The creative watchmaker Cabestan has recently unveiled this intriguing Sol Invictus watch, the world’s first perpetual mechanical watch using solar energy . Born out of the fruitful collaboration between Cabestan and Marc Alfieri , the remarkable model bears the name Sol Invictus, translated as Invincible Sun, stemming from that of God, revered by the Roman Emperor Aurelian.

As one of the best specialists in the field of watchmaking, Marc Alfieri boasts an extensive experience in large scale deployment of solar panels in France. When meeting with Jean-Francois Ruchonnet, the top watchmaker of Cabestan, Mark came up with the idea of integrating those solar panels into the Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical to create a movement completely powered by solar energy. With the cooperation with l’INES, l’Institut National de l’Energie Solaire, Mark Alfieri successfully installed the solar panels into Sol Invictus with the power produced equal to 100 milliwatts.

The solar energy watch features two brushless micromotors – one for rewinding the movement and the other for setting the time. These elements boast the modest dimensions of 1.9 mm x 5.5 mm, diameter and length indicated respectively, which were traditionally used in the medical industry. The two micromotors are governed by a diminutive controller with a programmable oscillator. There have been used a twin-blade electromechanical contact, which serves to open and close electrical circuit. The entires structure demonstrates an astonishing rewinding system for the movement.

Marc Alfieri’s partner, Jean-Francois Ruchonnet, has integrated his eye-catching vertical Cabestan movement in the center of the watch. He has also equipped the model with two solar panels located at 12 and 6 o’clock. These important components are mounted in metal frames, secured to pivots. Underneath the solar cells the watch wearer can admire the micromotors and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The twin-blade contact with its glass casing is visible in the middle of the movement. The complicated mechanism, connecting the crown to the movement, also includes a striking 30 mm long axle, traversing the movement in its width.

The Cabestan Sol Invictus watch is surely meant for high-tech watch lovers.