The Newton movement launched by Festina. A breakthrough in Swiss watch technology
Festina
The Newton movement launched by Festina. A breakthrough in Swiss watch technology
When we talk about Swiss watches, we think of precision, tradition and outstanding quality. Festina, one of the leading brands in the watchmaking industry, continues this tradition with the launch of its latest movement called the Newton. The result of years of research and development, it combines excellent technology with elegant design. In this article, we'll explore the history and unique features of the Newton movement, which represents the essence of Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship.
History and production of the Newton movement – How did Soprod become an important part of the Festina Group?
Soprod, a renowned Swiss brand specialising in the manufacture of watch movements, was incorporated in 2008 into the Festina Group, one of the largest watch companies in the world. This strategic merger allowed the two companies to consolidate their strengths and expand their production capabilities.
By merging with Festina, Soprod has become an integral part of the manufacturing process for all types of watch movements. With six sites in Switzerland, the Festina Group is able to manufacture all the necessary components — from elements such as escapement wheels, anchors and hairsprings to critical components such as balance wheels and mainsprings.
The most notable accomplishment during its time with Festina, however, was the development of the Newton movement. Following three years of dedicated effort, the calibre saw its official debut in March 2020.
Exclusively Swiss made — how does the Newton movement define new standards in watchmaking?
Miguel Rodriguez, owner of the Festina Group, had the vision to create an automatic movement that not only fit in perfectly with Swiss standards, but also stood out for its modern design.
This is how Soprod presents us with a masterpiece straight from the Jura, the heart of Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship — reliable and great-looking movement that combines the classic with an innovative approach. The Newton movement not only impresses with its precision, but also offers excellent value for money. In the competitive world of movements, the main aim of Soprod was to distinguish itself through "unfailing reliability", which they have undeniably succeeded in doing. This combination of passion, heritage and innovative thinking is proof that Switzerland remains at the forefront of world watchmaking.
Innovation and design — technical assets of the Newton movement
The Newton movement is an avant-garde combination of technical innovation and fine design. With a diameter of 11 1/2" (25.6 mm) and a height of 4.6 mm, it is a compact yet precise calibre. It is equipped with three hands: seconds, minutes and hours, which measure time accurately thanks to an automatic, unidirectional movement with possible manual winding.
The key feature of the movement is its Swiss lever movement with 23 jewels. It provides great reliability, which is essential for any high-end watch. What's more, with a 44-hour power reserve operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vph) and the accuracy of 4s ± 4 adjustable in 5 TOPFLIGHT positions, the Newton movement provides absolute precision.
The appearance of the Newton movement also plays an important role. The blue screws, the beautiful rotor in rose gold and the simplified design of the bridges underline its modern character. In addition, thanks to the INCABLOC technology with the double cone and the balance bridge, the mechanism is extremely resistant to various shocks, which is essential for everyday use.
However, what really sets the Newton movement apart is the patented technology of placing the balance spring and tourbillon at the back of the movement. This innovative approach to design underlines the uniqueness of the calibre and the Festina brand.
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