RUDIS SYLVA RS05 WHITE GOLD MATTE BLACK DIAL

Beautifully executed and unique in architecture, the Rudis Sylva RS05 White Gold watch is a stunning example of contemporary independent watchmaking. A visually satisfying timepiece, this technically complex watch has been handcrafted and finished to Haute Horlogerie standards, thus blending superlative aesthetics with cutting-edge innovation.

The piece is equipped with the company’s patented Harmonious Oscillator, a mechanism which enables instantaneous correction of timekeeping errors in the vertical position, the timekeeping ability of the watch is such that it defies the effects of Earth’s gravity on accuracy. Characterised by a unique arrangement of two linked toothed balances driven by a single escapement, the invention creates a new benchmark for physical resonance within the confines of a watchcase and is considered to be such a significant watchmaking milestone that its development has been compared with Breguet’s tourbillon. The RS05 White Gold showcases the mechanism within an extraordinary setting exhibiting excellent craftsmanship throughout.

An independent watchmaking company which by its very name pays homage to the creation of watchmaking in the Jura region, Rudis Sylva have become vanguards for métiers d’art techniques, by highlighting the collaborative skills of artisan watchmaking in the area. The development of their Harmonious Resonance is considered by many in the industry to be a significant technical advancement in progressive watchmaking and it is without doubt a triumphant achievement for such a small scale independent company.

The watch resides in a case of 18ct white gold measuring 42.2mm across. A high polish finish heightens the pleasure of its square-formed profile, while the sculpted crown is embellished with the company’s distinctive logo of a trio of fir trees upon three mountains.

Visually compelling, the dial is of a multi-level design, comprising of a generous openworked sector at the lower, surrounded by a background of matte black.

The lower sector of the watch façade is, of course, dominated by the revolutionary Harmonious Oscillator, an invention which quite literally makes the seemingly impossible, possible. Building upon the theoretical conclusion that better timekeeping can be achieved through resonance, Rudis Sylva have invented a novel physical resonance arrangement, comprising of two toothed balances linked together. While the pair are physically linked, only one of the balances is linked to the escapement, and this enables it to then provide the impulse which drives the other.

As the pair work in symmetrical opposition, each instantly averages the error of the other regardless of the position of the cage which holds them. Completing one mesmerising revolution every 60 seconds the cage itself is incredibly detailed. Crafted from titanium and with a form which recalls that of miniature weaponry, it features 28 bevelled angles, an extraordinarily challenging technical feat due to the difficulty of rendering such decoration on this type of construction material. Elsewhere, the mainplate has been decorated with a flawless pyramid motif which has been hand worked using the traditional method of guilloché.

Visually secondary to the formidable panorama of the mechanisms, the indication of the hours and minutes are represented on an off-centred display, also with a handworked guilloché pyramid motif, and via hand-made hands and three triangular markers. The provenance of the maker at each upper quadrant of the dial is accompanied by a porthole displaying the date on the right and the Rudis Sylva logo on the left, with each adding excellent equipoise to the arrangement.

Powering the watch, the in-house manual winding calibre beats at a frequency of 21,600vph and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Featuring the patented invention, the “Harmonious Oscillator”, which is a world first with two toothed balances, which exhibits a resonance effect from the first oscillations, the development of this sophisticated movement and the superb finishing employed in its construction demonstrates both the flair for innovation of this exciting independent watchmaking company, and also their commitment to upholding traditional métiers d’art skills. Adhering to the artisan styling codes of the watch, the caseback also features splendid craftsmanship, with a sundial motif, hand engraving and script which serves as a reminder of the importance of time, simply stating “Ultima Forsan”.

A masterful, technically accomplished timepiece, the Rudis Sylva RS05 White Gold Harmonious Oscillator comes presented on a hand-stitched alligator leather strap secured with a pin buckle.

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