MORITZ GROSSMANN - BENU POWER RESERVE
The fine art of the mechanism: Moritz Grossmann presents the new BENU Power Reserve with new details
Progress in step with traditional values: the manufactory Moritz Grossmann believes the greatest virtue is to combine innovation with time-proven principles – and to do so with the highest quality, fine mechanisms and timeless design. With the BENU Power Reserve model, this principled approach to enhancement can be seen in revised and updated details. The BENU Power Reserve is available in rose gold and white gold cases and features a new hand shape and exceptional dial decoration, amongst other things.
A watch’s dial is its face. Its aesthetic follows rules that are passed down over time, although its roundness continually offers new ways for watchmakers and designers to apply their craft. Additional dials as well as surfaces and colours in different designs shape the personality of a watch.
These are attributes that are used at the Moritz Grossmann manufactory, too, where the same values apply to the dial as they do during the engineering, production and decoration of manufacture movements: classic design, meticulous handicraft and subtle surface decoration.
Azurage: a new look for the dial
The appearance of the BENU Power Reserve has been refreshed with this mission in mind. It is the first time that the Moritz Grossmann linear power reserve indicator has been combined with Azurage decoration, a circular pattern of ultra-thin grooves which catch the light in an intriguing and appealing way.
With the BENU Power Reserve, the outer ring – which is adorned by numbers and indices – is decorated with Azurage. The ring encircles the centre of the dial, which has a soft, matt surface featuring a fine texture. The effect of this combination is emphasised by the dial’s silver shimmer in the colour argenté. The logo and minute scale have a distinctly subtle effect in their dark grey colour. The blue digits and indices are attached as appliqués and complemented by blue, tempered hands. Their presence sees a new form of hand make its debut: hands which are made from steel in the manufactory and captivate with a slight curve that extends to an exceedingly fine tip. After being bevelled carefully to add curvature to the surface, and after polishing, the hands are tempered and become blue. This is traditionally done with a thermal treatment.
Experience the mechanism: the power reserve indicator
With mechanical movements, there is one question more important than any other for the watch wearer: how long is the power reserve? For hand-wound calibres in particular, the wearer needs to attend to the watch in good time to rewind the movement using the crown. The power reserve indicator is a helpful addition for this task and, moreover, a charming detail. It turns the mechanism into a tangible experience and is a continual reminder that there is a piece of craftsmanship resting on the wearer’s wrist.
Moritz Grossmann referenced the manufactory’s subtle and classic design perfectly with the power reserve indicator. It takes a linear shape in a small aperture under the ‘12’ on the dial, where a blue and white bar element driven by a differential wheel train can be seen. When the movement is fully wound, a completely white bar is displayed and when the power reserve decreases, an increasingly coloured bar is displayed.
The movement: a calibre 100.2
The inside of the BENU Power Reserve is home to a calibre 100.2, an enhancement of the calibre 100.1. Thanks to the differential gear, it houses an additional mechanism for displaying the power reserve.
The movement uses Grossmann’s manual winding with a pusher, a cantilevered balance cock with Grossmann micrometre screw, a separately removable winding module and the mass optimised Grossmann balance.
A sapphire crystal back on the reverse of the watch reveals the intricately finished components of the movement, showcasing the finest German craftsmanship from the Moritz Grossmann manufactory.
Rose gold or white gold case with a soft leather strap
The BENU Power Reserve is available in two versions, one with a rose gold case and another with a white gold case. Thanks to its simple shape, the case is an expression of the classic Moritz Grossmann approach. The surface has been carefully brushed and possesses a matt sheen. Characteristic details include the cross grooves on the crown and the slimline strap lugs. The latter ensconce the soft strap, which with the BENU Power Reserve takes the form of a grey band made of supple kudu leather with blue stitching to reflect the colour combination on the dial.