One of the watches nominated as one of the 6 finalists in the Tourbillon category of the 2016 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, is the Rudis Sylva RS16 Harmonious Oscillator.
This intriguing model, built around the complication that made its debut at BaselWorld 2009, is produced by a small, independent Swiss watchmaker, Rudis Sylva, which exclusively creates highly complicated watches. The manufacture, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, is also celebrating the RS 16's pre-selection in the Tourbillon category of the 2016 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
Rudis Sylva watches are developed around the complication named the Harmonious Oscillator, which is actually a mechanism that fully counters the effects of gravity. In a vertical position, the Tourbillon normally needs about 60 seconds to compensate for the effects of gravity, while the Harmonious Oscillator counters it entirely. The invention relies on a resonance system with two mechanically interlaced balances, powered by a single escapement. The toothed balance wheels instantly minimize the effects of gravity, when the watch is in the vertical position, which results in a more stable amplitude and much greater precision.
The superior technical solution is complemented by the finest artistic expression via hand-engraving, enameling, guilloche, and scintillating anglage. The watch is crafted from 18-carat red gold, and it measures 44 mm in diameter. Its distinctive design incorporates a high-domed sapphire crystal covering the openworked dial that reveals a main plate decorated with a handcrafted guilloche pattern of tapering pyramids. The bridges of the dual balance regulator are adorned with a handcrafted angle with no less than 40 internal angles, 28 of which are executed in titanium. The movement and the case-back are hand-finished, with the case back featuring delicate high-fire enamel.
The extraordinary Harmonious Oscillator movement is fully developed by the Rudis Silva manufacture. This manually wound mechanical marvel beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), while its double spring barrels ensure a power reserve of 70 hours.
Rudis Sylva RS 16 Harmonious Oscillator in red gold retails for CHF 250,000 (excluding shipping and taxes). The watch is available at Rudis Sylva distributors in Europe, America, Asia, and Middle East. For more information, please visit rudissylva.ch.
