Introduced in 2013, reference 116680’s movement is in fact the result of a titanic R&D process which took about 35’000 man-hours, resulting in a truly innovative regatta countdown timer. While countdown timers have been made before, never in history such a complication included a programmable mechanical memory which allows to choose how many minutes (1 to 10) the countdown lasts, and retains the information after reset.

In order to set the timer, one first revolves the bezel counter-clockwise until it stops - the bezel is in this instance an integral part of the movement. Then, one presses the 4 o’clock reset button, which locks into depressed position. At this point, one can use the crown to set the amount of minutes the countdown shall last. Once the choice is made, one returns the bezel to its original position - which also releases the reset pusher. The countdown will at this point run for - and reset to - the desired amount of minutes, making this a truly innovative and groundbreaking complication. Even more remarkable is the fact that such a momentous effort has been made to develop a movement dedicated to a very restricted number of professionals (while most definitely enjoyable by any collector), following the path traced by such pieces as the Milgauss (made for scientists working in high magnetic fields) or the Explorer II “Freccione” (made for speleologists).

Not only the present example is offered in absolutely mint condition, but it furthermore dates to 2013, making this specimen one of the very first examples of the reference.