MANUFACTURE ROYALE New 1770 Micromegas Revolution
The new 1770 Micromegas Revolution, a timepiece featuring a double flying tourbillon with two different rotation speeds named in tribute to a legendary character imagined by Voltaire.
“Micromegas” (small/large) is the story of the giant Micromégas and a dwarf from the planet Saturn who travels the universe seeking knowledge. Inspired by this character, the 1770 Micromegas Revolution is a groundbreaking timepiece featuring a dial display that is at once revolutionary and captivating, both technically and visually. Two flying tourbillons spin at two different rotation speeds, one at 6 seconds and the other at 60 seconds. An hour hand tracks a subdial while a skeletonized turning disc indicates minutes. Together with an oscillating automatic rotor, these elements all combine to interpret the passing of time in an anthology of revolving indications.
Manufacture Royale initially found inspiration in Voltaire’s story to develop the calibre MR04 that equips the 1770 Micromegas—their first timepiece with a double flying tourbillon rotating at two different speeds. While multiple tourbillons do already exist, it wasn’t until the 1770 Micromegas that the two tourbillon cages each rotated at a different rate.
The cage on the left side of the dial completes a rotation in only 6 seconds—quite a performance, whereas the cage on the right side of the dial moves 10 times slower, requiring a full minute to complete its rotation. Both cages are connected by a torque stabilizer directly linked to the main power source, the barrel, with no intermediaries for the regulating mechanisms. This combination of two different technical solutions combines to form a single, multi-faceted approach to telling time that Micromégas himself would not have denied—a gigantic innovation!
Building on this concept, the 1770 Micromegas Revolution has a completely new heart that makes it beat: calibre MR08. This exclusive movement reveals a medium-sized rotor on its dial. A notable exception among similar timepieces, its automatic winding system is mounted on ceramic ball bearings and features a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.
“Revolution” is a perfectly appropriate name for this timepiece, since everything on its dial revolves: the two cages, the hour hand, the minute disk, and the rotor—a fascinating spectacle!
