Swiss
The Swiss watchmaking brand has just revealed its new self-winding DeWitt Twenty-8-Eight Regulator A.S.W. limited edition (ref. T8.TA.001) equipped with their proprietary Automatic Sequential Winding system. Presented in a generously proportioned 18-karat rose gold body 46 millimeters in diameter and almost 13 millimeters thick, the watch makes an impression as strong as a stun gun discharge.
The name of the watch is somewhat confusing, right? Why would a watch that comes with a standard three-hand layout, a power reserve indicator and a tourbillon escapement bear a “Regulator designation in its name“, you might ask? Well, the answer is quite simple.
The word “regulator” here is used in its historic sense, meaning that the watch is very accurate thanks to a device that maintains a designated characteristic of a certain crucial component. In old pendulum regulator clocks this device was called a deadbeat escapement.
In the new DW 8014 automatic movement it is called Automatic Sequential Winding (A.S.W.) system.
Featuring a ring-shaped peripheral oscillating weight, the movement has its mainspring wound via a disconnectable winding arm that sequentially winds the barrel and maintains energy level within the range of 40% to 60% for optimal, constant torque. The movement’s accuracy is further increased thanks to the Straumann hairspring with a Phillips curve, which is made from a fracture-resistant, self-compensating, corrosion-free, and antimagnetic alloy.
Like the face of the watch (will come to it in no time,) the DW 8014 movement features beautiful art-deco-style decoration with Cotes de Geneve motif. Its surfaces are satin-brushed, circular-grained, polished and beveled.
The caliber, the first in the brand’s history, which is made solely in-house, is protected by a majestic rose gold case that sports DeWitt’s signature imperial columns pattern on the flanks and an oversized rose gold crown at 3 o’clock, which is adorned with a ring made in blackened titanium featuring the “W” monogram.
The dial, as you can see on the pictures, represents a wet dream of a very wealthy Metropolis fan.
Its tinted chocolate-brown sapphire crystal serves as a perfect background for the massive “skyscraper” made of solid rose gold that also works like a frame for the tourbillon window. Behind the crystal, you can see inner workings of the Caliber DW 8014 automatic movement. The pair of skeletonized hour and minute hands made in the shape of heavy two-edged swords finishes the magnificent picture.
The watch will be available soon as a limited edition model with total production number set at 250 pieces.
See also: DeWitt Academia Seconde Retrograde Serenity
WWR Verdict
Originality 5/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4/5
Nighttime Legibility: 1/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Photos: DeWitt
DeWitt Twenty-8-Eight Regulator A.S.W. (ref. T8.TA.001) specification
Price: $150,000
Movement: Caliber DW 8014, diameter 37.00 mm, height: 6.35 mm, in-house, Straumann hairspring with Phillips terminal curve, Swiss Made
Winding: Automatic
Jewels: 34
Frequency: 18,000 vph
Functions: Hours, minutes, central deadbeat seconds, tourbillon, power reserve
Power reserve: 72 hours (3 days)
Case material: 18-karat rose gold
Shape: Round
Size: 46.00 mm
Lug width: 23.00 mm
Case height: 12.875 mm
Dial: Tinted sapphire
Numerals: Roman
Hands: Rose gold, open-worked
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Semi-mat dark brown Alligator leather strap with tone on tone stitching, 18-karat rose gold buckle, triple-blade folding clasp with a new security system, polished, engraved “DeWitt” signature
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Sapphire, screw-down