After the launch of the very successful Sequential One reviewed here, Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps is surprising us once again during Baselworld 2014 with the new Sequential Two S200 featuring MCT's signature prism display and for the first time in a round-shaped case composed of 43 components. While the Sequential Two is MCT's first model housed in a round case, it is immediately recognizable as by MCT thanks to the strong DNA running throughout the collection. Although the sequential prism hour display might be the most obvious visual clue to the Sequential Two's thoroughbred providence, the distinctive lugs are another and the case band harbors yet another MCT trademark, one more subtle but no less impressive: a sapphire crystal ring that ascetically lightens the case and quite literally lightens, as in allowing light into, the indications, complication and movement.
The top sapphire crystal is not simply placed on a bezel, but is stepped down and invisibly screwed to the case, dispensing with the bezel entirely. This may seem a simple detail, but is further proof of MCT's uncompromising approach to design. With the sides of the crystal replacing the bezel on top of the case, the timepiece appears slimmer and the transparent sides, in conjunction with the sapphire caseband ring and display back, allow light to illuminate the displays from nearly every angle.
Highly legible hours are indicated by four modules, each comprising of five triangular prisms. The current hour is highlighted by an open 'window' in a 'C-shape' arc around the center of the dial, which is relief-engraved with "Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps" —MCT.
The 'C-shape' arc rotates sequentially 90° anticlockwise to highlight the new hour, while minutes are displayed 360° around the full perimeter of the dial. The current hour is indicated by the open mouth of the 'C-shape' arc around the center of the dial, which also masks the non-current hours. The current hour displays sequentially in an anticlockwise direction.
Through the display case back one can appreciate the automatic movement calibre MCT S2 on the Sequential Two S200. The beating heart inside this new timepiece was fully developed in-house by MCT ensuring that the movement exactly met expectations in terms of design, performance, finish and quality. The 18K gold micro-rotor enables a very slim movement and case, making for a comfortable fit on the wrist —and under cuffs— as well as harmoniously pleasing case proportions measuring 44.6 mm in diameter and 14.5 mm in thickness.
While talking about gears might not get everyone excited, we can tell you that the gears in the new MCT Sequential Two S200 benefit from the latest advances in teeth profiles on them. The high efficiency gears mean less energy wasted in friction losses, higher and more consistent power to the regulator for higher precision and a longer power reserve.
The stunning black movement bridges visible through the display back offer a high contrast
backdrop to the red gold of rotor, screws and mainspring chaton. While the black movement
may appear at first glance to be 'minimalist', no fewer than 507 components and 85 jewels required in its construction bear testimony to the complexity involved. The black of the bridges and plates serves to subtlety reinforce the hand finishing of the “Côtes de Genève”, perlage and hand beveled edges. This movement provides a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800vph.
The watch available in either 18K red gold or 18K white gold —limited edition of 99 pieces for each metal— is fitted with a sapphire ring around case band, sapphire crystals with double anti-reflective coating, a double hand-stitched alligator leather strap with anti-allergy inner lining with 18K gold or titanium double-folding clasp and waterproof to a depth of 30 meters. Once again, our friends at MCT went the extra mile and above and beyond with their new horological creation.
Sticker Price Approximately $100,000 USD. For more info on Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps click here.
