DEWITT Twenty-8-Eight Seconde Retrograde (Ref T8.SR.001) Limited Edition
The Seconde Retrograde, launched in 2003, was one of the principal models of the DeWitt collections. It rapidly made its mark and became a best-seller while the brand was still new. The model was the product of considerable research into harmony and aesthetics, and was introduced in an Academia case. Now the Manufacture is paying a tribute to this watch by revealing a more classical, refined facet of its personality.
The new Seconde Retrograde is presented in a slightly thinner Twenty-8-Eight case that gives a fascinating impression of lightness. 43 mm in diameter with the classical columns located more discreetly on the sides, this case suits the watch perfectly. The gentle horns offer real comfort on the wrist, while the bezel and case middle are polished and micro-blasted to create a subtle play of light that brings this new design alive.
The materials work together beautifully to produce an effect of classicism tempered with innovation. The soft and malleable 18K rose gold contrasts with the robust energy of the grade 5 Neotitanium to give a new face to the Seconde Retrograde, a watch that represents a genuine evolution without losing the essential spirit of the originals.
The size and relief of the different guilloché areas gives the galvanic black dial a fascinating depth of colour, the perfect background for the rose gold appliques that float as if suspended on an invisible wire. As a result, the dial of the Twenty-8-Eight Seconde Retrograde comes to life with every movement of the wrist.
The luminous rays in the centre are like suns that fill the decor with warmth. The eye is drawn towards the interior zone and the seconds display at 6 o’clock starts its elegant ballet: on reaching the end of the arc, the hand jumps carefully back to zero and starts the dance again. This display is enhanced even more by the delicate flames in the design of the small retrograde dial, waving gently as if wafted by a summer breeze.
The open-work hour and minute hands are in the form of a double-edged sword. The large Roman numerals at the four points of the compass are interspersed by small Arabic numbers. Together, they make it a pleasure to read the time. This very special dial is protected by an interior anti-reflective crystal with a double translucent coating.
The Twenty-8-Eight Seconde Retrograde is powered by Calibre DW1102, a self-winding mechanical movement with an Agenhor retrograde second module. Its frequency of 28,000 vibrations per hour gives it a very high degree of precision that, together with its solid 40-hour power reserve, ensures this model will appeal to all lovers of exceptional mechanical watches. The alternating brushed; polished and micro-blasted finishes show the care that has been lavished on this new watch.
With its precision guillochage and components finished by hand, the Twenty-8-Eight Seconde Retrograde offers just as many subtle touches of quality as the previous models. And lastly, as with every DeWitt watch, each Twenty-8-Eight Retrograde Second is assembled, adjusted and tested from A to Z by a single master watchmaker.
Technical details
Movement
Self-winding mechanical movement with an Agenhor retrograde second module
Functions: Hours, minutes, retrograde second
Reference no.: DW1102 (ETA 2892)
Power reserve: 40 hours
Launch: 2003
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour
Rotor: DeWitt design with open-work “W” logo
Balance: 3 arms, in Glucydur
Spiral: Flat
Escapement: 51° angle of lift
Jewelling: 31 jewels
Diameter: 29.20 mm
Total height: 5.45 mm
Special finishes : “Côtes de Genève” decoration on bridges
Case
Round case with DeWitt Imperial columns on sides and bezel
Polished and micro-blasted finishes
Material: 18K rose gold and grade 5 Neotitanium
Diameter: 43 mm
Total thickness: 11.26 mm
Crown: Polished rose gold with insert of blackened titanium and “W” signature
Distance between horns: 21 mm
Case back: Sapphire crystal with safety screws
Water-resistance: 30 metres
Dial
Centre and exterior retrograde circle in galvanic black with guilloché flames
Rose gold applique circles and numerals
Large Roman numerals at four compass points and small Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals
Hands
Hours and minutes: open-work hands in the shape of two-edged swords.
Retrograde seconds: two thin, elegant hands.
Wristband
Matt black alligator leather
Buckle: Pin buckle in grade 5 Neotitanium with an engraved “W”.
Edition
Limited edition: 88 pieces
