The Soprod C125 movement: at the heart of the Jules 24H collection

Watchmaking is an art where the invisible gives full meaning to the visible. While the aesthetics of a timepiece captivate the eye, it is its mechanical heart that forges its character and reliability. For the Jules collection, our house Gustave & Cie has chosen uncompromising quality by integrating the Soprod C125 movement. This automatic "GMT" calibre is not simply a motor; it is the symbol of a technical ambition aimed at offering travellers and enthusiasts of fine mechanics an instrument of flawless precision.

By choosing to rely on the expertise of the Soprod manufacture, based in the Swiss Jura, we wanted to anchor the Jules collection in a tradition of high performance. This movement, renowned for its robustness and finesse, allows our creations to transcend time zones with rare elegance. Let us dive together into the inner workings of this exceptional mechanism.

 

Soprod: A heritage of precision in the Swiss Jura

To understand the value of the Soprod C125 movement, one must first look at its origins. Soprod belongs to the prestigious Festina group and has established itself as one of the most credible and qualitative alternatives to ETA or Sellita movements. Located in the heart of the "Watch Valley", the manufacture masters the entire production process, ensuring quality control that meets the strictest standards of Swiss watchmaking.

The C125 belongs to the "Alternance 10" family of calibres, a base architecture designed to rival high-end movements. Its reputation is well established: it is used by numerous luxury brands seeking a perfect balance between a slim construction and resistance to the test of time. At Gustave & Cie, this choice was obvious to accompany the Jules collection, a watch designed for adventure and exploration, carefully assembled in France.

Learn more about Festina Soprod Switzerland

 

The technical characteristics of the Soprod C125 movement

The Soprod C125 is an automatic movement with complications that stands out with an impressive technical specification. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), it ensures top-tier chronometric precision. With its 25 jewels, it minimises internal friction, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the mechanism and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

One of its major assets lies in its power reserve of approximately 42 hours. This autonomy allows you to set your watch down for a weekend and find it perfectly on time on Monday morning. Furthermore, its compact design enables the Jules collection to maintain a slender profile on the wrist, despite the complexity of its single-hand display and its GMT function. It is an engineering feat that respects the aesthetic of our house.

Summary table of the Soprod C125 movement

Characteristic	Detail
Movement	Soprod C125
Type	Automatic GMT movement
Manufacturing	Swiss
Calibre display capabilities	Hours, minutes, seconds and 24h GMT
Frequency	28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz)
Number of jewels	25 jewels
Power reserve	42 hours
Winding	Bi-directional automatic
Stop-seconds	Yes
Manual winding	Yes
Diameter	25.60 mm
Thickness	4.10 mm
Adjustments	COSC, R4, R7, R12 according to technical specifications

 

 

The GMT complication and the outer bezel: Mastering global time

The Jules collection stands out with its unique display: a 24-hour single-hand watch coupled with a GMT function. Unlike classic watches, time is read here with a single hand that sweeps across the entire dial in one day. This approach promotes a more intuitive reading of the circadian rhythm, faithful to our praise of slowness and the concept of "Slow Time".

For travellers, the GMT function is provided by a rotating outer bezel that surrounds the dial. This device allows a second time zone to be displayed in an elegant and discreet manner. By adjusting this bezel, you can track the time in another country while keeping your local time on the main dial. It is the essential tool for those who cross borders while remaining connected to their roots.

Jules 24H Gold and White automatic watch: the outer bezel indicates the second GMT time zone, complemented by a single central hand to read the time.

Reliability and technicality: A requirement at every moment

The reliability of the Soprod C125 rests on a proven mechanical architecture. This movement integrates advanced protection systems, such as the Incabloc shock absorber, which preserves the most fragile components from the hazards of daily life. Each movement is rigorously tested before being cased in our workshops in France, ensuring that every Jules watch leaving our house meets the highest expectations.

Beyond its robustness, it is the technicality of the C125 that appeals. Its ability to maintain constant precision, even at the end of its power reserve, is the mark of a high-quality calibre. As experts, we prioritise raw performance and durability: a Jules watch is not merely a fashion accessory, it is an investment in time, an object designed to last and be passed down.

 

The Jules collection: An odyssey on the wrist

Inspired by the imagination of Jules Verne and a taste for travel, the Jules collection is the icon of our automatic range. It is available in several chromatic variations, such as the superb "Gold and Blue" model, which evokes the oceanic depths and the brilliance of ancient navigational instruments. With its stainless steel case and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, it combines robustness and refinement.

To wear a Jules is to sport a bold French design supported by elite Swiss mechanics. The 24-hour dial invites a different perception of time, less stressful and more natural. It is a watch that arouses emotion, whether as a personal treat or a meaningful gift. It perfectly embodies the DNA of Gustave & Cie: the alliance of history, art, and technique.

Jules 24H automatic watch, silver case, blue and gold dial, paired with a blue tropic rubber strap.

 

Mechanical evolution: From Vostok to the Soprod C125

The quest for perfection for the Jules collection did not happen in a day. It is the result of a constant evolution of our expertise and a desire for technical elevation. In its early days, the Jules was powered by the Vostok 2431 movement, a robust and historic calibre. Subsequently, we took a further step by adopting the ETA 2893-2 movement, an essential benchmark in Swiss watchmaking.

Today, the integration of the Soprod C125 marks the culmination of this prestigious lineage. This transition from one movement to another testifies to our commitment to offering the best of current technology to our customers. By choosing the C125, we guarantee not only increased reliability but also a finesse of adjustment and a fluidity of operation that honour the history of the Jules collection.

 

Conclusion

The Soprod C125 movement is the beating heart of our Jules collection. By choosing this exceptional mechanism, brilliantly succeeding the Vostok and ETA calibres, we reaffirm our commitment to high-quality, durable, and inspiring watchmaking. This alliance between the GMT function, the 24-hour single-hand design, and Swiss precision makes each Jules watch a unique object, ready to accompany you on all your explorations.

Whether you are a technical enthusiast or a lover of beautiful design, the Jules collection invites you to rediscover time. It transforms every glance at your wrist into an invitation to travel and reflect. This is the true magic of Gustave & Cie: creating objects that do not simply tell the time, but tell a story, yours.

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