The three watchmaking manufacturers selected for Ariane

In the first chapter of Ariane starting mid-September, you will be tasked with creating a model and selecting from a wide range of compositions. These creations and your votes will determine not only the type of movement chosen for the collection but also the manufacturing partner for the project.

Before the official launch, we want to give you an overview of the 3 pre-selected partner factories for this new horological adventure.

DUBOIS-DEPRAZ

Dubois Dépraz has been chosen for its ability to develop, manufacture, and assemble complex mechanisms in-house, thereby retaining full ownership of its innovations. This independence enables close collaborations with prestigious brands as well as emerging ones, co-developing sophisticated components and complications.

If this manufacturer is selected, we will develop a custom complication on a dedicated caliber for the project. You can explore all the calibers and complications offered by the manufacturer at https://www.dubois-depraz.ch/complications/.

SELECTED MOVEMENTS

Calibre DD55101 Total thickness: 5,20 mm Module thickness: 1,60 mm Casing: Ø 30,00 mm ​– Seconds at the center – Hand-type calendar – Leap year index – Window moon phases – Perpetual Calendar
​Calibre DD5652C Total thickness: 5,20 mm Module thickness: 1,60 mm Casing: Ø 26,20 mm ​– Seconds at the center – Day date by hands – Hand-type calendar – Window moon phases
Calibre DD5652C Total thickness: 7,70 mm Module thickness: 4,10 mm Casing: Ø 30,00 mm ​– 60-second counter at center – 30-minute hand counter – 12-hour hand counter – Window moon phases – Small-second indicator – Annual hand calendar – Flyback

MANUFACTURE HISTORY

It was in January 1901, in the small Swiss village of Le Lieu, that Marcel Dépraz launched his first watchmaking workshop, marking the beginning of a family horological saga. Specializing in the production of watch mechanisms, Marcel Dépraz quickly earned a gold medal at the Cantonale Vaudoise Exhibition just a few months later.

In 1911, he started a new venture with his brother-in-law, named "Dépraz & Guignard," which expanded again in 1937 with the arrival of his son-in-law, Reynold Dubois. This collaboration led to the creation of the caliber 48, a chronograph that became a success with over 3.5 million units produced. The two entities then merged under the name "Dépraz & Cie." In 1956, Gérald Dubois, Reynold's son, established a technical office within the company, leading to the commercialization of the world's first modular automatic chronograph, the caliber 11, which was awarded a vermeil medal in Brussels.

The company has remained in the family, with the fourth generation gradually joining the ranks. In 2005, the company expanded even further by acquiring DPRM SA and then the Valtronic buildings in Charbonnières in 2017. Today, under the leadership of the fourth generation, Dubois Dépraz continues to write the Swiss horological history, proudly carrying the torch of its family heritage.

SOPROD

Similar to Dubois-Dépraz, Soprod distinguishes itself by its commitment to fully controlling its manufacturing process, from design to final assembly. However, what sets it apart is its ability to produce all of its mechanical, automatic, and quartz movements in-house, a rare approach in the watchmaking industry. The manufacture excels particularly in the production of delicate components (escapements, balance wheels), showcasing the exceptional technical expertise of its R&D team.

The superior quality of Soprod's production is attested by the "Swiss Made" label, which underscores its commitment to precision and authenticity. Additionally, Soprod collaborates with renowned watch brands and emphasizes a local manufacturing approach, relying on artisans from the Swiss Jura.

We have selected the perpetual moon phase movement C105 from the manufacture for this first chapter.

SELECTED MOVEMENTS

​​Calibre C105 Total thickness: 5,10 mm Casing: Ø 25,60 mm ​– Small-second indicator – Day-date window – Moonphase window – Quick Moon corrector

MANUFACTURE HISTORY

Since its inauguration in 1966, Soprod SA has become a true stronghold of Swiss watchmaking. Over the decades, it has refined its art in the development and manufacturing of mechanical calibers as well as quartz and smart movements. Each of them embodies the reliability and performance stemming from vertical production, thus perpetuating the Swiss watchmaking tradition with a touch of modernity.

SELLITA

As partners of the Mu:n Projects since October 2020, Sellita manufactures are responsible for the development and production of automatic movements for the Artemis Project.

The caliber SW288-1a will be reintroduced for this new project if the manufacturer is selected in your creations. Furthermore, it can be adapted in-house to fit its dimensions.

SELECTED MOVEMENTS

​​Calibre SW288 Total thickness: 5,65 mm Casing: Ø 25,60 mm ​– Day-date window – Moonphase window – Quick Moon corrector

MANUFACTURE HISTORY

Founded in 1950, this watchmaking house was born out of the passion and craftsmanship of Armand Fillon, a visionary master watchmaker. Witnessing the growing demand for quality mechanical movements, Fillon decided to create his own manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Over the years, Sellita built a proven reputation for precision and reliability. It specializes in the production of automatic and mechanical movements, competing with the finest Swiss watch brands.

Today, Sellita is an icon and a giant in watchmaking, creating movements that beat at the heart of millions of prestigious watches worldwide. Its history pays homage to the Swiss watchmaking tradition, and it continues to mark time with elegance and precision.

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Please feel free to share your thoughts on these prestigious manufactures. Your votes will determine the watchmaking house selected for the Ariane collection.