Tag Archives: Swiss Made

A Watch That Resets The Bar On Fantastic Watchmaking

COMPLEXITY MÉTIERS D’ART
Double Cônillon 12 / 6 o’clockThe art of the human hand in combination with mechanical spectacle.
WORLD PREMIERE: DOUBLE INCLINED TOURBILLON WITH DIFFERENTIAL Limited edition of 9 pieces
The hand elevates the mechanics.
“The Complexity is an extreme and spectacular mechanical sculpture, designed to be admired from every angle while magnifying the chronometry and absolute precision that define the very essence of this watch.”YVAN ARPA, FOUNDER OF ARTYA GENÈVE

COMPLEXITY

MÉTIERS D’ART

Double Cônillon 12 / 6 o’clock   ·  The art of the human hand in combination with mechanical spectacle.

WORLD PREMIERE: DOUBLE INCLINED TOURBILLON WITH DIFFERENTIAL

Limited edition of 9 pieces

MÉTIERS D’ART EDITION

The hand elevates the mechanics.

Unveiled as a world premiere at Watches & Wonders 2026, the Complexity established an architecture never before seen in the history of watchmaking: two inclined tourbillons, two Cônillons, positioned at 12 and 6 o’clock, coupled by a differential, within a case cut entirely from sapphire. ArtyA Genève now reveals its most accomplished interpretation: the Complexity Métiers d’Art.

The principle is radical: every surface of the movement and dial becomes the territory of an artisan. Engraving, hammering, shot blasting, perlage, bevelling: the great decorative techniques of haute horlogerie are executed by hand, component by component, and orchestrated to invert the codes of the original version. Where the Complexity played on the purity of fine sandblasting, the Métiers d’Art asserts relief, texture and light.

The same world premiere. The same exceptional calibre. An entirely new skin, born of the artisan’s gesture.

“The Complexity is an extreme and spectacular mechanical sculpture, designed to be admired from every angle while magnifying the chronometry and absolute precision that define the very essence of this watch.”

YVAN ARPA, FOUNDER OF ARTYA GENÈVE

COMPLEXITY MÉTIERS D’ART, TRANSPARENT SAPPHIRE CASE, HAND ENGRAVED GRIFFE DIAL

THE DIAL

Hand engraved, sculpted by light.

The dial of the Complexity Métiers d’Art is entirely hand engraved on a finely sandblasted base. From the centre radiate scratches carved with the burin, one by one, whose varying depth multiplies the texture: under the light, the surface comes alive with a spectacular play of brilliance, changing with every tilt of the wrist.

The applied indexes carry on the dialogue between tool and hand: bevels polished by hand, flanks drawn with the cabron buff, while their upper face remains sandblasted to melt into the dial base and steal nothing from the spectacle of the engraving. Every edge breaks the light with micrometric sharpness.

THE HAND ENGRAVED GRIFFE DIAL, BEFORE FINAL TREATMENT

THE MOVEMENT

An exceptional calibre, dressed by the métiers d’art.

The Complexity-01 calibre is a manufacture movement developed with Purtec Sàrl (Vallorbe), a specialist in innovative horological complications. Its 287 components and 44 jewels are the result of thousands of hours of engineering to resolve the challenges posed by the double inclined tourbillon: dynamic balance, energy transmission through the differential, precision maintained in every position. The inclined tourbillon of the Complexity follows in the lineage of Eric Coudray, father of the gyrotourbillon and one of the world’s foremost specialists in multi-axis mechanisms, while the Cônillon finds its historical origin in the research of Andrew Holden Potter around 1860. A technical legitimacy few manufactures can claim.

Exceptional Hand Craftmanship

Upon this exceptional base, every bridge and every surface receives decoration executed by hand, in a deliberate inversion of the textures of the original version: the upper surfaces are hand shot blasted, while the lower surfaces are covered with entirely manual hammering, creating maximum relief. Two decorations specific to this edition, transforming the movement into a landscape.

Every angle is bevelled and polished by hand; the flanks are finished with the cabron buff, true to the signature of the house. The recesses of the mainplate are hand perlaged to highlight the complexity of the differential, the beating heart of the double Cônillon architecture. The centre bridge, beneath which the differential reigns, is adorned with a polished moulding that further sharpens the view of this mechanism. A dedicated zone carries a numbered plate, entirely hand engraved, exclusive to this edition. The whole movement is black rhodium plated, a dark setting from which every hand polished surface emerges like a stroke of light.

DECORATION DETAILS

Component by component.

The decoration of the Complexity Métiers d’Art is documented piece by piece, in the manner of a workshop logbook. Each component carries its own combination of gestures:

COMPONENTHAND DECORATIONTREATMENT
MainplateHand perlage of the differential zone, flanks drawn with the cabron buff, laser engraving of the jewel countBlack rhodium
Minute train bridge (dial side)Fine sandblasting, hand engraved logo and scratches, hand bevellingBlack rhodium
Barrel bridgeHand hammering of lower surfaces, hand shot blasting of upper surfaces, hand bevelling and hand engraved logo, flanks drawn with the cabron buff, Swiss Made laser engravingBlack rhodium
Power reserve bridgeHand shot blasting, hand bevelling, laser engraving of the reserve scale and technical inscriptionsBlack rhodium
Differential bridgeHand hammering of lower surfaces, hand shot blasting of upper surfaces, hand bevellingBlack rhodium
Numbered “Complexity” plateHand engraving and bevelling, drawn strokesBlack rhodium
IndexesHand bevelling, flanks drawn with the cabron buff, fine sandblasted upper faceRhodium

Laser engraving is reserved for regulatory and technical inscriptions (Swiss Made, jewel count, power reserve scale): everything else is the work of the hand.

DECORATION AT THE BENCH, PIECE BY PIECE

THE ARCHITECTURE

Double Cônillon 12 / 6 o’clock. A world premiere.

In a classical tourbillon, the balance axis describes a cylinder. In the inclined tourbillon, the Cônillon, it travels a conical trajectory, compensating for the effects of gravity across several vertical positions simultaneously. The Complexity combines two of them, at 12 and 6 o’clock: a world premiere, in an unprecedented configuration in which none of the axes of the balance, the cage or the lever are parallel.

A differential distributes the barrel’s energy in perfect balance between the two regulators and performs a kinematic averaging of their rates: chronometric optimisation through 360 degrees, which neither tourbillon alone could achieve. Each cage completes its rotation in 30 seconds, in offset directions, offering a kaleidoscopic spectacle of rare intensity. Conceived within an architecture of remarkable robustness, this construction delivers shock resistance surpassing that of devices such as the gyrotourbillon.

The case, cut entirely from solid sapphire (more than 120 hours of diamond machining, 140 hours of polishing, a mastery possible only in Switzerland), wraps the movement in a triple-concave middle with domed flanks. Its two optical domes, at 12 and 6 o’clock, act as natural magnifiers over the cages in motion. Despite its high complication, its contained dimensions of 42 × 48 mm follow the curve of the wrist with remarkable comfort.

REMARKABLE WEARABILITY, DESPITE THE HIGH COMPLICATION

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Complexity Métiers d’Art

MOVEMENT
ComplicationDouble Cônillon 12 / 6 o’clock with differential, a world premiere
CalibreProprietary Complexity-01, developed with Purtec Sàrl (Vallorbe)
WindingManual
Frequency3 Hz, 21,600 vibrations/hour
Power reserve50 hours
Components287
Jewels44 (rubies)
Movement dimensions37.5 × 38.20 mm, height 14.10 mm (Cônillon at apex)
MÉTIERS D’ART FINISHING
Upper surfacesHand shot blasting
Lower surfacesEntirely hand hammered, maximum relief
BevellingHand bevelled and polished across the entire movement
FlanksDrawn with the cabron buff
MainplateHand perlaged recesses, highlighting the differential
Centre bridgePolished moulding opening the view onto the differential
Numbered plateHand engraved, exclusive to this edition
TreatmentBlack rhodium plating
DIAL
DialEntirely hand engraved on a finely sandblasted base
IndexesApplied: hand polished bevels, cabron drawn flanks, sandblasted upper face
CASE
MaterialSynthetic sapphire, transparent through 360°, cut from the solid block
FormTriple-concave middle, sapphire domes at 12 and 6 o’clock
Dimensions42 × 48 × 13 mm
CrownFaceted, cut from the crystal
MachiningMore than 120 hours of diamond machining, more than 140 hours of polishing
EDITION
Series9 numbered pieces
StrapIntegrated rubber, ArtyA folding clasp
PriceCHF 190,000 in sapphire, CHF 220,000 in pigeon blood ruby
AvailabilityBy order, ArtyA Genève and official retailers

ARTYA GENÈVE

Independent Haute Horlogerie, Geneva, Switzerland

www.artya.com

Press: info@artya.com   ·   +41 (0)22 752 49 40 Please mention The Silo when contacting.

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

ArtyA Purity Wavy HMS Mirror Watch Is Perfection

ArtyA unveils an avant-garde horological creation:

“Purity Wavy HMS Mirror” A fully in-house caliber reimagined through masterful handcraftsmanship. The perfect union of design and comfort, encased in the groundbreaking Wavy case, crafted from titanium with a transparent protective DLC coating. The first-ever mirror casebackStairway To Heaven: The Movement At the heart of this exceptional timepiece, ArtyA’s latest in-house caliber: Stairway To Heaven HMS. This manual-winding movement embodies the Manufacture’s dedication to both visual spectacle and horological excellence: • Microbead-frosted and hand-chamfered minute wheel train and balance bridges. • Pulsing at 4 Hz, the spectacularly “starified” escapement is positioned like a podium centerpiece, suspended in mid-air. • Traditional fine regulation – a hallmark of haute horlogerie that ensures optimal precision. This process involves meticulously adjusting the balance wheel’s inertia using peripheral weights (inertia blocks) to maintain the hairspring’s steady and consistent oscillation. The result: optimized caliber performance and lasting chronometric stability. • Twin barrels, working in parallel, equipped with longer, finer mainsprings for a more stable and linear energy release. The polished barrel blade reduces friction for improved efficiency. The redesigned drum barrels, with fluid, curving lines, seamlessly integrate with the bold bridge architecture of the movement. Proudly bearing the manufacture’s name and caliber designation, this subtle detail completes the movement’s refined aesthetic.
Wavy Titanium Case A bold evolution in the Wavy collection, this is the first case crafted from grade 5 titanium, a material prized for its strength and lightness. • Ultra-light yet incredibly strong, titanium embodies both modernity and innovation, delivering exceptional comfort without compromising durability. • The matte finish results from meticulous hand polishing, followed by microbead frosting for a refined texture. • A transparent DLC coating boosts resistance to scratches, shocks, and fingerprints. For comparison, stainless steel has a Vickers hardness of 200 HV, titanium 400 HV, and transparent DLC-treated titanium an impressive 1,200 HV (1,800 HV for the black DLC version). • A mirror-polished lug-to-lug contour adds a discreet yet sophisticated touch, enhancing the timepiece’s elegance without diluting its avant-garde appeal. This meticulous finish – exceptionally complex to achieve on titanium – creates a striking contrast with the case’s matte surface, balancing power with refinement. • Designed by Jérémie Arpa, son of Yvan Arpa, the case embodies independent, family-driven watchmaking at its finest. Its flowing, organic contours evoke the power of ocean waves, an effect heightened by titanium’s natural opacity – delivering a case design unlike anything seen before in haute horlogerie.
Mirror Effects The Wavy Titanium’s mirror caseback introduces an unprecedented innovation, a world first in watchmaking: • A fully reflective surface that offers a striking new way to experience the movement. • From the front, seeing through to the mirrored bottom creates the illusion of depth, with the movement seemingly floating in space, enhancing the ethereal purity of the skeletonized caliber’s aesthetic. • From the back, the one-way mirror effect teases the complexity of the movement without fully revealing it complexity, adding an element of mystery and sophistication. ­
Purity Wavy Titanium Mirror Technical Specifications Edition

Limited Edition of 99 pieces 
Case Grade 5 titanium, satin-finished, mirror-polished lug-to-lug contour
Transparent or black DLC protective coating
Diameter40 mm
Thickness13 mm
Water resistance50 meters
Caseback Screw-in, engraved, fitted with a one-way mirror
Crystal Sapphire, triple ant-reflective coating, laser-engraved chapter ring
Hands Brushed and diamond-polished
Crown Engraved with the ArtyA signet   
Caliber ArtyA Purity Stairway To Heaven HMS in-house movement
Winding Manual
Indications Hours, minutes, and central seconds
Power reserve Minimum 72 hours, thanks to twin parallel barrels
Frequency 4 Hz (28,800 vph)
Finishes Fine regulation through precision adjustment of inertia blocks on the balance wheelMicrobead-frosted minute wheel train and balance bridgesHand-chamfered edgesPolished mainsprings to optimize friction in the barrel assemblies 
Strap Alligator or grey nubuck leather
Buckle ArtyA pin buckle, available with or without black DLC coating Swiss Made Entirely designed and crafted between Geneva and the Swiss Jura 
Price (excluding VAT) Titanium & Black Titanium
CHF 25,900 (reference price)
EUR 27,900 (subject to exchange rate)
USD 29,900 (subject to exchange rate) CAD 42,754
Also available with transparent, hued or NanoSaphir case
From CHF 44,900 (reference price)
From EUR 47,900 (subject to exchange rate)
From USD 50,900 (subject to exchange rate)
VERSION FRANÇAISE

Purifiers Combat the Dangers of Methane and Additives found in Natural Gas

Natural gas is an important fuel used for heating and cooling in more than half of all North American homes. But methane, the key component in natural gas, is highly explosive and can become deadly when uncontrolled. Back in 2014, a natural gas explosion in two apartment buildings in New York killed eight people and injured 70 others.

LA Gas LeakIn addition to the risk of explosion, the smell of natural gas can make many people ill. Hundreds of residents of Porter Ranch, near Los Angeles, were recently sickened by a natural gas leak from a nearby underground storage facility a mile away. The cause of their headaches, nausea and nosebleeds was mercaptan, the chemical added to natural gas that smells like rotten eggs.

What is natural gas?

Natural gas is composed primarily (95% or more) of methane, a colorless, odorless, non-toxic flammable gas. Methane is emitted from natural sources such as wetlands and also from industrial and agricultural processes.

Because methane is odorless, an additive known as mercaptan, or methanethiol, is added to natural gas to make the presence of methane detectable. Mercaptan additives contain sulfur, which is the reason natural gas smells like rotten eggs. Exposure to mercaptan can result in a variety of adverse health effects, including irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Natural gas can also contain small amounts of potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as ethane, propane, butane and even toxic compounds such as benzene and toluene.

Methane cannot be filtered. Mercaptan and VOCs can. Unfortunately, methane is not just dangerous – it’s also unfilterable. Adsorption and chemisorption, the two processes by which gas and odor air filters remove chemicals from the air, are ineffective against methane, which has an extremely low molecular weight. As a result, the only effective strategies for reducing indoor methane levels are source control/reduction and increased ventilation.

Mercaptan and VOCs, however, can be efficiently filtered with a high-performance air filtration system with a combination of high quality activated carbon and potassium permanganate – such as the IQAir HealthPro Plus or GC MultiGas (at right) room air purifier. The activated carbon provides adsorption of VOCs, and the potassium permanganate provides excellent chemisorption of mercaptan and many other VOCs, such as formaldehyde. The combination of these two filtration media is ideal.

The IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier- made in Switzerland
The IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier- made in Switzerland

Importance of monitoring methane levels.

Because methane is so highly explosive, high-performance air filtration to remove the odors associated with natural gas (mercaptan) is not recommended unless sufficient monitoring with a methane detector has determined that levels are safe. Methane detectors, also known as explosive gas detectors, can be purchased at hardware and home-supply stores.

This article is brought to you by The IQAir Group, friends of the Silo who develop innovative air quality solutions for indoor environments around the globe. IQAir is the exclusive educational partner of the American Lung Association for the air purifier industry.

New Divers Watch Is Art As Functional Timepiece

Modeled with forms borrowed from water itself, ArtyA’s newest divers watch will look amazing on your wrist…..above and below the waves.

At time of publication, 12,900 Swiss Francs= $17,338 cad or $13,357 usd.

Celeb Canada 150th Anniversary With Limited Edn Raymond Weil Timepiece

Celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary with this Limited Edition RAYMOND WEIL freelancer timepiece.

This automatic stainless steel collection of 150 numbered units is highlighted by a black dial featuring the patriotic maple leaf. The black ceramic unidirectional bezel features red and white accents, and the caseback is engraved with the Canada150 logo and date. A work of beauty and precision. Recommended. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Retail: $2,150 CAD

for more information contact: marketingdirector@thesilo.ca