Every (half) minute counts: the new Pioneer Retrograde Seconds

Sporty. Sophisticated. Spectacular.

Meet the new Pioneer Retrograde Seconds, a timepiece that seamlessly blends a playful and striking 30-second retrograde complication with that signature Pioneer design. Want a closer look at this marvel? You got it.

Upgrade to retrograde

At the beating heart of the Pioneer Retrograde Seconds is a 30-second retrograde mechanism. This fascinating complication is positioned at 6 o’clock. Every half minute, the hand swiftly returns to its starting position. With a design that’s inspired by measuring instruments and speedometers, the timepiece turns heads and wrists, making every glance at the retrograde mechanism feel exhilarating.

Wear, admire, repeat

The brilliance of the Pioneer Retrograde Seconds lies in the transparency of the mechanism. You get to admire the complication in all its glory — no bells, whistles, or unnecessary frills. The magic comes courtesy of the double snail cam, which orchestrates the seconds hand’s 30-second dash across the dial. The snail stays in constant contact with the sector or finger, releasing the accumulated energy stored by a spiral spring that lies beneath the axis of the seconds hand. The end of each cycle is like a well-choreographed routine, thanks to a stud holder on the baseplate.

The rack, also on show under the retrograde seconds bridge, ensures the hand sticks to its path, unleashing that stored-up energy in one fell swoop without missing a beat. The skeletonised bridge, with its elegant silver mouldings, takes a design cue from our signature tourbillon bridge, adding a touch of classic flair. And, as if the show wasn’t good enough, there’s a two-tone disc beneath the snail to tell you whether you’re on the first or second 30 seconds of the cycle—because why not throw in a bit of extra visual delight?

True to our minimalist aesthetic, we’ve tucked the logo away in transparent lacquer on a Midnight Blue fumé dial—like a hidden signature. This ensures that all eyes are drawn to the complication. The Pioneer Retrograde Seconds is powered by the HMC 250 self-winding movement. Based on the HMC 201 base calibre, it is coupled with a module designed by our partner Agenhor SA, who’ve made retrograde mechanisms one of their specialties.

The Pioneer Retrograde Seconds is yet another reflection of our desire to push the boundaries of what’s possible, while remaining true to our pioneering spirit. So, ready to go retrograde?

Share on

Published 3rd October 2024
×