Description

The concept aligns with Christophe Claret, which has repeatedly distinguished itself with innovative, striking mechanisms featuring cathedral gongs. The latter, the acknowledged king of chimes, is visible at 10 o’clock and equipped with a patented system that avoids the gongs vibrating against each other. The chronograph delivers peerless and reliable performance. Inspired by car gearboxes, its clutch disk system prevents the hand from jumping when the chronograph starts to enhance precision. This useful, functional, entertaining chronograph reflects the sensorial – acoustic and tactile – interaction between the instrument and its owner.

n addition to this innovative complication, Kantharos is equipped with a constant-force escapement. Majestically enthroned on the dial side at 6 o’clock, this clever mechanism is a key component that considerably reduces timing variations. The energy delivered to the escapement remains constant from the beginning to the end of the power reserve. Precision is the overriding goal. The perpetually moving mechanism exercises a hypnotic visual effect, which may be admired beneath a meticulously chamfered sapphire bridge, revealing the full extent of the master watchmaker’s know-how.

Housed inside a 45 mm-diameter case in titanium, the movement was designed, developed, and assembled in-house. This extremely complex caliber is not built up layer by layer, as is usually the case, but is fully integrated – a unified approach that enhances finesse, performance, and coherent technical and aesthetic appeal. The movement design is a feat in its own right. The rotor boasts increased inertia, and the mainspring guarantees a 48-hour power reserve. Clearly visible through the sapphire crystal case back and fitted with 75 jewels – an impressive number that single-handedly symbolizes the complexity of the mechanism – the caliber conceals nothing of its refined finishing. Among its 558 components, the swan-neck regulator spring and oscillating winding rotor feature hand-crafted finishes reflecting the finest haute horlogerie traditions. These include polished internal angles, an extremely demanding technique, and a balance-cock adorned with a brilliant-cut ruby. This wealth of subtle touches offers vivid proof that aesthetic precision pervades even the smallest of components and fully matches the outstanding technical performance of the timepiece. Together, they constitute the inimitable signature touch of the Manufacture Claret.