SPECIFICATIONS
42mm laminated case
Original crown
Original “Refrascope” glass
AS 1180 manual winding movement
ANALYSIS
The Juvenia Arithmo was born from a 1944 patent for a table clock designed to perform complex arithmetic calculations. Professionals such as Architects and Engineers could perform calculations and measurements by means of a bezel with a logarithmic slide rule that moved bi-directionally. In fact, before the advent of the electronic calculator, the slide rule was one of the most valuable and useful accessories that could be owned: by means of the operation of the slide rule it was possible to calculate complicated equations applied to engineering and trigonometry.
The Arithmo glass is very unique, which collectors call “doughnut” but which is more technically defined as “Refrascope”: the main dial is covered by a separate piece of the crystal system from the slide rule bezels. The look is truly unlike any other and allows for a clear view of the slide rule, while still being able to rotate. When the wearer rotates the bezel, the outer plexiglass part rotates with it while the inner part, above the central dial, remains fixed.
In 1945, Juvenia launched the first variations of this patent on wristwatches that are now highly sought after by collectors around the world.
This is a very rare example and in an incredible state of preservation.
The dial is glossy black with gilt graphics made with a galvanic technique. The Arabic numerals are interspersed with rectangular indexes and on the outer edge runs a sequence of circular indications delimited by a thin golden ring. At the center of the dial at 12 o’clock is the Juvenia Arithmo signature placed in gold glitter. The bezel is bi-partite: internally it is still black with gilt numbering and notches for measurement; the outermost section is in steel and the numbering is engraved and painted in black. The original “Refrascope” crystal is ultra-curved and creates surprising plays of light distortion on the dial. The gold hands have a beautiful sword shape with handle; the central seconds hand has a more classic shape: it is threadlike with a seed-shaped counterweight.
The case is a spectacular oversize in the shape of a flattened disk. On it stands the rotating bezel and above it still the crystal. The original crown is recessed into the case so as not to break the sinuous bulging profile. The large “drop” lugs are wonderful: they start from above the case to literally fall downwards and fold back on themselves. It is a succession of lines with a circular development. A great visual effect.
Inside we find the tried and tested AS 1180 movement with manual winding of 8 3/4 lines with direct central seconds.
This is an extremely rare and unrepeatable watch.
