News 
Manufacture Soprod has launched its new in-house Newton movement, the result of three years of development and industrialisation. The first examples have rolled off the production line, their reliability has been successfully tested and they are ready for delivery to Swiss watch brands.
Since 2008, Soprod has been part of the Festina industrial group which, through its various companies, masters the essential components for the complete manufacture of mechanisms from mechanical calibres to quartz connected movements. At the heart of its six Swiss production sites, the entirely independent manufacture produces all its components including its assortments – escape-wheels, pallets and rollers – as well balances and even balance springs –, while its entity in the French Jura region produces mainplates only.
The objective set by Miguel Rodriguez, owner and boss of the Festina Group, was simple to understand, yet not easy to achieve. This new movement had to be of irreproachable quality and reliability, but also meet the requirements of a 100% Swiss made self-winding calibre. It also had to stand out from the competition and bring real added value to entry-level movement segments, while at the same time featuring a contemporary design.
Soprod is offering an industrial calibre that is resolutely reliability driven. To guarantee this decisive factor in the development of a new “engine”, namely guaranteeing its stability in the event of shocks or vibrations, Newton is equipped with the best shock absorber, the double-cone Incabloc, while the cross-through bridge provides increased protection for the balance itself. Finally, to provide ultimate confirmation of its dependability, this new movement has been tested by the Dubois Laboratory and earned the Chronofiable Certificate, involving a battery of tests covering accelerated ageing cycles, shocks of all kinds and resistance to magnetic fields.
The design of the bridges was to be particularly pared-back, in order to create a contemporary overall look. Contrary to competing calibres, the aim was to magnify the balance, ensuring 360° visibility. This aesthetic choice implied aiming for a movement that is as symmetrical as possible along the 6 o’clock-12 o’clock axis. To ensure that the heart of the movement takes pride of place, the balance is elegantly positioned at 6 o’clock, an infinite source of inspiration for brands that will opt to create “Open Heart” models.
April 02, 2020