One Hertz in Rose Gold, with 3D printed prototypes

Then, it was a case of deciding on the complication that this watch would have. A dead beat seconds was at the top of the list, as it was not so common, and at the time, the brothers had some good ideas on how to make this complication in a way that would perform better. A dead beat seconds is a complication that “ticks” like a quartz watch, with the second hand touching each marked index 60 times per revolution. I found it quite funny, as it somehow shows the reversal of taste, used as we are to the sweeping seconds hand of a mechanical watch, a ticking seconds on one now becomes a rare thing.

The movement, named the GS-02 is unique in that there are two barrels and power trains in the watch. The dead beat seconds runs off one power train while the hours and minutes runs off another. This separation allows the reduction of interference between the balance and the escapement and further gives this watch a very useful 90 hour power reserve.

Look at the following photos of their initial sketches of the watch below and you will see how the idea for the large sub-dial showcasing the dead beat seconds evolved from the first sketch.

An off-centre arrangement was chosen for this sub-dial, with the sub-dial for the time moved to the upper right, diminishing its relative importance. Other elements on the dial include the power reserve indicator as well as the indicator for switching the function of the crown from winding to time-setting. This crown functions like a chronograph, allowing a change of function between winding and time setting by pushing the crown. An indicator on the dial marked W (for Winding) and S (for setting) shows the user which setting is being engaged… (more »)