An offshoot of Frédérique Constant founded in 1999 by three associates from The Netherlands – Peter Staas, founder of Frédérique Constant, Pim Koeslag and Robert van Pappelendam, respectively watchmaking developer and marketing consultant at Frédérique Constant – Les Ateliers deMonaco are firmly positioned in the high-end segment and aim to create “New Horology” designed for contemporary connoisseurs. Combining cutting-edge technologies with traditional know-how, they intend to use the best of both worlds to break free of existing conventions and to bring a breath of fresh air to the field of Fine Watchmaking. This approach led them to establish the brand outside Switzerland which they view as somewhat saturated, and instead to choose Monaco, a world-renowned location that is equally appealing to both personnel and customers. The watches are assembled on-site and their movements are engraved with the iconic shield appearing on the principality’s coat-of-arms.

 

The flagship creation of the Ateliers deMonaco, the Perpetual Calendar EZ is based on the patented EaZy to adjust system. It enables extremely simple adjustment of the calendar indications via the crown with its central integrated pushbutton. The user simply pulls the crown out to the appropriate position, turns it to select the required function appearing on a small pointer-type display, and then sets it by pressing the pushbutton. This applies to the date, the day, the week, the month and the leap-year cycle. Once the operation is complete, the crown is turned so as to return to the neutral position. Moreover, a security system protects the calendar mechanism so that adjustments may be made at any time, even at midnight. In continuous operation mode, changes take place simultaneously within a brief period stretching from two minutes before to two minutes past midnight.

 

In 2013, the Perpetual Calendar EZ appears in a new interpretation nicknamed Turini in reference to the Alpine pass just north of Monaco on the route of the famous Monte-Carlo car rally. Its famous steep slopes and hairpin bends are a major test for drivers and their cars. Distinctly sportier than its predecessor, the Perpetual Calendar EZ –Turini features a semi-transparent smoked sapphire dial revealing a large proportion of the calendar mechanisms. Available in titanium, white or pink gold versions, it is issued in respective 88-piece limited editions.