The Dōdekal One

From MCT -

Courtesy of MCT

This is the latest from the folks at MCT.  A rather intriguing take on a digital/analog display with the hour featuring in the center of the dial.

Courtesy of MCT

Limited to 25 pieces of each of the two versions.  Here are the pertinents -

DŌDEKAL ONE
D110
 
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

 
Reference:
SQ 43 D110 TI 01 / SQ 43 D110 AB PG 01 

Function:

Central digital indication of the hour
Minutes’ indication by a flying hand 

Movement:

MCT-D1 mechanical self-winding movement, developed and assembled by MCT 18 carat gold micro-rotor
Bridges hand-chamfered and adorned with “Côtes de Genève”
Traditional Breguet terminal curve
Frequency 18,000 A/h (2.5Hz) Power reserve of 50 hours
62 Rubies

Case:

Cushion-shaped case of 43mm x43mm on the edges
Crafted from titanium Grade 5
Front cambered crystal made of sapphire with double anti-reflective coating Rear crystal made of sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the inside side

Dial:

Black dial, white minutes’ index, red minute’s hand(Pink Golg 5N minute’s hand for the 2nd version) White digital hours

 
Strap:

Alligator inner leather Deployment clasp 

Water Resistance:
30 meters

 

The Sequential One S110 Skull

From MCT -

Courtesy of MCT

Let's start with the "lume" shot.  As you can see, quite striking.  And just so you have an idea of what to expect in the daylight -

Courtesy of MCT

Here are the pertinents -

SEQUENTIAL ONE – S110 SKULL
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

REFERENCE
SQ 45 S110 AB SKULL 

FUNCTION 

Sequential indication of the hour on prisms Minutes’ indication on 270° sector


MOVEMENT

MCT-S1.0 hand-winding movement, developed and assembled
by MCT Composed of 471 pieces
Bridges hand-chamfered and adorned with “Côtes de Genève” 
Patented system for accumulation of energy
Frequency 18,000 A/h (2.5Hz)
Traditional Breguet terminal curve
Power reserve of 50 hours 81 Rubies 

CASE 

45.00mm, x 45.00mm, H 15.50mm in centre and 6 mm on the edges
Crafted from Titanium Grade 5, DLC coated composed of 50 components 
Front cambered crystal made of sapphire with double anti-reflective coating 
Rear crystal made of sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the inside side 
Middle crystal made of sapphire

DIAL

Minutes: indication of a rotated dial in aluminum, covered with Super-LumiNova 
Hours: made of 4 modules composed of 5 triangular prisms each

Skull: covered with Super-LumiNova

STRAP
Alligator inner leather, handed stitched, triple deployment clasp, in steel

WATER RESISTANCE
30 metres/ 3 ATM

GENERAL WARRANTY
3 years

LIMITED EDITION
available in various colors 

The Transfer Window Opens at MCT

It's not every Sunday that you get a press release on "comings and goings" but as it was Super Bowl Sunday I guess it was as good a time as any.  MCT announced a new CEO -

Courtesy of MCT

Pierre Jacques has been appointed the new head of MCT.  And here is where many of us start experiencing what can best be described as mixed emotions.  Students of recent watch history will note that in many ways MCT has not exactly been blessed with luck.  Back in 2010/2011 there was what could politely be referred to as a "crisis of confidence" as the demand of producing and delivering movements for another brand (who if I am not mistaken are back in the poop with another independent watch maker right now), which led to layoffs and ultimately the need for the company to be taken on by another group.  

But time, like life, moves forward.  And If I am honest, I am pleased that someone who did not necessarily come from the obvious stream of watch brand leaders has taken the helm.  Here is the break down from MCT:

Mr Jacques has more than 15 years of strategic and operational experience in the watch industry. He notably co-founded the international watch magazine GMT, directed the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève and subsequently the Geneva flagship store of the retail group Les Ambassadeurs, before serving for five years as CEO of the De Bethune brand.

So we wish Mr. Jacques the very best of success.  Let's hope things will now continue to move forward for MCT.

Sequential One S110 Reinterpretation

From MCT -

Courtesy of MCT

To be very, very honest, I always find myself conflicted my MCT.  On the one hand, they are making some very cool watches.  On the other hand, several good people were mismanaged out of their jobs 4 years back.  It is very hard for me to think of one without the other.  

But in all fairness, that is now in the past and it is probably time to leave it there.  So as my favorite watch boss Javi Perrigo would say - Let's turn the page.

This is the Sequential One S110 Reinterpretation, and here is the story, straight from the source:

The Sequential S110 EVO introduces a sleeker design without compromising the raw strength of the original.

Courtesy of MCT

In these new limited edition S110 EVO models, the signature features of the MCT-S1.0 movement contrast with an unexpected backdrop, namely the velvety appearance of the dial in either black or champagne. The matte finish of this surface is further accentuated by the polished beveling of the edge of the cross-shaped bridge. As a result, the parts of the movement contrast with the dial, creating an exceptional play of light.

The cushion-shaped case, a veritable signature of the brand, is crafted from titanium grade 5 with DLC coating for the anthracite version. A sapphire insert brings light into the heart of the movement, revealing the details of the micro-mechanical finishings. The lugs are also meticulously designed to adhere to the harmony of the watch and also to ensure ergonomic comfort. On the back of the Sequential One S110 EVO, the sapphire crystal reveals the movement, which has also been redesigned. It is remarkably hand-finished with the Côte de Genève motif and bridges and plates with graceful curves. While the Sequential S110 EVO maintains its decisively urban look, it offers refined touches, in particular thanks to a more classical typography and to counter-sunk screws in the bridge.

The MCT-S1.0 movement is a caliber that was designed, developed and perfected in-house by MCT. The company’s verticalization strategy allows for the advantages of flexibility and speed which, combined with creative talent, give MCT the opportunity for continuous innovation. 

These two references enrich the brand’s stylistic range and demonstrate the capacity of Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps to reinvent itself, while preserving its unalterable characteristics.
Sequential One S110 EVO is available in two limited editions: 25 pieces with the champagne dial and blue hands and 25 pieces with the anthracite dial and gray hands. 

Perhaps the Most Expensive Movement Ever...

And by that I don't mean the price.

Courtesy of MCT

Anyone who is a little familiar with the saga of MCT over the past few years can be forgiven if they might be sketchy on the details.

MCT - Sequential One exclusive for Hôtel de Charme Les Airelles

This just in from my friend over at MCT -

MCT has created two unique pieces to be displayed at the Hôtel de Charme Les Airelles Courchevel 1850 in the French Alps.  These two pieces will only be available here in cooperation with Kronometry 1999 www.kronometry1999.com.  Pictured above is the model for men. 
My friend was good enough to send over some technical details as well -

Technical details: Unique Piece "Gentleman" for Les Airelles No. 1/1

Case: 18k white gold case with special black PVD treatment

Jewels: bezel set with 88 black diamonds (1.35 carats)

Movement: MCT mechanical hand wound calibre
Complication: Sequential One
Balance frequency: 18'000 BPH/2.5Hz
Power reserve: 40 hours

Hands: white hour numerals on black prisms, black minute ring with white numerals, black and white minute hand, and white seconds indicator (on back)

Strap and buckle: All black alligator strap with black stitching; 18k white gold black PVD treated double folding buckle

MCT for Les Airelles, Courchevel - 2011 etched in white on the inside of the sapphire crystal display back

And in the words of Barry White - this one is for the ladies out there -

Technical details: Unique Piece "Lady" for Les Airelles No. 1/1

Case: 18k white gold case

Jewels: bezel set with 88 white diamonds (1.35 carats), dial set with four diamonds (0.095 carats), folding buckle set with 52 diamonds  (0.369 carats). Total of 1.814 carats of white diamonds

Movement: MCT mechanical hand wound calibre
Complication: Sequential One
Balance frequency: 18'000 BPH/2.5Hz
Power reserve: 40 hours

Dial and hands: white dial, pink hour numerals, silvery/grey minute ring with white numerals, white minute hand, and white seconds indicator (on back)

Strap and buckle: All white alligator strap with white stitching; 18k white gold diamond-set double folding buckle

MCT for Les Airelles, Courchevel - 2011 etched in white on the inside of the sapphire crystal display back