Marquis Constellation

Description

Marquis Constellation

The Marquis Constellation is the new flagship of Milléchron, showcasing a planisphere complication and exquisite metier d’arts dial. It was conceived by our Founder Benjamin Chee with the desire to bring to fruition his personal vision of the most beautiful and elegant watch ever created.

The planisphere complication is adapted from the Celestial Infinity astronomical clock from our brother brand BCHH, which was nominated for the GPHG Mechanical Clock category in 2022. This watch is created in collaboration with AHCI master watch and clock maker Alessandro Rigotto, who also participated in the creation of the BCHH Celestial Infinity.

The star chart rotates according to sidereal time, making a 360 degree rotation every 23 hr 56 min 4 sec.

The high-quality classical five bridge movement is created in partnership with Oisa, an historical Italian company, and is further upgraded with hand-finished anglage and Geneva stripes on all the bridges and all the finishing required to ensure it meets the highest expectations.

The planisphere complication, developed and handcrafted by Alessandro Rigotto exclusively for Milléchron, is also integrated into the movement (rather than being a modular complication), ensuring its slenderness and purist architecture. Consequently, the star map is adjusted directly from the crown, without the need for any additional buttons on the case.

The bridges and baseplate are plated in 5N rose gold uniquely for Milléchron as well, with added perlage and polishing. The movement is distinguished by its svelteness (3.5mm with the planisphere being a mere 0.6mm thin) and comparatively high power reserve of 60 hours.

The dial cluster is formed from a rather elaborate construction, comprising three parts - a rotating disc which portrays a star chart showing the night sky above Milan (the home of both Alessandro Rigotto and Oisa, as well as the adopted home of Benjamin Chee), an intermediate sapphire crystal with an aperture for the visible stars on any particular night marked with the cardinal points, and finally the outer domed sapphire crystal.

The requirement for the star chart disc to rotate presented multiple challenges, as the disc had to be kept as light as possible to ensure proper timekeeping. The svelte design of the case and constantly rotating planisphere complication meant that the dial had to be kept within 0.2mm in height and 1.8g in weight.

Nonetheless, the dial still manages to showcase exquisite metier d’arts, with each star meticulously painted by hand in rose gold in varying sizes, faithfully and accurately portraying the heavens over Milan.

Finally, the case is made of Grade 5 Titanium and is highly polished and finished. It has separately soldered “eagle wing” lugs which exemplify the refinement and grace of the svelte case design. Its elegant proportions of 37mm diameter and 10mm thinness echo the superlative beauty of the dial.

In sum, the Marquis Constellation combines the purist conception of its movement with the refined grace of its case, capped off with the exquisite magnificence of its artisanal dial.

Supplied by the brand to the GPHG for its entry.