#PRODUCTION UPDATE- ORION IMPROVEMENTS
- Thibault
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Hello everyone,
With the Orion series just weeks away from being assembled, we're sharing a feature article to showcase the improvements we've made over the past few months compared to the Kickstarter prototypes. Here are the seven changes made to the final models.
Component | Improvement |
Dial | Lower grained texture and upper sandblasted finish |
Date | Coloring the disc in tone on tone |
Index | Grade A and X1 luminescence |
Moon disc | Crater Improvement |
Glass | Five anti-reflective layers |
Bracelet | Expansion of the range |
Pin buckle | Casting a new generation |
DIAL
Grain & Finish Improvement
As detailed in our #Focus article – The Orion Dial (December 2024) , work on textures continued until the final prototyping phase.
In total, four new techniques were tested after the Kickstarter campaign, with ten prototypes received by November. The goal was both to accentuate the grained texture of the lower dial and to introduce a slight sandblasted effect on the upper part.
Manufacturing technique chosen: The part is cleaned, and a chemical treatment is applied to optimize adhesion. Spray nozzles (by mechanical arms) then atomize the varnish into fine droplets using a combination of compressed air and liquid pressure. The matte paint is then applied by spray. This overcoat provides a uniform light reaction and helps counterbalance the shiny, glittering appearance of the part.
DATE
Coloring the day disc
One of the major changes concerns the coloring of the day disc for the Orion Green and Orion Blue models .
Initially black with white numerals, the disc has been dyed in tone with the upper dial. This decision makes the date aperture more discreet and better integrated into the design. This modification does not apply to the Orion Grey and White models, whose black background has been retained, in keeping with the outer "railroad" graduation of the dial.
INDEX
Improved Super-LumiNova® grade
For the Orion Blue, White, and Grey wall lights, we've chosen Grade A of BGW9 pigment, the highest industry standard, offering 15 to 20% more brightness than the standard. The same goes for the Orion Green model, which features Grade X1 of C1 pigment, providing up to 60% more brightness.
MOON DISC
Deepening of craters
As explained in the article FOCUS #1 – The Orion luminescent disc , the result of several years of development in collaboration with AJS Production, a final prototyping was carried out this winter to test new printing techniques on lunar craters. The result brings more realism, with enhanced visual depth. The porous aspect of the craters creates rich contrasts, especially at night, thanks to the interaction with the Luminova sticker. The piece is currently in production; we will soon devote a full article to its manufacturing method.
GLASS
5 layers of anti-reflective treatment
Since the glass is (very) slightly curved, the reflections on the ORION series are barely perceptible and bring life to the room. However, to counterbalance excessively strong exposures, we wanted to accentuate the anti-reflective treatment, going from three to five layers applied to its inner face to reduce light capture .
Anti-reflective coating: This process involves depositing nanometric layers of minerals to reduce unwanted reflections while preserving the transparency of the glass. As it is sensitive to micro-scratches caused by everyday use, this treatment has been applied only to the inside of the glass to limit wear over time.
BRACELETS
Diversification of the range
For the classic range, we stick to timeless colors adapted to each model: deep black, navy blue and tawny brown in Harisson leather .
In addition, we are introducing a new, more modern and colorful range of straps for the ORION series, available in three leather colors: fir green, cocoa gray and midnight blue . To add to the uniqueness of the pieces, we wanted to contrast the stitching in accordance with the colors of the ORION series.
We offer you a dedicated Focus to present the selected leathers and the manufacturing process of a bracelet in the article: Focus #6 - Mu:n bracelets.
LOOP
New version of the pin
As mentioned in our February 2025 update, we validated a new generation of pin buckles in early 2025, more robust and consistent with the identity of the Orion series. Designed to echo the case, it alternates between brushed and polished finishes. The polished chamfers thus recall the watch lugs, while the brushed surface limits marks and reduces possible scratches. The overall design incorporates a discreet logo composed of two triangles.
PRODUCTION
Provisional agenda
On the production side , the initial schedule is on track and all of our partners are on schedule.
Sellita Calibers : 500 calibers will be received during April, and 300 more in May.
Components : The steel cases, dials and bracelets will be finalized during April, and the hands at the beginning of May, for delivery estimated at May 12.
Packaging : All the boxes were received in our offices at the beginning of May.
Leather Straps : The SIS Group has experienced a delay in the supply of Toscano leathers; delivery of the straps is scheduled for the 3rd week of May.
Assembly and Delivery : We estimate that we can start assembly in the 3rd week of May, with deliveries scheduled for the end of the same month, as planned.
Thank you for your patience and trust in this new project. We look forward to delivering the entire collection and collecting your feedback in the next few weeks.
See you soon,
Victor & Thibault
Comments