Welcome the two pioneering, visionary watchmakers, Julien Tixier (left) and Dominique Renaud (right). The two creators seal their paths, this is the birth of RENAUD TIXIER.

With the full curiosity towards Renaud Tixier, The Lavis Attic team has visited Julien workshop in Vallée de Joux during Watches and Wonders. A few months later, we are honoured to have Dominique and Julien visiting Hong Kong.

The journey begins with the model MONDAY. The dial emphasizes simplicity and refinement in design, highlighting the timepiece's innovation. It features an open view of the flywheel at nine o'clock, complemented by a small seconds display at four o'clock.

MONDAY holds at its heart the very first of 7 fundamental horological innovations invented and developed by Renaud Tixier. Its sober, pure, and elegant design draws inspiration from neo-classical architecture.

In this initial innovation, Dominique Renaud revisited a cornerstone of mechanical watchmaking: energy, the micro-rotor. He discovered a way to install the auxiliary mechanism at the center of the rotor. However, too strong a shock could potentially break everything. Thus, he envisioned an intermediate spring serving a dual role as both a propeller and a shock absorber. Similar to the strings of a tennis racket, it stores energy and releases it like a catapult.

This spring, which literally dances at the heart of the rotor, could only be called 'the dancer'.

A large spiral connects the axis to the flywheel, acting as the catapult. A spring arm extends from the axis in the opposite direction, serving as the shock absorber - a kind of foot with a heel that strikes a stop in the event of a severe shock. On the axis, the spring functions like a notched clamp, with the upper jaw forming a “hanger”. This hanger acts as an active safety mechanism: it is rigid under normal conditions and secures the flywheel to the axis.

From the micro-rotor to the barrel, and from there to the balance wheel, the finishes set the standard. The display is contemporary and refined: hand-beveled and mirror-polished titanium and a balance wheel made from palladium set the tone. On the barrel ratchet wheel, it is made with an additional silver plate, engraved, chiseled, and grand feu enameled.

The usual calculation methods for the micro-rotor do not apply here. The instrument capable of quantifying the improvement in efficiency doesn't exist - yet. 80 hours (minimum) of power reserve is provided.

Dominique Renaud has co-founded Renaud & Papi in 1986, becoming the first independent movement developer in the industry; At only 31, Julien Tixier is already making his mark in the world of haute horlogerie. The two different minds crashed to stir up the watchmaking industry.

Tempus Fugit is the first creation from the two talents. It is a watch for counting down your life exentency by equipping a power reserve of one's own life.

Improving the micr-rotor efficiency is less crazy, right?

For the texture, several techniques exist, such as charcoal texturing, tremblage, or hammering. They chose a never-before-seen finish, which requires a special tool. This gives Monday its unique engraving and rare character.

The case size of 40.8mm fits on the wrist without compromising the comfort and aesethics of the time piece.

Apart from the closed dial, there is an option of opening up the 9 o’clock window to showcase the movement part. Julien votes for this dial.

7 original innovations will be developed and created by Dominique and Julien. What’s next?

Michel Nieto (right), CEO of Renaud Tixier, travels along with the team, articulating the mechanism of Dancer, the new and unique way to improve the efficiency of micro-rotor. He was with us when we visited Julien’s workshop in Switzerland.

Some may question the rationale of MONDAY. What’re the needs? How can it be done? Dominique has suggested a solution for a horological issue. Every improvement moves towards perfection.

The slow motion video shows how the centre spring spins when it comes to shaking and winding. The dancer stores and transmits energy to the barrel in an effective way.

The barrel ratchet is embellished with motifs that subtly shine and stand out in relief. It is done by enamel artist Maëlle Constant, whose workshop is next to Julien. In nurturing this fluid exchange between independent artisan-craftspeople, Renaud Tixier establishes a paradigm not typically associated with watchmaking.