Pre-Baselworld 2009: Franc Vila FVa No Cuatro Tourbillon Chronograph SuperLigero Concept Watch

Luxury watch brand Franc Vila will unveil a new SuperLigero tourbillon wristwatch at Baselworld 2009.  Featuring the elliptical "Esprit Unique" case design that has become a signature of the house of Franc Vila, the new tourbillon model is characterized by its skeletonized movement with bridges inspired by the molecular structure of graphene--a recently discovered material noted for its incredible strength.

The specially-shaped movement of the Franc Vila FVa No Cuatro Tourbillon Chronograph SuperLigero Concept is constructed from Lightnium, an exclusive alloy composed of aluminum and lithium used in the aerospace industry.  Both exceptionally strong and elastic, this specialized alloy gives added durability to the caliber's structure of bridges.  Composed of 262 hand-finished components, the hand-wound Franc Vila FV No 4 movement features a one-minute flying tourbillon with a differential gear and inertial control mechanism, in concert with a column-wheel controlled mono-pusher chronograph whose mechanism has been oriented to appear on the dial-side of the watch.  

Assuring precise performance of the tourbillon is an exclusive "Inertial Moment Control" system.  The caliber also incorporates a "Wheels Differential System" that reduces the crown turns needed to achieve full mainspring tension by a factor of two-thirds.  Power reserve of the Fv No 4 caliber is 5 days.  Fine finishing characterizes the distinctive form of the Franc Vila FVa No Cuatro Tourbillon Chronograph SuperLigero Concept watch.  The "Diehard Extreme Steel" case displays a brilliantly polished primary finish that is contrasted by a finely grained brushed section around the dial aperture with its two blued screws.  A polished and beveled edge draws the eye into the complex structures of the mechanical movement. 

Franc Vila will produce just eight examples of the FVa No Cuatro Tourbillon Chronograph SuperLigero Concept watch.  The timepiece features sapphire crystals, and a strap in rubber or crocodile leather, fitted with a signed folding clasp.  Water resistance of the model is 100 meters.