Swiss watchmaker, DeWitt, is set to unveil a new timepiece called the Academia Skeleton, which features a unique bi-retrograde seconds function, at the SalonQP show next week.
The Academia Skeleton is presented in a 42.5 mm diameter rose gold case, which has a fully polished finish on most surfaces, except the hollowed lugs, which have a frosted matte finish. Conversely, the dial and movement are predominantly matte-finished. The chapter ring has a circular brushed finish and is darkened, as are the movement bridges and mainplate. Contrasting the dial are the sword-shaped skeletonized hour, minute, and second hands that are in polished rose gold. The applied indices on the chapter ring, are also in rose gold. Uniquely, the indices are shaped almost like a wedge of cheese or a doorstop, which produces a three-dimensional effect.
The watch is powered by a 3Hz (21,600 vph) manually wound mechanical movement which features double barrels and has a power reserve that exceeds 100 hours. The movement is completely skeletonized and features darkened components, with satin-brushed surfaces, and beveled and polished edges on the main components, such as the bridges.
Located on the top section of the dial, to the left and right, are the two barrels. On the right, just above the barrel on the dial side, you can see it is fitted with an indicator that shows the remaining power reserve.
At 5 o’clock, you can see the adjustable screwed balance wheel.
In between 6 and 8 o’clock, you see the highlight of the watch: a bi-retrograde seconds display. Basically, the second-hand moves along the arc from left to right (from 0-30), in its retracted position. And then, instantly, when it hits 30 seconds, the hand extends and begins moving back in the opposite direction, as it completes the full minute by moving right to left (from 30-60). The hand then retracts again, and this process repeats itself over-and-over, every 60 seconds.
According to DeWitt, the special bi-retrograde mechanism, and the entire movement, were designed and developed in-house. Water resistance is 30 meters. Each piece comes with an alligator leather strap.
