RUDIS SYLVA RS16 HARMONIOUS OSCILLATOR RED BLACK TITANIUM

A stunning example of contemporary Haute Horlogerie, the Rudis Sylva RS16 Harmonious Oscillator Red Black Titanium watch is defined by its technically complex architecture and visually stunning aesthetic. Combining superlative finishing together with cutting-edge innovation, the watch 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 RS16 Titanium Red showcases the mechanism within an extraordinary setting exhibiting beautifully executed handcrafting 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 groundbreaking technical advancement in progressive watchmaking and it is without doubt a triumphant achievement for such a small scale independent company.

From every aspect the RS16 Harmonious Oscillator Red Black Titanium is an outstanding wristwatch which blends high-end traditional craftsmanship with technical mastery. The case is of black PVD titanium and is finished with a generously domed sapphire crystal. Sized at 44mm across, and with a height of 14.3mm the crown is fitted with a bright red band providing contrast to the stealthy appearance of the watchcase.

Visually compelling, the lower sector of the watch façade is 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. Floating above the mechanism and cage, the openworked bridge is highly decorative while elsewhere, flawless guilloché work on the lower part of the mainplate, which upon further inspection reveals row upon row of increasingly smaller pyramid motifs, is an impressive, eye-pleasing inclusion.

Visually secondary to the formidable panorama of the mechanisms, the indication of the hours and minutes are represented on an off-centred display, via skeletonised hands rendered in red, complemented by classical roman numerals and slender markers in the same vivid tone.

Enhancing the multi-level aspect of this spectacular dial architecture, the hours and minutes indication is elevated while surrounding it and through its openworked centre, one can glimpse the mechanical components, with the two barrels of the movement at the upper, each framed by a backdrop of decorative perlage decoration, giving satisfying equipoise to the layout.

Powering the RS16 Harmonious Oscillator, the in-house manual winding calibre beats at a frequency of 21,600vph vph and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Featuring the patented Rudis Sylva innovation, 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 RS16 Harmonious Oscillator Titanium Red is presented on an alligator leather strap with red hand-stitching, secured with a pin buckle.

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