he AdC8 project started with the idea of a collector of independent brands from California. The challenge was to create a rattrapante chronograph with the Atelier de Chronométrie style. So, the first thing done was to look for a good calibre base to start to work from. Finally, an entire vintage rattrapante chronograph with a calibre Venus 185 was found. The first step to create a new rattrapante calibre was made.

Another essential part of the watch design was the case. It had to be a fancy organic case, where ergonomy was a key requirement of the customer. Its creation process was an authentic and constant challenge in terms of design and handcrafting and took 9 months.

This Split-second chronograph with 12-hour counter is based on a Venus 185 movement and it is presented in a new case design made of 18k Grey gold with teardrop lugs. The Pulsations black galvanic “gilt” dial with silvered lettering and scales, and applied Breguet numerals, completes the overall look of this chronograph.

From a total of 280 calibre parts, 50 new parts have been created completely by hand without using CNC milling machines. The rest of the 230 parts have been modified and decorated by hand too.

The finishes include handmade grainage as well as black polish, anglage, perlage, polished countersinks, straight graining, etirage des flancs, etc. The calibre aesthetics combines a balanced mixture made of the combination of the pink gold plated bridges with the rodhium plated wheels and the steel accents of the levers and black polished parts as well the purple black polished beveled screws. At the center, a new rattrapante wheel made of titanium with the shape of the Atelier de Chronométrie symbol brings finesse and delicacy.

Due to the height of this rattrapante calibre, the main goals for the creation of this case were to create a visual effect that make it “thinner” and secondly to make it comfortable on the wrist. For those reasons, the center part of this three-body case has a curved shape and is combined with a concave bezel and case back. Inspired by the vintage chronographs, the teardrop lugs give more personality to the whole watch design. The design of the crown with the rattrapante pusher and the two pushers has been executed in order to not protrude excessively from the case profile to maintain harmony.