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Final technical arrangements and visiting the factory
We're delighted to find you here for this new chapter, in which we'll introduce you to the latest developments in the Mecascape project. In the previous chapter in February, we revealed the changes made to the project, as well as the name of the partner working alongside us from now on in the realization of this extraordinary undertaking.
Today, we're taking you to the vicinity of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, to the heart of the Cercle des Horlogers workshops where the Mecascape is in the process of coming to life. Claudio, founder of CODE41, is there in particular to meet Nicolas, co-founder of the CDH. On the agenda: addressing the progress made in the final technical arrangements, going over the next steps, and finding solutions for taking on the challenges met by the teams at this exceptional Swiss factory.
Designing the Mecascape: some sizeable challenges
To keep it short and sweet, here's the current status of the Mecascape project in 4 key points:
The position
The position of the mechanism and components has been finalized
The construction
The construction of the bridges is almost complete
The case
The case and packaging are currently being designed
The structure
With the structure being a demanding proposition due to its delicateness and unprecedented dimensions, we're leaning towards making the case from grade 5 titanium.
We'll go into further detail below.
With its unique design and size, the Mecascape is unlike any other watchmaking project. With a length of 106mm and a width of 69.3mm, it is around 4 times bigger than a standard watch case! An unprecedented technical challenge, the Mecascape has required a complete rethink of the way of positioning the components, all while ensuring that the project can stand the test of reality.
The bridges, for a start, with their atypical proportions, but also the mechanism and the immense rectangular display, divided up into 5 different dials: hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve, GMT.
Another potential obstacle to overcome: the delicateness of the structure. With the space occupied by the components in fact being much bigger than what we're accustomed to, particular attention is being paid to the Mecascape's structural viability and its resistance to shocks and being transported. That's why we're considering the possibility of making the case from grade 5 titanium.
It's not something that you're going to take with you when scuba diving or running a marathon, but all the same it has to be as perfectly functional as it is beautiful, whether it's being carried around or arranged on a desk.
One final important point, and a big one at that: the calibration of the machines which will produce the Mecascape. These are in fact meant for producing smaller-sized parts and movements, meaning that they need to be completely recalibrated in order to make the future prototypes, while maintaining micrometric precision in the machining and assembly processes.
The next steps
We'll see you in July, when we'll in introduce you to - and submit to your vote! - the colors that we'll have been working on and the accessories planned to accompany the Mecascape. The next major phase, which will be spread out over 3 to 4 months: the production and receipt of the first prototypes. Stay tuned!
Any other suggestions?
If you have any ideas, observations or questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment below; we'll be delighted to respond!
Upcoming milestones (tentative dates)
JUL 27 2022
Presentation of and voting on colors and accessories
AUG 24 2022
Monitoring and receipt of prototypes, confirmation of the collection and surprise project
SEP 28, 2022
Launch of pre-orders
Final design, colors and accessories
In the previous chapter, we introduced you to Le Cercle des Horlogers, the company working with us on the Mecascape project. With them, we've completed the technical finalization by taking on the challenges inherent to the conception of this extraordinary challenge: the unprecedented dimensions, the complex calibration of the machines, the structural viability of the Mecascape, etc.
In this new chapter, we share the latest developments relating to the design of the Mecascape, as well as the research we're carrying out on the colors and accessories that will be offered when the time comes for pre-orders. Open your eyes wide, because as always, it's you who'll be participating in this crucial stage of the project!
A sharp, refined design
"There can be no progress without the freedom to experiment," it's said, and it's a maxim that we apply to all CODE41 projects. Pushing progress, experimenting, trying out new approaches and new perspectives: the Mecascape is the perfect example. So we've subtly worked on a change in its design to lean towards more harmony, readability and coherence in light of a meticulous technical study. In concrete terms, here are the modifications made to date:
On the front
Layout of the cogs
the layout of the cogs has been revised for better functional efficiency.
Reprography of the world map
A reprography of the world map has been added to the center of the GMT disk to enrich its esthetic.
Sapphire crystal
Scratch-resistant sapphire with anti-reflective treatment has been adopted for ideal reading of information.
On the back / On the side
Solid back
We've opted for a solid back with a sapphire "window" opening allowing for admiration of part of the plate and the cogs.
Push button
Addition of a push button for adjusting the date.
Bigger crowns
Increased the size of the left and right crowns, to make them more user-friendly. They're also now ridged (for improved grip). Are you wondering about the uses of the two crowns? The one on the left is for setting the time and the one on the right for setting the second time zone (GMT) as well as for manually winding the Mecascape.
Why a solid back rather than an entirely transparent back? We wanted the Mecascape to be as thin as possible, and to avoid any risk of the structure twisting, we needed a solid structure provided by the titanium back.
Color research: to the ballots!
For several weeks, we've been working on some color variations that we're really proud of and that we can't wait to show you! The different color options essentially focus on the Mecascape's display elements, with particular attention being paid to the readability of the information: hours, minutes, seconds, GMT and power reserve. And it's up to you to vote for your favorites. Ready? We're off!
The Mecascape's accessories
In order to adapt the Mecascape to either nomadic or sedentary usage, we've thought about accessorizing it without impairing its design. The aim: firstly, to provide it with a box for when you carry it with you in order to prevent shock damage, scratches and potential falls. That's why we've selected a case made from excellent quality Italian leather with a microfiber lining and a slot for storing a card (like a bank card or a business card).
Secondly, by offering a support to put the Mecascape in should you wish to place it on your desk or any other flat surface.
The study into the feasability of these accessories is still ongoing and we'll reveal the first images of them below. Let us know what you think in the comments!
The next steps
Our next meeting concerns a decisive phase in the project as it will be dedicated to the production and receipt of the first prototypes! A long and complex step as this project represents a leap into the unknown in many ways (size of the Mecascape, positioning of the components, unprecedented calibration of the machines), for both our partner and for us. But as always, we love taking on the craziest of challenges! Stay tuned ✌️.
Any other suggestions?
If you have any ideas, observations or questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment below; we'll be delighted to respond!
Upcoming milestones (provisional dates)
AUG. 03, 2022
Presentation of and voting on colors and accessories
OCT. 05, 2022
Monitoring and receipt of prototypes and approval of the collection
NOV. 2, 2022
Launch of pre-orders
C’est un beau produit et le soir est ce que l’aiguille est visible.
Oui, elles sont visibles Bruno, nous vous en dirons plus prochainement 🤩
Projet très innovant conforme à l’adn de code 41
Très beau projet et originalité conforme à l’adn de code 41
Can’t wait to see this project come together! Love the concept.
We can’t wait to share more on the next chapter 🤩
Hallo Leute, Ja ich hätte da noch eine Idee: bringt doch von der Rückseite (fest) zur Vorderseite (mit hochwertigen Klett) der Box eine etwas breitere (dadurch dünneres Material)Lasche an. Erstens damit die Uhr nicht versehentlich herausrutschen kann (wenn das Leder in Lauf der Jahre sich weitet) und mit einer Öse versehen, liese sich noch eine Uhrenkette anbringen, ohne am Uhrgehäuse Hand anzulegen.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen W. Herold
Hallo Wolfgang,
vielen Dank für Ihre Vorschläge!👍 Wir werden diese auf jeden Fall in Betracht ziehen.
Hallo,
Mein nächster Versuch von Euch mal eine Reaktion zu bekommen. Bisher habe ich nämlich noch nie eine Antwort bekommen.
Wenn es die Mecascape zum bestellen gibt, kann ich die in 3-6 Raten kaufen, weil meine Kreditkarten nicht das Limit haben.
Danke schon mal.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen T. Schriefer
Hallo Herr Schriefer,
vielen Dank für Ihr Interesse!
Das wurde bis jetzt noch nicht besprochen, aber bis jetzt konnte man bei allen Vorbestellungen in Raten zahlen, daher sollte es auch bei den Mecascape Vorbestellungen möglich sein.
wird sich sehr gut auf dem Schreibtisch präsentieren.
Hallo Kurt,
Ja, der Meinung bin ich auch, eine kleine mechanische Landschaft am eigenen Schreibtisch 👍:)
Bonjour! Magnifique votre produit! Et la nuit ? Les aiguilles seront-elles visible? Salutations
C’est un super projet surtout pour moi qui est un collectionneur de montre cependant j’aurais aimé qu’on puisse voir une plus grosse partie de la mécanique comme la moitié sinon elle est vraiment super si il y a une possibilité que elle soit en or 18 carats ce serait fantastique et je serai le premier à l’acheter
Bonjour Joachim, nous sommes ravis que le projet vous plaise 😍 Pour des raisons de coût, nous n’avons pas envisagé de l’avoir en or 18K, mais peut-être que cela sera possible dans le futur ? 🤔
Bonjour à l’équipe,
Je trouves le projet très intéressant et le Mecascape très beau, il reflète l’horlogerie d’antan.
Pourquoi le support ne pourrait-il pas être sa boîte de protection ?
Avec le support cela apporte une touche de modernité.