MASTERING TIME
Using a chronoscope means acting directly on time itself; the seconds themselves depend on the simple impulse of a gesture.
Nothing magical about it: it is the result of hundreds of years of engineering and mechanical evolution.
Designed for functional use, choosing the best of these developments was a natural decision to power our Waypoint chronoscope.
TECHNOLOGY, OUR PRIORITY
The TMI NE86 movement, entirely manufactured to order in Japan and hand-assembled by the group's finest watchmakers, is the only movement on the market in this range (including Swiss calibers) to have met the minimum requirements of our specifications, namely:
| Required specification | NE86 | Swiss movement |
|---|---|---|
| Bidirectional automatic winding | Yes (Magic Lever) | No (unidirectional) |
| Chronoscope function | Yes | Yes |
| Shock protection system | Yes (Diashock) | Yes (Incabloc) |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph | 28,800 vph |
| Column wheel | Yes | Optional |
| Power reserve > 45 hours | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic resistance | Yes | No |
| Adjustable daily rate < 10 sec/day | Yes | Yes |
| Manufacturing quality | Excellent | Depending on the level of finishing selected |
In addition to being the heir to the rich history of the 6139 caliber, the NE86 offers further advantages:
| Specification | NE86 | Swiss movement |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical clutch | Yes | No (horizontal) |
| Jewels | 34 | 27 |
| Thickness (mm) | 7.62 | 7.90 |
| Manufacturing | Confidential, by order only | Industrial |
| Component origin | 100% in-house | Outsourcing to subcontractors |
| Swiss Made | No | Yes |
| Japan Made | Yes | No |
FOCUS ON:
THE KEY ELEMENTS OF A PRESTIGIOUS CHRONOSCOPE CALIBER
The column wheel
The column wheel
The column wheel is the command center used in prestigious chronoscopes to coordinate intentional time-measuring functions. Visually recognizable by its crown-shaped, notched profile, it operates like a rotary distributor, precisely orchestrating the movement of the chronoscope's levers, springs and hammers. In practical terms, its main advantage lies in the smoothness and crispness of the controls: each press of the pusher triggers a partial rotation of the wheel, which progressively and perfectly synchronously engages or disengages the components. This construction provides a crisp feel when activated, as well as greater durability and increased reliability of the chronoscope functions. Furthermore, when combined with systems such as the vertical clutch, the column wheel becomes a symbol of exceptional watchmaking. In short, it embodies the perfect alliance between mechanical tradition and functional performance.
The vertical clutch
The vertical clutch
The vertical clutch is a system used in mechanical chronoscopes to engage the timing function with precision, speed and reliability. It relies on direct friction contact between two superimposed discs: one connected to the base movement, the other to the chronoscope mechanism. Unlike the horizontal clutch, which engages the wheels through lateral meshing, the vertical system invented by Seiko in 1969 eliminates any jerking, ensuring a perfectly smooth start of the chronoscope hand. This mechanism offers several decisive advantages:
- No hand jump when activated
- Significant increase in durability thanks to reduced mechanical wear
- Ability to run the chronoscope continuously without compromising accuracy
- Optimal integration into modern movements, in combination with the column wheel
The three-point hammer
The three-point hammer
In a chronoscope movement equipped with a column wheel and a vertical clutch, the three-point hammer plays an essential role in the reset sequence. When the reset pusher is activated, the column wheel releases the hammer, which simultaneously strikes the heart-shaped cams of the counters, ensuring a synchronized and instantaneous return to zero of the chronoscope hands. In a vertical-clutch architecture, the engagement and disengagement of the wheels occur without slipping, preventing jerks during activation. This allows the hammer to operate with increased precision, without disturbing the gear train, even when the chronoscope is frequently activated or stopped. In short, this type of configuration (column wheel + vertical clutch + three-point hammer) represents the pinnacle of chronoscope tradition, combining smooth engagement, mechanical durability and precise resetting.
Bidirectional automatic winding
Bidirectional automatic winding
A symbol of modern technical sophistication, automatic winding activated by an oscillating weight frees the user from any constraints related to power reserve. It provides genuine everyday comfort while highlighting the ingenuity of the movement. Although some purists still favor manual winding, either for the pleasure of the gesture or its historical roots, automatic winding appeals through its practicality and consistent performance when worn, establishing itself as a faithful companion for everyday life. Regular wear gives the watch the momentum it needs to maintain the accuracy of its timekeeping. At the pinnacle of this technology is a system capable of winding the caliber regardless of the direction in which the oscillating weight rotates. On the TMI NE86, it is the "Magic Lever" (another Seiko invention) that provides this performance, ensuring optimal efficiency with every movement of the wrist. This caliber nevertheless allows you to enjoy the charm of manual winding, offering the best of both worlds.
Magnetic resistance
Magnetic resistance
In a world saturated with electromagnetic waves (smartphones, computers, etc...), the resistance of a watch movement to magnetic exposure has become an essential quality. This is precisely where the TMI NE86 caliber stands out. The NE86 derives its magnetic robustness in particular from the use of a SPRON alloy hairspring, developed by Seiko. This proprietary alloy combines elasticity, thermal stability and resistance to magnetic fields. Unlike traditional steel hairsprings, which are more sensitive, SPRON helps maintain a stable amplitude even in the presence of a moderate magnetic field. In addition, the movement architecture also incorporates other non-ferromagnetic components, and the intelligent positioning of certain sensitive parts limits the impact of external fields, allowing it to comply with the ISO 764-2020 magnetic resistance standard. This level of protection places it well above many standard mechanical calibers and makes it suitable for everyday use without excessive precautions regarding electromagnetic environments.
The shock protection system and high frequency
The shock protection system and high frequency
Diashock is a shock protection system developed by Seiko to protect the balance staff, a central and particularly sensitive component of the movement. It consists of a metal spring housed in a "chaton", allowing the pivot jewel to move slightly in the event of a shock and then return to position. This mechanism prevents deformation or breakage of the staff, and combined with the balance oscillating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), the movement is more responsive and less sensitive to variations caused by shocks and jolts.
Thus, we offer a no-compromise chronoscope, where mechanical excellence and technical rigor are the watchwords.
