The “Meccanico dG” by Geneva-based watchmaker de Grisogono is as fantastic as a HG Wells inspired adventure through time. It evokes images of Charles Babbage and his mechanical computers. This is one of the finest examples of complex haute horlogerie - taking something as simple as the time in hours and minutes, and adding a second time zone display in a mechanical display inspired by a digital-LED display. To accomplish this is no easy feat, requiring no fewer than 651 individual parts. de Grisogono was determined to break new ground and explore an area no watch manufacturer had ever ventured into: a digital display driven by an exclusively mechanical system.
This may seem somewhat of an anachronism. The digital display is a result of the quartz era, from a time where electronics seemed to have defeated the mechanical watch. Move ahead to 2008 and magnificently intricate mechanical movements are more in demand than ever and Haute Horlogerie enjoying unprecedented success.
The Meccanico dG hand-wound, mechanical movement has a dense cluster of micro systems featuring extremely elaborate cam and gear assemblies. It is composed of an analogue display of the hours and minutes on the upper dial and a digitally displayed second time-zone on the lower dial. The mechanically operated digital display of the second time-zone shows 4-digit decimal time, all displayed by mobile micro-segments driven by an assemblage of 23 cams connected to a set of gears and a triggering and synchronization system. Essentially, this is a mechanical micro-computer that mechanically converts binary data to decimal.
Vertical segments are 9 mm high and weigh at most 25 milligrams while the horizontal segments measure 2.90 mm in length and weigh only 10 milligrams. The segments have four faces: two opposing visible faces fitted with colored strips and two opposing unmarked faces. Time changes are effected by 90° rotations of the required segment or segments. Involving one to twelve segments, time changes are lightning fast.
Despite the power needed for the double analog-digital display and the torque required to effect the instantaneous rotation of the digital micro-segments, the Meccanico's hand-wound mechanical movement, exclusive to de Grisogono, delivers a power reserve of 35 hours.
The case of the de Grisogono does justice to its exceptional movement. Notable for generous dimensions (56 x 48 mm) and cambered lines - this innovation is water-resistant to 30 meters. Variants are available in a choice of styles: titanium, titanium and red gold, titanium and rubber and titanium and platinum. Contemporary trends in design are evident with its correctors and the crown guard fashioned from vulcanized rubber. Its analogue display is set by the crown opposite 3 o'clock while the second time-zone is set by a pair of correctors - for hours at left, for minutes at right. Also crafted from vulcanized rubber. The strap is fitted with a deployment clasp buckle featuring the de Grisogono crest.
