In the ever-evolving landscape of horology, innovation often comes in the guise of intricate complications and precious materials. However, the Horage DecaFlux, priced at a compelling CHF 2500 (approximately £2188), takes a different tack, focusing on a fundamental yet often overlooked challenge in the modern world: magnetic interference. This is not just another timepiece; it’s a horological statement, the first to be built around Horage’s brand new, in-house developed K3 movement, a Swiss-made marvel from Biel/Bienne that incorporates silicon technology to combat the pervasive magnetic fields of our digital lives.
For decades, Horage has been diligently working to integrate the unique properties of silicon into their movements, and the DecaFlux marks a significant milestone in bringing this advanced technology to a wider audience of watch enthusiasts without any compromise in performance. In an era often defined by the relentless pursuit of “more,” Horage champions a different philosophy with their K3 calibre: simplicity. This guiding principle lies at the very heart of the DecaFlux platform, demonstrating that sophisticated engineering doesn’t always necessitate overwhelming complexity.
While Horage clearly appreciates the allure of high-end luxury, with its precious metals and intricate complications, they also believe in making the joy of mechanical watchmaking accessible to a broader spectrum of individuals. Don’t mistake simplicity for a lack of capability, however. The DecaFlux, powered by the new K3 calibre, boasts full silicon technology and offers COSC certified accuracy of -4/+6 seconds per day – a testament to its precision and reliability.
It’s perhaps worth noting that the DecaFlux might evoke a sense of déjà vu for seasoned watch aficionados, bearing a visual resemblance to a certain iconic Swiss timepiece. Horage, with commendable transparency, doesn’t shy away from this, acknowledging the inspiration and confidently putting their own modern twist on a familiar and fascinating story. Why hide it when you can build upon it?
The inspiration for the DecaFlux’s anti-magnetic prowess comes from an unlikely source: the world of particle physics. Not far from Horage’s headquarters, at the CERN complex, an international team of scientists delves into the mysteries of the universe, operating colossal machines that generate immense magnetic fields. Such energy can wreak havoc on the delicate workings of traditional mechanical movements built with ferrous materials. Back in the 1950s, the primary solution was the creation of soft steel Faraday cages within the watch case – a niche solution for a very specific need that has since gained cult status.
This historical context sparked an idea at Horage, leading to three years of dedicated development. The goal wasn’t just to mimic aesthetics; it was to create a modern and technically superior anti-magnetic solution. While traditional methods like adding layers of permeable materials are effective, Horage sought an update fit for our digital age. After all, while most of us won’t find ourselves near the Large Hadron Collider, we are constantly surrounded by electronic devices containing magnets, each with the potential to disrupt the performance of a mechanical timepiece. The DecaFlux offers a contemporary answer to this ubiquitous challenge.
The solution, ironically, lies within the very electronic gadgets that create the magnetic fields: silicon. This semiconductor material has revolutionized the world since the 1950s, and Horage has fought for decades to incorporate its undisputed technical benefits into their movements. The DecaFlux is the culmination of this effort.
The DecaFlux is presented in a robust yet elegant 40mm case crafted from 316LMo stainless steel, framing a dial available in two distinct iterations: a polished black protected by a sapphire crystal with five layers of red-tinted anti-reflective coating, or a sunray blue with a sapphire crystal featuring five layers of blue-tinted AR coating. These subtle hints of red and blue in the AR coatings not only nod to the colours associated with magnetic fields but also add a touch of depth and complexity to the otherwise clean and uncluttered aesthetic. The dark dial tones provide a striking contrast against the bright, sharp lines of the diamond-cut hands, which, along with the indices, are finished in rhodium and filled with Superluminova (SLN W2 GL) for effortless legibility in any light conditions. Finally, the red-blue lightning bolt shaped seconds hand injects a playful dash of colour, a constant reminder that the invisible cloak of magnetic energy surrounding us on planet earth cannot warp this exceptional wristwatch. The Horage DecaFlux is a testament to innovative engineering, offering a stylish and reliable timepiece ready to fight the flux of the modern world.
