Preview BASELWORLD 2013Haute Horlogerie: The first piece of the young watchmaking brand 4N
The watch brand 4N is presenting a watchmaking intricacy which is completely original and innovative. It highlights the unique assets that define the brand 4N, marked by an obvious return to a clear and effective numerical display by reinventing the jumping minute hand.
4N, while remaining within the mainstream of the new haute horlogerie, it distinguishes itself by the creation of a digital display, extremely effective in its ergonomics and spectacular in its shape, never before carried out (typographical frame 5.5 mm).
Let us explain the origin of the name 4N. To be read in its English version 4 numbers, it reflects the 4-digit display of a dozen hours, hours, dozens of minutes and minutes. The said rhythm sequence of the display reveals these original states. The brand identity, summed up in it's logo, displays a character in counter-form, beneath a regular vertical sequence.
Model
The 4N-MVT01/D01 Model is the first of the mark. It’s embodied in a mouvement of manufacture, defined by a mechanical complication with manual assembly and a 12-hour digital display. It is based on an intelligent configuration of intermittent rotating discs. Three subgroups of discs, , kept in cage structures, light up to reveal the time according to a jumping display as the minutes pass (4 discs for the hour, 5 for the minutes, and 1 for the ten minutes). The device uses a system of jump by constant force guaranteeing a minimum expenditure of energy whatever the degree of movement.
The patented model solves delicate technical issues. The one size of the figures (5.5 mm) leads to a demanding implementation, based on a totally manual manufacturing process. The movement, stems from a complex setting of the kinematic discs, to solve problems of balance, inertia, and friction for optimum movement and a minimum expenditure of energy.
This model is available in 18K white gold, titanium or platinum. The bracelet which may be selected from a range of high-quality materials, is mounted on the box by an automatic strap system and allows for lengthening as required. The model is also equipped with a time setting where it is easy to adjust the hour digits independently of the minutes. The model 4N-MVT01/D01 is available for sale and visible on the stand 4N (Palace - Watch Gallery Stand P24) at the BASELWORLD 2013.
Technical Specifications
Jumping minutes and hours Digital display by discs
Double barrel with simultaneous transmission stop-work
Screw balance: 9.12mm
Breguet spiral
Rhythm: 21 000 Alt/hour 514 components
78 rubies
237-hour power reserve (10 days)
Finish: all parts are hand-decorated
Limited edition 16 pieces
Retail price : white gold version - 150 000 € Excluding Taxes
APRP, a world-renowned partnership
The partnership with the manufacturer Renaud and Papi (Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi) clearly and comfortably places 4N in the contemporary Haute Horlogerie.
The innovative spirit of the manufacture, its production methods, among the most advanced, as well as its perfect mastery of technology have developed for it, over the years, an unparalleled reputation that has attracted the most prestigious watchmakers. APRP puts its know-how and technical expertise at the service of 4N, offering the assurance of constant and sustainable guaranteed services.
The uniqueness of APRP, the personality of its founders and it's level of requirements, have led to a highly qualified team with which 4N is proud to work.
4N, achieved a level of excellence
The partnership with Renaud and Papi (Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi) clarifies and highlights the performance ambition sustained by the brand. Assurance of high-tech and exceptional technical prowess, APRP today guarantees maintenance and regular monitoring of production, applied and sustainable. From the industrial research to the prototype to the delicate operation of finish and assembly, the collaboration with Renaud and Papi places 4N at a level of excellence in the horology market.
The partnership has a number of technical advances on the model of the iconic brand (4N-MVT01/D01), both in the sophistication of the finishes crafted entirely by hand and the final details worthy of the finest timepieces, as well as in the selection and implementation of exceptional quality materials.
This level of excellence is notably apparent through the enhancement of the screw balance placed on the dial, and of a movement of 10-days power reserve built around a double barrel. Some 520 components, all hand decorated with 87 rubies, form this exceptional movement. Their balance in this model makes it a particularly innovative work that reflects the audaciousness, and mastery of this young, independent brand.
Watchmaker & Designer
In 2009, François Quentin is the founder of the 4N watch brand. As freelance designer since 1986, F. Quentin, in the world of watchmaking, has helped design many contemporary models for French and Swiss watch brands. Among the most famous, we note that in 2004 he co-founded the HAUTLENCE watchmaking brand for the HL models and co-designed the Louis Vuitton flag-ship model, the Tambour.
At age 50, François Quentin has gradually added a variety of skills to his portfolio. Crazy about mechanics and computer science, the designer works in business sectors demanding both wide-ranging and special abilities, covering the world of the machine-tool, the eyeglass trade and Web design. F.Quentin graduated in watch repair since 2006 and can now clearly show his expertise in watch design.