1776 Atelier "Montpelier" Stainless Steel w/ Alligator Strap - Serial #1

Horology By The Sea is thrilled to present the Montpelier - a timepiece of true artisanal American watchmaking from 1776 Atelier.

The architecture of the dial is a study in texture and light, intentioned to exhibit 1776 Atelier's dedication to hand finishing. Underneath the handmade and flame blued steel hands lies an exquisite double-layered dial exhibiting 62 internal angles and hand polished bevels. The intricate recesses are frosted to provide an excellent contrast to the polished surfaces. Beneath the dial we are given view of the fully beveled gear train, of which each gear is circle grained on both sides and finished in 18k rose gold. Visible past the dial is the mainspring barrel with Double Solarization. 

The reverse side reveals 1776 Atelier's hand wound Caliber 0917.1787 which operates at an eye-pleasing 2.5Hz. While based on a 17 jewel Unitas 6498, 1776 Atelier introduced 2 additional jewels to fully support the mainspring barrel... this adjustment  reduces friction during power delivery, ensuring a smoother and more efficient transmission through the gear train and an increased power reserve to 53 hours.

1776 Atelier's unique movement bridges are given a hand applied diamond texture to the vertical surfaces. This is a technique unique to Glashutte trained watchmakers as it highlights the hand finished polished bevels. The raised edges are circle grained while the recesses are frosted by way of a 3 micron glass bead blast. It is only with a with a flawless surface underneath can a positive result be achieved. The crown and ratchet wheels are double solarized and are made extra thick to highlight the beveling. The custom made ratchet system is designed to prevent overwinding and to provide a lovely and unique feedback during winding. The pallet fork and all screws are black polished by hand. Leaving no part unfinished, even the shock absorber residing on the balance cock undergoes snailing and is finished in 18 karat rose gold to match the screw-studded balance wheel.

In keeping with the Made In America ethos, the Montpelier is the first watch in 60 years with bridges made using American sourced brass, ground within 2 microns of flatness in a repurposed Tiffany & Co grinding machine. Stars exist on the dial as tribute to the original 13 colonies... 12 of which are easily found on the chapter and a the 13th on the solid rose gold circular plate displaying the watch's individual serial number.

The Stainless Steel case measures 41mm x 10.2mm x 49mm lug-to-lug and is attached to a 20mm handmade grey alligator strap and stainless steel pin buckle. The polished concave bezel was specifically designed to flow seamlessly into the chamfer of the lugs and the knurled crown for a heightened tactile experience. Water Resistant to 50 Meters.

Horology By The Sea is the exclusive Authorized Dealer for 1776 Atelier in the United States. This watch carrying Serial #1 has sold. To reserve a future delivery, please send an email to brandon@horologybythesea.com.