SimplyAbuDhabi XV

9 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I by retransmitting energy directly from the escape-wheel to the balance. While today this not might seem very meaningful, it was of crucial importance to sailors centuries ago, as it led to appreciably improved precision. L’Ammiraglio del Tempo’s movement is also equipped with a constant-force device. A permanently wound intermediate spring positioned in the gear train connects the mainspring to the escapement and transmits regular torque to the escapement with very little loss of energy. In the lexicon of horological complications, the detent escapement is farmore complex than the tourbillon; it is also one of the rarest devices in this miniature format. The vast majority of mechanical watches are fittedwith lever escapements and, indeed, very fewother types of escapement are used. The reason for this restricted choice often stems from the difficulty inminiaturisation and ensuring reliability within the small space afforded by wristwatches. The elaborate 516-part movement is housed within a case belonging to theDaniel Roth line. One particular element plays a specific role in the activation of the striking system: one of the lugs is, in fact, mobile and serves as a repeater slide that glides from 7 to 8 o’clock to trigger the minute repeater. This highly innovative device ensures a smooth case middle that is unperturbed by the usual sideways protruding repeater slide. The 50mm case in 18K pink or white gold frames a partially open dial, revealing the detent escapement as well as the striking hammers and gongs. The ‘solid’ part of the dial is made from a plate in black or blue gold according to the metal of the case. This ensemble is topped by a bell-shaped sapphire crystal that provides tantalising glimpses of the hand-crafted Côtes de Genève and circular-grained movement finishes. L’AmmiragliodelTempo is issued in two extremely limited series of 20 in 18K pink gold, and 10 in 18K white gold. Each watch bears its individual number on the sapphire crystal disc adorning the crown. A true collector’s itemfor thehorological connoisseur.