Today, I would like to talk to you about an innovative brand with disruptive design that is rarely seen in the horological landscape. You may have guessed—I am going to talk about the brand Mauron Musy. Before presenting one of their emblematic models, allow me to introduce the two men behind this brand, who have been at it for over 10 years.
The story of Mauron Musy began in 2013 in the picturesque valley of La Broye in Saint-Aubin, nestled in the enchanting Trois-Lacs region of the canton of Fribourg at the foot of the Jura. Éric Mauron was working as a subcontractor for several brands, and Christophe Musy was a multi-skilled mechanic. They both decided to make watches for their loved ones. The experience of one, combined with the other’s curiosity, laid the foundation for a creative dynamic. The movement was found (Eterna), the design took shape. Then they asked themselves how to add something that would characterize them. As they mastered the No Ring technology—which we will return to later—they decided it would be a good idea to include it in this watch. The project reached the Fribourg Innovation Platform (Platinn), and there, everything accelerated. This side project was elevated to brand status at Baselworld in just 9 months.
Despite nearly 20 years of age difference, their bond was immediate and deep, founded on mutual respect and a thirst to push boundaries. These two visionary minds united around a shared passion, expertise, and a common attachment to the ancestral values of Swiss watchmaking to create their brand. To that end, they wanted to produce timepieces that testify to their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. The first MU03 was presented without the brand having any stock or any pieces for sale. The double “μ” (mu) logo is an interesting detail that illustrates the brand’s theme. In mathematics, the Greek letter μ represents extremely small numbers, which, I believe, reflects Mauron Musy’s desire to highlight the importance the company places on the finest tolerances and meticulous attention to detail.
Mechanics and design are the two pillars of traditional watchmaking. As a pioneer, the Mauron Musy brand has chosen a third path: the “decoration complication”. The decisive turning point for Mauron Musy was the development of its patented nO-Ring® technology. The field of water resistance had not seen significant progress in horology for over 130 years. This innovation required three years of research, involving the adaptation of machines to new standards and the development of innovative processes. In addition to this innovation, the brand prides itself on being “100% Swiss Crafted,” a standard that goes beyond the traditional “Swiss Made” label. All components of its watches are manufactured within a 60 km radius of its headquarters, thus favoring regional development and eco-responsibility. The highly specific design of the Armure MU03 is the direct result of this innovation, presented in its world premiere in 2015. Now, let us move on to the presentation of this watch.
Table of Contents – Mauron Musy Armure MU03-102
What are the features of the Mauron Musy Armure MU03-102?
Case
The Mauron Musy Armure MU03-102 features a contemporary case in Grade 5 hypoallergenic titanium, manufactured in-house. Measuring 44 mm in diameter with a thickness of 12.8 mm, this case is imposing. Although it is lightweight and robust due to its material, I definitely prefer the MU06 model at 41 mm, which is more suited and fluid on a universal wrist. However, I must emphasize the brushed finish of the case that enhances its modern aesthetics, while the angular elements add a touch of sophistication.
The true particularity of this case, and what makes it its strength, is the patented nO-Ring® technology specially developed by the brand. This technology combines three principles: mechanical water resistance, assembly strap, and the satellite compression spring. Guaranteeing water resistance up to 300 meters, this system requires 36 highly technical elements—compared to about ten for a traditional case—and uses no fastening screws.
The assembly of the bezel and the case body is done using straps, mounted on a horizontal plane. The fixation of the crystal and the case back is characterized by a clamping system using satellite springs, avoiding a screwed closure, which would be constraining and could distort the surfaces. The case body and bezel compress these springs, whose vertical forces are transmitted to the crystal and case back. These springs also accommodate vertical expansion due to temperature variations. The crown also operates on the principle of mechanical water resistance. Each crown stem is adjusted in a bearing, creating an infinitesimal nanometric play that leaves no risk of leakage.
Dial
The Mauron Musy Armure MU03-102 is adorned with a matte blue dial featuring a textured inner ring. It is clean, legible, and also manufactured in-house. The Swiss brand has limited the functions to hours, minutes, small seconds, and date. The small seconds are located at 9 o’clock and the date at 4:30. Everything is clear, precise, and straightforward.
Presenting a sandwich structure composed of two superimposed metallic plates, the dial shows, on its first plate, a finely micro-peened surface state as well as a domed blue treatment at the center and in the small seconds counter. In the same spirit as the movement bridges, the applied indexes and the lower dial cartridges are milled in sunken relief, revealing polished inscriptions in positive.
But be warned, Mauron Musy spared no detail. The hour and minute hands, coated with Super-LumiNova, feature a grained finish; the central zone of the indexes is recessed, and the brand name is presented in relief on an arched cartridge. The central zone of the dial is blue-treated, as is the small seconds, though finer. Another cartridge is located at 6 o’clock, and the minute counter is slightly inclined. Another amusing detail is that the small seconds hand passes below the index at 6 o’clock. It is only when observing this watch up close that one realizes the Swiss brand devoted considerable time to perfecting every detail.
Movement
The Mauron Musy Armure MU03-102 houses an automatic movement designed in collaboration with the motorist La Joux-Perret. Offering a power reserve of 55 hours, the MM01 calibre beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It features a rather satisfactory finish, with the bridges and the oscillating mass having been hollowed out and micro-peened at the center, satin-finished, granulated, or sunken around the perimeter, in order to highlight the various raised inscriptions. The transmission wheel and the escape wheel are adorned with a sunburst décor, and various components are refined to reveal other parts of the movement.
Strap
The Mauron Musy Armure MU03-102 is delivered with two bracelets equipped with quick-release links, allowing them to be interchanged easily without tools. My favorite remains the colored FKM bracelet, which is very comfortable. The leather strap, on the other hand, drastically changes the look of this watch, and personally, I am not a fan. It completely loses the rugged and sporty image of this piece.
What is the price of the Mauron Musy Armure MU03-102?
The Mauron Musy Armure MU03-102 is offered at a price of CHF 14,300 (Including VAT), a slightly high price if one does not take into account that this watch, being 100% Swiss-made, is very expensive to produce. Moreover, the watch has a unique design, an innovation, and a level of craftsmanship that must be highlighted.
Mauron Musy Armure MU03-102: An Innovative Watch with Disruptive Design
The Mauron Musy Armure MU03-102 is an innovative and durable watch with a very disruptive design. Personally, I love its massive, sporty side—ready to survive an apocalypse. In terms of design, I think it’s a watch that you either love or hate. For my part, I am not a great fan of bulky, testosterone-filled sporty watches; I prefer poetic, fairly slim, and elegant watches. However, if you are looking for a different watch that meets criteria such as originality, innovation, and durability, it will surely touch your heart.
As for the brand, it produces 600 watches per year and, like its other models, it is always in search of new challenges both in terms of complications and materials. Mauron Musy harmoniously combines Swiss precision, innovative technology, and timeless design. The founders of the brand have developed new techniques and technologies that have pushed the limits of what is possible in horological design.
I would like to thank the Mauron Musy teams for giving me the opportunity to enter their universe and understand what makes this brand an initiative that belongs in the horological landscape. Mauron Musy is a family story and project, the antithesis of the big brands, which I urge you to discover.
Mauron Musy Armure MU03-102 – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Mauron Musy
- Model: Armure MU03-102
- Case Material: Grade 5 Titanium
- Dial: Blue Beadblasted Matt
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Date
- Movement: MM01, Self-Winding Mechanical, 28’800vph frequency (4 Hz), 23 jewels and 215 parts
- Power Reserve: 55 hours
- Water Resistance: 30 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Case Back: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 44 mm (Diameter) × 12.8mm (Thickness)
- Strap: Rubber with Grade 5 Titanium Pin Buckle
- Retail Price: CHF 14,300 (Excluding VAT)
Did you know the Mauron Musy brand? Do you like the design and concept? Please share your opinion in the comments.
For more information about Mauron Musy, click here.
