The independent watchmaker Renaud Tixier, a collaboration between the highly experienced inventor Dominique Renaud and the gifted young master watchmaker Julien Tixier, has unveiled a captivating new timepiece. Building on the success of their inaugural "Monday" watch, which redefined the micro-rotor concept, the brand now presents a breathtaking, fully skeletonized iteration. This exquisite model comes in two exclusive 15-piece limited editions, each adorned with either elegant green or sophisticated blue accents, showcasing an extraordinary blend of engineering and artistry.
Detailed Report on the Renaud Tixier Monday Skeleton Watch
In a significant development for the haute horlogerie world, the renowned independent watchmaking brand Renaud Tixier, operating from its specialized workshop, has introduced a meticulously crafted, fully skeletonized version of its acclaimed "Monday" watch. This launch, occurring two years after the original Monday's debut, reaffirms the brand's commitment to innovation and traditional craftsmanship. The design brilliantly integrates the patented micro-rotor winding mechanism, an invention by Dominique Renaud and Julien Tixier, which draws inspiration from automotive energy recovery systems to achieve a remarkable 40% improvement in winding efficiency. This mechanism features a kinetic propeller and a "dancer" propulsion spring within the platinum micro-rotor, converting subtle wrist movements into energy, thereby ensuring a minimum 72-hour power reserve.
The new "Monday Skeleton" watches, powered by the RVI2025 caliber, reveal all 262 components, each exquisitely finished and decorated by hand. Dominique Renaud, with over four decades of experience including a formative period at Audemars Piguet from 1979 to 1984, brings his profound expertise in movement design and skeletonization to this piece. Julien Tixier's dedication to artisanal perfection is evident in the intricate finishing techniques applied throughout the movement. The caliber, measuring 36.8mm, is housed within an 18k grey gold case that maintains a 40.8mm diameter and 12.6mm thickness (10.5mm without the domed sapphire crystal). The caseband and areas between the lugs are meticulously hand-engraved with a burin, creating a unique organic texture, contrasted by mirror-polished bezel, lug tops, and caseback outer ring.
A striking feature of these new models is the vibrant color accents. Whether in dark green or petrol blue, these hues highlight the peripheral minutes flange, the chapter ring framing the movement, the small seconds counter track, and the skeletonized dauphine-style hour and minute hands. On the reverse side, the mainspring barrel cover is adorned with layers of lustrous Grand Feu enamel in matching blue or green, adding a touch of vivid artistry. The movement boasts an impressive 238 hand-finished inward angles, along with traditional finishing techniques such as black polishing, bevelling, circular graining, and Côtes de Genève, all meticulously executed in the Renaud Tixier workshops located in Tolochenaz, Switzerland, on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva.
Each of these limited-edition timepieces is completed with a hand-stitched alligator leather strap that complements the dial and movement accents, secured by an 18k white gold pin buckle. With only 15 pieces available in each color, these watches represent a rare blend of mechanical ingenuity and aesthetic refinement, catering to collectors who appreciate both the technical mastery and artistic expression of independent watchmaking.
The unveiling of the Renaud Tixier Monday Skeleton watch is a testament to the enduring allure of traditional watchmaking techniques, seamlessly blended with contemporary innovation. It serves as a powerful reminder that in an increasingly digital world, there remains a profound appreciation for handcrafted precision and artistic detail. This piece not only showcases the exceptional talents of Dominique Renaud and Julien Tixier but also inspires a renewed fascination with the intricate mechanics and aesthetic beauty that define high-end horology. It challenges conventional design by making the movement itself the focal point, inviting the observer to delve deeper into the artistry of timekeeping.
