CIC Concept
The Central Impulse Chronometer is the first Chapter of the Masters of Escapements series. Inventing a new, reliable, self-starting, energy-efficient, wristwatch-compatible and high-accuracy escapement is the pinnacle of watchmaking.
Bernhard Lederer’s Central Impulse Chronometer perfects the works of two of the most respected past Masters, Abraham Louis Breguet and George Daniels, with respectively their Natural Escapement and Independent Double-Wheel Escapement.
Similar to George Daniels' approach, Bernhard Lederer has installed the two escape wheels at the end of two separate gear trains, each with its own barrel. However, the escapement functionality and architecture have been redesigned to ensure optimal efficient impulses to the oscillator.
Additionally, each set of escape wheels has been fitted with its own remontoir, a mechanism that rewinds a small spring every 10 seconds and thus ensures an even flow of power to the escapement.
The movement’s architecture and performance are matched by a refined execution and meticulous finishing down to the smallest detail. Openworked bridges, proprietary wheel spokes and three-dimensional construction all rely on a thorough set of skills and equipment in Bernhard Lederer's workshop.
Entirely designed and crafted in-house, each movement goes through a painstaking process of finishing, including extensive hand bevelling, graining, frosting, engraving, satin-finishing and polishing. The long and linear polished bevels of the remontoir and anchor bridges are eye-catching. And the grain-like texture of the mainplate and barrels is equally challenging.
The Central Impulse Chronometer escapement is based on a pair of escape wheels that interact with a special titanium anchor of a unique shape and optimal geometry.
The impulse positions, angles and contact timing are designed to dramatically lower friction and therefore increase longevity.
The sounds of the double impulse, and the sound when liberating the remontoirs, working alternately, provide the Central Impulse Chronometer with a unique, complex acoustic signature.
The energy to power the movement is transmitted from two barrels via two independent gear trains, each linked to a dedicated escape wheel. In addition, Bernhard Lederer has integrated a remontoir d'égalité into each of the two gear trains to accumulate a buffer stock of energy in a small spring close to the escapement.
Each remontoir is recharged at 10-second intervals and ensures the energy delivered to the balance wheel varies very little. Furthermore, the two remontoirs operate alternately one after another, separated by 5-second intervals, so each one offsets variations in the other.
To discover the fascinating Central Impulse Chronometer mechanism under its sapphire crystal globe is an experience in itself, similar to entering a magical mechanical city where time is created.