissConnect app., an Available for both Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android, SmartConnect both measures accuracy on the spot as well as tracks it over time. Measurement results can be saved to the user’s account that can be set up on Frederique Constant’s website.

Functionally Frederique Constant Analytics relies on the same principles as a conventional timing machine. The device picks up the ticks and tocks of the escapement, measuring their regularity and pace, translating that into the rate gain or loss in seconds per day.

Frederique Constant says its device can measure a movement’s rate to a resolution of +/-0.2 seconds a day, though it’s hard to imagine the miniature device can perform the job as well as a desktop timing machine. But even if Frederique Constant Analytics only provides a ballpark estimate of accuracy, that’s sufficient for the hobbyist.

Watchmakers usually rely on timing machines to regulate a watch, so the utility to a watch owner is limited since most have neither the skills nor tools to fix any rate irregularities. The device should, however, serve to bring more people to service centres to have their watch regulated – a boon or a bane depending on your point of view.

Price and availability 

Priced at €99, the Frederique Constant Analytics device and accompanying smartphone app is available from Frederique Constant retailers as well as online at its web store.

The ladies’ Royal Oak marks its 40th year in 2016 with the Royal Oak Frosted Gold, giving the signature Audemars Piguet wristwatch a new surface finish for the first time.

Working with Italian jewellery designer Carolina Bucci, Audemars Piguet adopted a decorative technique from Florentine jewellery for the new Royal Oak, giving it a finely hammered surface.

Originally designed in 1976 by Jacqueline Dimier, the Royal Oak for women was an evolution of the original Royal Oak ref. 5402 designed by Gerald Genta in 1972. Compact and dainty but resolutely octagonal, the ladies’ Royal Oak is transformed with the Florentine finish.

The original Royal Oak for women

Instead of the traditional straight grained, brushed finish applied to all flat surfaces of the watch case and bracelet, the Royal Oak Frosted Gold is treated with a diamond-tipped tool. Used to repeatedly dig into the surface of the gold, the tool creates tiny dimples, creating a textured surface that sparkles in the light.

The Florentine finish is usually found on small pieces of jewellery, often used by Carolina Bucci on her creations. Repurposing the technique for serial production of the Royal Oak Frosted Gold took several months, especially when it came to perfecting the finish of the bracelet while retaining its flexility.

The Royal Oak Frosted Gold is available in white or rose gold. Both versions are offered either as a 37mm automatic powered by the in-house calibre 3120, or a 33mm watch with a quartz movement.

Price and availability 

Available starting March 2017, the Royal Oak Frosted Gold is priced as follows, in Swiss francs including Swiss tax:

White gold 37mm, ref. 15454BC.GG.1259BC.01 – SFr51,500
White gold 33mm, ref. 67653BC.GG.1263BC.01 – SFr42,500
Pink gold 37mm, ref. 15454OR.GG.1259OR.01 – SFr46,500
Pink gold 33mm, ref. 67653OR.GG.1263OR.01 -SFr37,500

Prices are subject to change.