Horological Machine N°3 Megawind
Overview
Derived from the HM3 series, MegaWind combines a giant “battle-axe” winding rotor with highly legible hour and minute indication cones, rising from the case.
MegaWind is powered by the beautifully engineered, Jean-Marc Wiederrecht-designed HM3 engine. Placing the rotor and regulator on the dial side required flipping the movement upside down – possible thanks to two large ceramic bearings visible through the display back. Rotating displays of this size and shape generated a number of technical headaches: the cones are machined from solid blocks of aluminium, chosen for its optimal strength to weight ratio, and reducing energy requirements to an absolute minimum.
What's so special about this machine?
A giant battle axe rotor, bespoke clover-head gold screws and reflections that flashes light will give your wrist its moment of glory.
Machine in action
While the viewer’s gaze will naturally be attracted towards the three-dimensional sculptures housing the hours and minutes, it is likely to be the giant battle-axe shaped winding rotor that mesmerises the eye as it swings unhurriedly, but indomitably over the meticulously hand-finished movement. It's in the dark however when the rotor really comes alive with light.
Close inspection of the case – which comprises over 50 separate components – is rewarded with a myriad of carefully considered details, including the bevelled perimeter of the rotor display crystal that adds visual flair as the angles catch and reflect flashes of light; the bespoke clover-head gold screws; and the cleverly integrated lugs attaching the strap.
THE MACHINE
Megawind is powered by the beautifully engineered, Jean-Marc Wiederrecht-designed HM3 engine.
Placing the rotor and regulator on the dial side required an inverted movement, which was only possible thanks to two large high-tech ceramic bearings – visible through the display back – that efficiently transmit time up to the revolving hour and minute cones above. Rotating domes of this size and shape posed several technical challenges. The hour and minute domes are machined from solid blocks of aluminium, chosen for its optimal strength-to-weight ratio; this keeps energy requirements to an absolute minimum.
- Material: 18k white gold/titanium, 18k red gold/titanium or black PVD-treated 18k gold and titanium, with C3 Super-LumiNova numerals and band under the rotor
- Dimensions: 47 x 50 x 17 mm
- Three-dimensional horological engine designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht/Agenhor; Sowind oscillator and gear train
- 22k gold and titanium battle-axe automatic winding rotor
- Time indications transmitted via ceramic ball bearings
- 270 components / 36 jewels
- Hours on one cone and minutes on second cone
Inspiration
The HM3 series was developed to display the machine’s beautifully finished movement in operation. By turning the movement upside down, all is open to view: harmoniously crafted bridges, rapidly oscillating balance wheel, gearing and distinctive battle-axe automatic winding rotor.
MegaWind takes the HM3 concept even further, by increasing the size of the powerful winding rotor and optimising the legibility of the hour and minute cones.
