Ataelier Haute Complication Caliber Architecture Mécanique N°1

The ATÆLIER HAUTE COMPLICATION caliber Architecture Mecanique No. 1 (AM1?) is found in the brand’s debut model called the Dual Time.

In the watchmaker’s own words:

“Mainplate and Bridges in Natural German Silver, decorated by hand, piece by piece after engraving of the mainplate. In-House movement, fully integrated complication.” –Source

About the Brand:

This brand and caliber (do I really have to type all of that again :P) was founded by architect turned watchmaker Vladimir Victor Négault.

There was a comment on one of his earlier posts asking why the F.P. Journe influence? The question was left unanswered, but by now, anyone who knows the brand may also know that Mr. Négault had a 14-year-long career doing research and development for F.P. Journe.

The brand was officially announced in 2018, with the debut model launched in 2022. A second model, slated for release some time in 2023 is going to be the Striking Tourbillon or Tourbillon à Sonnerie, with a mechanical ringing half-hour reminder complication.

Limited Edition and Prototypes:

The “Dual Time” model is a limited edition release with only 99 watches available.

19 prototypes were available for pre-sale and sold-out in 6 days. These 19 pieces can be identified by the word Subscription No. XX across the top of the bezel between 9:00 and 12:00, as well as the red text logo on the dial between 6:00 and 9:00. It appears that these pre-order pieces were priced with a 50% discount.

The regular retail price for a watch with this caliber is CHF 8,000 (about $9,135 USD).

Video:

From the video description:

“After 14 years of working in the FP JOURNE’s Research & Development Dept. I launch my own Brand in Geneva: ATAELIER HAUTE COMPLICATION, based on the innovation of very new complications. 19 Prototypes of the first model Dual Time will be delivered on Sept-Oct 2022. Buy yours in advance and save 50% (contact for still available numbers).” –Source (March 25, 2022)

Caliber Number:

It does not appear that the brand itself has used “AM1” as an official caliber designation, but since Architecture Mecanique No. 1 is a bit long winded for a traditional caliber number, you can expect to see it abbreviated as AM1 by various publications, including Caliber Corner. However, keep in mind that at the time of this post, there is at least one other watch company using AM1 as their caliber number.

Additional Resources:

• Ataelier Haute Complication official site