Presented last month at Baselworld 2016, the new Manufacture Royale 1770 Haute Voltige Dual Time is enriching the 1770 Voltige line with this new version equipped with an easy-to-set second time zone and a raised balance wheel that dominates the majority of the dial. Available in a 45 mm micro-blasted stainless steel case, the watch comes with either blue or black dial. Personally, we feel the blue dial is way more appealing and extremely beautiful since we are suckers for blue dials. The new Manufacture Royale 1770 Haute Voltige Dual Time allows the wearer to keep two time zones in check, directly adjustable via the winding crown.
In order to provide a captivating layout on the dial of the new 1770 Haute Voltige Dual Time, Manufacture Royale has raised the balance wheel and the second time zone display above the dial, like a stunt-flying demonstration. The two finely sculpted bridges of the 1770 Haute Voltige Dual Time progressively rise up on either side of the dial. The first, very ethereal, bridge holds the balance wheel above the setting mechanism, whereas the second bridge harmoniously positions the second dial at a different height. These raised elements create an impression of lightness and movement with captivating shadow and light effects. The construction offers a view of the oscillations of the ultra-light balance wheel and the motion of the escapement, the beating heart of the watch.
Positioned at 5 o'clock, the small subdial with the second time zone contrasts against the sunray finish of the main dail plate. This subdial features a quilted pattern and fine polished rim with the 12 o'clock numeral in bright red for optimal readability and contrast. Open-worked hands indicate the home time and solid hands mark hours and minutes on the second time zone.
The beating heart inside the new Manufacture Royale 1770 Haute Voltige Dual Time is the new automatic movement Calibre MR07. This calibre is the 7th movement fully developed by Manufacture Royale since its rebirth in 2010. This calibre fully visible via the display case back, highlights a double technical feat with a central hour-and-minute display linked to an off-centered secondary time zone display. This second time zone comprises an additional difficulty with a setting by the crown instead of the usual push-buttons. The movement provides a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph.
The 45 mm diameter steel case on the new Manufacture Royale 1770 Haute Voltige Dual Time features the aesthetic and technical codes of the 1770 collection such as the round case with a perfectly rounded lateral stretcher piece fastened by two screws on each side to grip the middle case and then extend to form the horns/lugs at each end. The watch is water resistant to 30 meters.
The watch is fitted with a hand-stitched alligator strap with light brown alligator lining. The blue dial version features a dark blue strap with white contrast stitching, while the black version features a black strap with red contrast stitching. The strap is equipped with a pin buckle.
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and with a really nice wrist presence. Perhaps the only thing we would've changed on this watch to make it even better, would've been a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides to reduce unwanted glare.
Sticker Price $36,300 USD. For more info on Manufacture Royale click here.
