When Manufacture Royale launched their first timepiece several years ago we were not fond of it; however, the latest iteration of the Androgyne Royale is a watch that we find quite interesting and one that we would absolutely wear without a problem. The Androgyne Royale Pure Glacier Grey Steel we are reviewing here is the latest in-house creation in the Androgyne collection from Manufacture Royale and one that is made in the audacious spirit of its founder Voltaire.
The Case & Bezel
Just like all other Androgyne models, the Androgyne Royale Grey features an eye-catching, unmistakably steampunk-inspired 52-part case with flexible lugs to ensure extreme wearability. This ingenious construction gives a linear frame to the circular watch dial where 12 bezel screws mark the hours. The grey PVD coated stainless steel case measures 43 mm in diameter and 10.20 mm in thickness. The case is very nicely finished with a mirror polish and its color is what most people would refer to as gunmetal grey.
The Dial
The Manufacture Royale Androgyne Royale Pure Glacier Grey Steel features a fully skeletonized dial with movement bridges matching the color of the case and with bright red skeletonized hands and a flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock. Just like with all their other creations, a lot of work went into the complete skeletonization of the manual wound movement to make a big impression on the dial side. The movement features a flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock with silicon escape wheel and ceramic ball bearing.
The Movement
The beating heart powering the Manufacture Royale Androgyne Royale Grey Steel is the in-house calibre MR06. This manual wound movement comprised of 167 parts and 15 jewels is extremely well finished and a treat for the eyes. With no dial blocking any of its components, one can really admire the 'haute horlogerie' finishing. The MR06 movement’s brass parts have gone through flank drawing, before being chamfered by their master craftsmen and lastly undergone a PVD treatment, which gives them their intense grey color. Finished with engravings painted in bright red, the calibre comes to life in an eye-catching way. The movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph to provide an outstanding power reserve of 108 hours —almost five days.
The Strap
To further accentuate the timepiece’s contemporary design, the Androgyne Royale Pure Glacier is equipped with a grey alligator strap with contrast red stitching and a pin buckle in polished grey PVD stainless steel. The strap is quite comfortable and well finished.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the Manufacture Royale Androgyne Royale Pure Glacier Grey ref. AN43.02P02.D wears true to its size and with great wrist presence. While we are not big fans of steampunk looking watches or the Androgyne line from Manufacture Royale, we have to say that this Androgyne Royale looks simply stunning and its red hands and red accents make the watch pop in a very special way.
Sticker Price CHF 56,000 —approximately $56,000 USD. For more info on Manufacture Royale click here.
