Atelier, a new movement manufacturer in America, is introducing an automatic watch movement to the North American market.
Atelier is a U.S.- Swiss venture that is closely collaborating on establishing the supply, assembly, and manufacturing of automatic movements in the U.S.
One of the objectives of the U.S.- Swiss alliance that led to the creation of Atelier was to develop an 11 1⁄2 caliber suitable for the volume market in the U.S. The result is the Caliber 1.
With ETA ceasing to supply third party clients onDecember 31, 2019, many brands in the U.S. are seeking alternative suppliers.
The Caliber 1 is not a clone of a pre-existing caliber, however it is a drop-in replacement for popular calibers many brands are currently using.
The Caliber 1 has been in development for the past four years with U.S. involvement for three of those four years. Atelier's Swiss technology partner is one of the few manufacturers in the Swiss watch industry that has achieved horological independence with the internal production and manufacture of hairsprings and the escapement. Everything is made in-house, except for the jewels, barrel springs and shock-absorbers with all parts made to the highest industry standards.
The Caliber 1 is a robust movement that is Chronofiable Certified with a transversal balance bridge. This allows for stable and precise positioning of the oscillator. The bridge's rigidity greatly improves shock resistance.
The Caliber 1 has a diameter of 25.60mm and a height of 4.60mm. It has 23 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of 44 hours. Available in various grades of decoration.
Atelier will initially supply Swiss Made movements to brands beginning in January 2020. Atelier will begin assembly and production of small parts and will offer three levels of assembly; Swiss Made, Assembled in the USA, or Made in the USA from domestic and Swiss parts. The USA facility is located in Hagerstown, Maryland.
In the future, Atelier will offer a variety of calibers that will fit the vision of any brand or designer including small seconds, and GMT.
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