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Lot Essay
Created by the intriguing and innovative independent watchmaker Vladimir Victor Négault, the present Architecture Mecanique No. 1 is a unique interpretation of his highly original dual-time wristwatch. Combining an unusual mechanical architecture with a distinctive approach to displaying a second time zone, it offers a fascinating insight into the work of an emerging figure in contemporary independent watchmaking.
The present timepiece forms part of Ataelier Haute Complication's ART collection, conceived around the principle of allowing the dial to speak for itself while placing the complications deliberately to the side. For this unique Architecture Mecanique No. 1, the original configuration was therefore entirely reworked to give prominence to the dial, which was decorated completely by hand in the Ataelier Haute Complication workshop.
Against the night-blue mirror PVD-coated brass dial, the ELA logo has been individually painted by hand, becoming an integral part of the composition and giving the watch a direct visual connection to the charitable cause for which it was created. Rather than allowing the mechanical indications to dominate, the Architecture Mecanique No. 1 has thus been reimagined around its handcrafted dial, transforming the watch into a unique expression of both horology and art.
Founder of Ataelier Haute Complication, Négault has deliberately maintained a discreet profile despite an accomplished career. Describing himself as ‘a disciple of François-Paul Journe’, his association with the celebrated watchmaker began in 1994, when, while working as an architect and 3D modeller, he was approached by Journe to create a three-dimensional cast model for a Cartier bracelet. A decade later, Journe invited him to join F.P. Journe, where he initially developed 2D and 3D animations illustrating the operation of the manufacture’s movements and complications.
Négault subsequently spent an impressive 14 years within F.P. Journe’s research and development department. During this period, he pursued his own study of watchmaking before establishing Ataelier Haute Complication in 2018. His first Dual Time wristwatch was offered through a 19-piece stainless steel ‘Souscription’ series, which sold out within six days, consciously echoing the souscription model employed during the formative years of F.P. Journe. It was followed by a limited edition of 99 stainless steel examples, which likewise quickly found collectors.
Ataelier Haute Complication - Architecture Mecanique No. 1
The present unique Architecture Mecanique No. 1 departs significantly from the regular production model. Whereas the standard version incorporates both the second time zone and day/night indication within an arched display, this pièce unique relocates the dual-time indication to 6 o’clock, giving the watch an individual visual identity and further emphasising its exceptional status.
The case, whose restrained architecture reflects Négault’s formative experience with F.P. Journe, measures 41 mm. in diameter and only 9 mm. in height. Through the sapphire crystal caseback, the manually wound German silver movement can be admired in full, revealing its traditional hand-finishing and distinctive construction. Made almost entirely in-house, the movement provides approximately 42 to 45 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The present timepiece forms part of Ataelier Haute Complication's ART collection, conceived around the principle of allowing the dial to speak for itself while placing the complications deliberately to the side. For this unique Architecture Mecanique No. 1, the original configuration was therefore entirely reworked to give prominence to the dial, which was decorated completely by hand in the Ataelier Haute Complication workshop.
Against the night-blue mirror PVD-coated brass dial, the ELA logo has been individually painted by hand, becoming an integral part of the composition and giving the watch a direct visual connection to the charitable cause for which it was created. Rather than allowing the mechanical indications to dominate, the Architecture Mecanique No. 1 has thus been reimagined around its handcrafted dial, transforming the watch into a unique expression of both horology and art.
Founder of Ataelier Haute Complication, Négault has deliberately maintained a discreet profile despite an accomplished career. Describing himself as ‘a disciple of François-Paul Journe’, his association with the celebrated watchmaker began in 1994, when, while working as an architect and 3D modeller, he was approached by Journe to create a three-dimensional cast model for a Cartier bracelet. A decade later, Journe invited him to join F.P. Journe, where he initially developed 2D and 3D animations illustrating the operation of the manufacture’s movements and complications.
Négault subsequently spent an impressive 14 years within F.P. Journe’s research and development department. During this period, he pursued his own study of watchmaking before establishing Ataelier Haute Complication in 2018. His first Dual Time wristwatch was offered through a 19-piece stainless steel ‘Souscription’ series, which sold out within six days, consciously echoing the souscription model employed during the formative years of F.P. Journe. It was followed by a limited edition of 99 stainless steel examples, which likewise quickly found collectors.
Ataelier Haute Complication - Architecture Mecanique No. 1
The present unique Architecture Mecanique No. 1 departs significantly from the regular production model. Whereas the standard version incorporates both the second time zone and day/night indication within an arched display, this pièce unique relocates the dual-time indication to 6 o’clock, giving the watch an individual visual identity and further emphasising its exceptional status.
The case, whose restrained architecture reflects Négault’s formative experience with F.P. Journe, measures 41 mm. in diameter and only 9 mm. in height. Through the sapphire crystal caseback, the manually wound German silver movement can be admired in full, revealing its traditional hand-finishing and distinctive construction. Made almost entirely in-house, the movement provides approximately 42 to 45 hours of power reserve when fully wound.