In 2024, Speake Marin reaches a new pinnacle in its journey of horological excellence with the introduction of the Ripples Skeleton. This innovative timepiece marks a significant milestone for the Geneva-based brand, known for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technical achievement.
The New Calibre SMA07: A Masterpiece of Modern Engineering
At the heart of the Ripples Skeleton lies the newly developed Calibre SMA07, a groundbreaking automatic skeleton movement that exemplifies Speake Marin’s dedication to precision and craftsmanship. Measuring just 3.25 mm in thickness, this ultra-thin movement features a fully integrated micro-rotor and a high-frequency balance wheel beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz). This advanced movement not only ensures exceptional timekeeping accuracy, with a deviation of just +/- 5 seconds per day, but also contributes to the timepiece’s elegant and minimalistic design.
The Calibre SMA07, composed of 182 meticulously crafted components, offers a 52-hour power reserve and incorporates a bidirectional winding system optimized by reversers. This innovative feature allows the rotor to swing in both directions, ensuring efficient energy transfer to the mainspring regardless of its movement. The skeletonized design of the movement, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, further enhances the watch’s aesthetic appeal, blending technical prowess with visual harmony.
Aesthetic Excellence: The Design and Craftsmanship of the Ripples Skeleton
The Ripples Skeleton is housed in the iconic “La City” case, designed by Stéphane Lacroix, which seamlessly combines the circular and square forms that are central to modern watch design. This latest iteration of the Ripples collection introduces several new features, including the use of 904L stainless steel. More precious than the commonly used 316L steel, 904L steel is known for its enhanced resistance to corrosion and acids, as well as its superior polishability, resulting in a more lustrous finish.
The watch retains a diameter of 40.30 mm but is notably thinner than its predecessors, with a thickness reduced from 9.20 mm to just 6.30 mm—a 30% reduction made possible by the ultra-thin SMA07 calibre. The square-shaped bezel with rounded corners, polished bevelled edges, and satin-finished surface add to the watch’s refined yet contemporary aesthetic. The screw-down crown, customized with the Maison’s engraved logo, and the anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass on both the dial and case back ensure maximum visibility and protection.
The skeleton dial, a first for the Ripples collection, offers a captivating view of the intricate mechanics beneath. The rhodium-plated mainplate, adorned with vertical satin finishes, bevelled microbeaded profiles, and polished angles, creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The small-seconds counter at 1:30, with its distinctive black PVD treatment and hand-satin finish, features relief “ripples” that complement the watch’s overall design language.
The hour and minute hands, flame-blued by hand, add a touch of traditional craftsmanship, while the heart-shaped tip of the hour hand pays homage to the brand’s British roots, recalling the iconic Big Ben in London.
Innovation Meets Tradition: The Ripples Skeleton’s Technical Brilliance
Speake Marin’s Ripples Skeleton is more than just a timepiece; it is a celebration of the brand’s innovative spirit and technical mastery. The SMA07 calibre, with its high-frequency regulating organ, represents a significant advancement in watchmaking. As noted in the press release, “Such high-frequency calibres first appeared around the 1960s. Up to the first half of the 20th century, movements with 18,000 vibrations per hour were used, later followed by those with 21,600 and 28,800 vph. It’s known that the higher the frequency of the balance wheel, the more accurate the movement.” The development of a 36,000 vph calibre is a testament to Speake Marin’s commitment to pushing the limits of horological precision.
Conclusion
The Speake Marin Ripples Skeleton is a masterpiece that embodies the brand’s pursuit of perfection in both design and functionality. With its innovative Calibre SMA07, the Ripples Skeleton is not just a watch; it is a statement of Speake Marin’s vision for the future of watchmaking. Limited in production and available from August 29, 2024, this timepiece is poised to become a coveted addition to any serious watch collection.
