Hello, horology enthusiasts! Today, we're delving deep into the world of watch movements, and our star of the day is none other than the Swiss-made Ronda R150. If you're a fan of ticking marvels, you're in for a treat!
Let's rewind to 2016 when Ronda, a Swiss movement manufacturer, made waves at Baselworld by announcing their R150 movement. Known for their mechanical movements back in the '60s, Ronda’s return to this craft was eagerly awaited. But the R150 was no ordinary return; it was the herald of the brand's 'Mecano 100' series, signaling a resurgence of Ronda's mechanical prowess.
Although it's been years since its launch, the R150 remains the only mechanical movement in this series and the only one produced by Ronda as of 2021. But don't let this solitary status fool you; the R150 is a standout timepiece in its own right, crafted exclusively for premium watches.
Now, let's talk about the nitty-gritty of what makes the R150 tick. This self-winding, automatic movement is a Swiss gem, featuring 25 jewels, a bi-directional rotor winding direction, and a ball-bearing rotor type. It has a vibrational frequency of 28,800 bph/vph (4Hz), and an amplitude that swings from a minimum of 200 degrees to a maximum of 315 degrees. What's more, this robust movement offers both hacking and hand-winding capabilities, making it a versatile choice for watch aficionados.
In terms of dimensions, the R150 mirrors the esteemed ETA 2824-2, with both having a diameter of 25.6mm. However, the R150 wins the slim contest with a height of 4.4mm compared to the ETA's 4.6mm.
But what about accuracy? The R150 boasts an average accuracy rating of +/- 12 seconds per day, with a maximum deviation of up to 30 seconds per day. The isochronism after 24 hours stands at +/-20 seconds per day. So, if you're looking for a movement that delivers on precision, the R150 is a solid contender.
And let's not forget the power reserve. Once fully wound, the R150 can keep ticking for around 40 hours. And if you're worried about overwinding, rest easy; it's impossible with this movement. In fact, Ronda suggests wearing your watch for 12 hours a day to maintain its smooth running. If you can't, a few hand winds should do the trick.
To summarize we can find below the specifications of the Ronda R150 Automatic movement
- Caliber Overview:
- Manufacturer: Ronda
- Caliber Number: R150
- Type: Automatic, self-winding
- Dimensions:
- Lignes: 11.5"’
- Diameter: 26mm
- Casing Diameter: 25.6mm
- Height: 4.4mm thick
- Jewels and Oscillation:
- Jewels: 25
- Vibrations Per Hour: 28,800 bph/vph (4Hz)
- Lift Angle: 51 degrees
- Amplitude: Min: 200 / Max: 315 degrees
- Additional Features:
- Hacking: Yes (allows for precise time setting)
- Hand-Windable: Yes (can be manually wound)
- Rotor Winding Direction: Bi-directional
- Rotor Type: Ball Bearing
- Anti-Shock Protection: Incabloc
- Mainspring: Nivaflex
- Hand Count: 3 (central hours, central minutes, central sweeping seconds)
- Functions: Quickset date at 3:00
- Country of Manufacture: The Ronda R150 caliber is manufactured in Switzerland
Despite its Swiss labeling, the R150's "Swissness" is a topic of some debate. With Ronda boasting headquarters in both Lausen, Switzerland, and Hong Kong, some critics question just how Swiss this movement truly is. Did all its components originate in Switzerland, or are we looking at a blend of parts and assembly from multiple locations? It's a question worth pondering.
The Ronda R150 has been used by quite a few microbrand watch companies such as Borealis Watch Company.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the rumor about the R150's discontinuation. Yes, we've heard the whispers too that Ronda is discontinuing the R150 automatic movement and will replace it for a even more affordable variant.
So, there youhave it, folks! The Ronda R150 in all its glory. A remarkable timepiece that seamlessly blends Swiss engineering and aesthetic sophistication.
Its status as Ronda's sole mechanical movement elevates it to a unique position in the world of horology. And until we hear otherwise, let's celebrate its existence and the extraordinary craftsmanship it represents.
Until next time, keep enjoying the world of watches and the beautiful intricacies of their movements. Remember, every tick tells a story, and movements like the Ronda R150 make those stories worth telling.
