C3H5N3O9, a unique Swiss luxury watch experimental platform named after the molecular formula of nitroglycerine has already created waves in the horology industry with their sensational ZR 012 timepiece.
This experimental timepiece became instant hit, thanks to the mastery and know how of horology geniuses such as Felix Baumgartner, Maximilian Büsser, Martin Frei and Serge Kriknoff.
This year, C3H5N3O9 is offering the new Experiment ZR012 Black watch in a limited edition of 12 pieces available exclusively from The Hour Glass, featuring Wankel engine inspired hour and minute indications in an asymmetrical black zirconium case with articulated compound lugs.
At first glance, the time appears to be indicated by centrally rotating triangular rotors; however, the triangles are actually Reuleaux polygons, which rotate eccentrically, tracking complex epitrochroid curves rather than circles. The system was inspired by the Wankel orbital engine, which features orbital Reuleaux polygon rotors rather than the reciprocating pistons powering the majority of our cars and machines today.
C3H5N3O9 is a developmental platform created by Felix Baumgartner, Maximilian Büsser, Martin Frei and Serge Kriknoff to experiment with concepts, ideas and creations free of the inherent limitations and constraints of a luxury brand.
The C3H5N3O9 Experiment ZRO12 watch indicates hours and minutes with two Wankel engine inspired eccentrically rotating Reuleaux polygons (triangular-shaped rotors). Hours are indicated by the lower rotor along the front of the ‘dial’, while minutes are indicated by the smaller upper rotor.
Time is displayed by the tips of the Reuleaux polygon rotors tracing epitrochoid curves. To create the complex shape of the hour and minute epitrochoid curves with the high precision required, 180 separate points were plotted. There is tolerance of just 0.2mm between the tops of the triangular Reuleaux polygon rotors and the hour and minute marked epitrochoids surrounding them.
The Reuleaux polygon (triangular-shaped) rotors are eccentric, i.e. not mounted directly to the central ‘crankshaft’ and demand considerable time, skill and patience to set up correctly in the assembly process. To ensure extremely high precision adjustment, the fixed wheels can be rotated slightly (then re-fixed) to allow fine correction and synchronised precision between the hour and minute indicators.
The C3H5N3O9 Experiment ZR012 watch’s jet black case is made from black PVD treated zirconium, which is derived from the mineral zircon. Visually zirconium is similar to titanium and is highly resistant to corrosion. Case dimensions are 55mm x 44mm (excluding lugs). The articulated rear lug and compound front lug wrap ergonomically around the wrist to ensure a high level of comfort.
Turning Experiment ZR012 watch over reveals the power reserve indicator. The movement has autonomy of 39 hours and is wound by a large screw down crown.
The C3H5N3O9 Experiment ZR012 watch is a limited edition, i.e. there will be no more variations, of 24 pieces in total: 12 pieces in zirconium and 12 pieces in black zirconium – the latter available exclusively from The Hour Glass. Hours and minutes are indicated by two Wankel engine inspired Reuleaux polygon rotors tracing epitrochoid curves.
Technical details
Model: C3H5N3O9 Experiment ZR012 Black Limited Edition Exclusively for The Hour Glass
Case
Dimensions without lugs: 55mm x 44mm
Case and lugs: natural zirconium or black zirconium case with titanium lugs.
Number of case components: 60
Compound front lug, articulated rear lug
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment both sides
Water resistance: 30m – 100’ – 3atm
Strap and buckle: Brown or black calf leather strap. Titanium and white gold folding buckle.
Movement
Movement dimensions: 32.65mm x: 41.35mm: 11.55 mm
Number of components: 328
Number of jewels: 42
Manual winding
Power reserve: 39h
Balance frequency: 28’800
Finishing: satin finishing, sandblasted, circular graining on movement, black PVD treated components, black ruthenium treated components
Number of plots to create epitrochoids for hours and minutes: 180
Tolerance between hour and minute indication rotors and inside of epitrochoids: 0.20mm
