Swiss watch manufacturer to show unique measurement and navigation instrument
Neuchâtel, March 2, 2012 – With its new FIRMAMENTUM, the HERITAGE WATCH MANUFACTORY will be presenting a very special creation at this year ‘s BaselWorld. Fully in the tradition of timepieces used for observation, the FIRMAMENTUM, with Calibre No. 870, is an extraordinary timepiece designed for measurement and navigation. As well as the classic method of measuring time, with the aid of the hour angle it permits measurement of the movement of the sun and planets in our solar system, as well as that of stars.
Developed the by master watchmaker Karsten Fraessdorf, the FIRMAMENTUM combines, in two displays, measurement of the hour angle based on our solar time with that based on the stars – the sidereal hour angle. Due to a unique mechanism with a variable-speed gear train, one of the displays has been designed to be variable, and can switch between solar and sidereal time by means of a pushbutton. Accordingly, FIRMAMENTUM not only permits the simultaneous observation of two heavenly bodies within our solar system, but also the observing of the sun or a planet, or even a star outside the solar system. Moreover, in parallel, the hours minutes and sub-seconds can be read off just as on a normal watch. The fixed solar time display has in addition been conceived such that it can be additionally used as an adjustable second time zone with a 24-hour display accurate to the minute.
The FIRMAMENTUM also has an integrated function that, via a second pushbutton, synchronizes the time in accordance with a time signal. The power reserve indicator brings the underlying data of the watch to the fore. A stop lever halts operation of the watch movement after a running time of 56 hours.
This allows FIRMAMENTUM to not only provide exact navigation and determination of position for nautical and flying purposes, but also offers a much simplified basis for astronomy. Both requirements are aided by the unusually designed dial, which not only shows the usual methods of navigation but also permits the solar or sidereal hours and minutes used by astronomers to be read off.
Christian Guetermann, Founding Member and Member of the Board of the Company, comments: « The FIRMAMENTUM is a precision instrument that has its roots in traditional chronometry. At the same time, it is an extension of this history into the present as a mechanical supplement to electronic aids currently in use. It is thus directed towards extraordinary functionality, and is not simply art for art’s sake. »
About Heritage Watch Manufactory
HERITAGE WATCH MANUFACTORY, headquartered in the Swiss city of Neuchâtel, creates small series of high precision mechanical wristwatches. Characteristic for these chronometers are their extraordinary longevity and an escapement accuracy that completely redefines the previous understanding of precision in mechanical watches. In order to be able to create these chronometric masterpieces, the manufactory, founded in 2010 and in private ownership, utilizes only its own independently designed and developed movements.
Further information can be found at www.heritage-watch-manufactory.com
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