Sameera Gamage 
Mauron Musy and architect Arturo Tedeschi push the limits of watch design with the MU05-106 Architect, a timepiece where algorithm meets craftsmanship and innovation takes centre stage.
In the ever-evolving world of horology, Mauron Musy has carved out a very distinct identity through their cutting-edge engineering, uncompromising unique designs and Swiss-made mechanical excellence. Mauron Musy was founded by Eric Mauron and Christophe Musy, with the brand quickly becoming synonymous with industrial precision and technical innovation, which often blur the lines between horology and high-tech engineering.
One amazing feat that truly sets Mauron Musy apart from the rest is their patented nO-Ring® water-resistance system. This system eliminates traditional gaskets used in traditional watch cases for water resistance. With this nO-Ring® system, the watch has a complete mechanical sealing process, making it the first in the world of luxury watchmaking.
The timepeices produced by Mauron Musy are not just mechanical timekeepers. They go beyond traditional watchmaking to become more industrial design statement pieces. Each watch has an architectural spirit, showing unique designs and movements developed entirely in-house. This brand appeals to those who seek a more mechanical and raw interpretation of luxury, timepieces that celebrate the complexity of engineering as much as it does aesthetics. With some of the brand’s more exclusive creations carrying a small production volume, the timepeices also offer a sense of exclusivity that collectors crave!
One of the latest timepeices from Mayuron Musy is a collaborative project with Arturo Tedeschi, the Italian Architect, creating a watch that pushes the boundaries of watchmaking while being true to the brand’s identity. In an unprecedented dialogue between watchmaking engineering and computational design, Mauron Musy and Arturo Tedeschi redefine the codes of skeleton watches with the MU05-106 Architect. This is a timepiece where the algorithm becomes the co-creator, where the intricate design of skeleton dials breaks free from traditional norms and symmetry to embrace the uncertainty.
Arturo Tedeschi is, however, all too familiar when it comes to unique designs like this. A quick look at his work and you can immediately draw the connection between the design of the MU05-106 Architect and his architectural designs. Known for pushing the boundaries of parametric modelling, Tedeschi’s work often fuses digital algorithms with artistic form, which results in structures that are as functional as they are futuristic. His design language, rooted in asymmetry, layering, and geometric abstraction, translates directly into the MU05-106 Architect, creating a watch that now feels less like a traditional timepiece and more like a miniaturised architectural sculpture for the wrist.
Case Design
I had the chance to hold the MU05-106 Architect in person, and I have to say that the timepiece really gives a futuristic feel just from the dial architecture, along with the unique case design. The 44mm case has been developed entirely in-house by Muaron Musy. Upon its release, it represents not only a world-first but a new direction for watchmaking that brings the future to the present.
Mauron Musy is the only brand in the world of horology to develop a mechanical sealing system without gaskets that is done purely through the case construction, completely eliminating the costly maintenance associated with polymer aging. The case is constructed of several pieces, which is intricately fitted together and finally screwed down to guarantee complete waterproofing to 300 meters! When I first saw the process of all the components of the case being fitted together in person, it was not only clever but also deeply impressive, a true display of mechanical ingenuity.
Dial Design
While the case design is certainly a “statement” component of this timepiece, the dial is where the MU05-106 Architect really captures attention. As mentioned earlier, a clear distinction can be made when viewing the architectural works of Arturo Tedeschi and the architecture of the dial. The skeletonised framework of the dial and movement are no longer merely drawn and designed to be balanced, it is generated with algorithmic audacity, to create a work of art that is generated by machine.
“The forms generated by this process surpass what the human hand could sketch. Fluid, asymmetrical, in constant evolution, they break free from traditional design schemes to create a vibrant, ever-moving aesthetic. Every opening, every line is the result of a complex calculation, designed to capture light and reveal hypnotic depth.”
Mauron Musy on the MU05-106 Architect’s dial design
The dial of the MU05-106 Architect features a three-dimensional layout composed of three superimposed levels. The design is first shaped by the algorithm before being precisely sculpted. Each angle on the intricate structure is unique, and each facet interacting with light beautifully completes the three-dimensional effect. When I saw this in person, the structure was even more impressive than in the photos. The shadows of the different elements of the structure contrast against the parts that stand out more to offer a stunning play of depth and light, almost like an architectural model brought to life.
Movement
The movement sitting inside this algorithmic masterpiece is Mauron Musy’s first manufactured automatic movement, the MM01-SK Calibre. Designed by Mauron Musy’s manufacture and made in-house by La Joux-Perret, the MM01-SK Calibre movement is fitted with 167 components and measures only 6.55mm thick! The movement operates at a high frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH) to ensure a high level of accuracy, while also offering a decent power reserve of 55 hours.
Mauron Musy’s attention to detail is reflected through the detailed finishing of the movement, which includes snailed and hollowed bridges with microblasted structure, anthracite NAC coating, diamond-polished angles, sunburst and nickel-plated balance bridge, Rhodium-plated and circular satin-brushed gear wheels and a snailed tungsten oscillating mass with anthracite NAC coating.
Final Thoughts
Mauron Musy’s MU05-106 Architect is more than just a limited-edition timepiece; it’s a statement of what modern watchmaking can become when engineering precision meets design innovation. The brand has long been known for pushing the limits of traditional watchmaking. However, I feel this latest collaboration with Italian Architect Arturo Tedeschi takes it to a whole other level.
The fusion of Arturo Tedeschi’s parametric architecture with the Swiss watchmaking expertise of Mauron Musy has resulted in a timepiece that is both mechanically impressive and visually striking! From the case’s innovative and world-first gasket-free water resistance system to the algorithmically designed dial architecture, every detail on this timepiece feels like a deliberate step into the future.
And that’s exactly what this watch represents for me: a glimpse of the future of watchmaking. This is a watch that challenges conventional watchmaking expectations. It is not a timepiece designed to please the masses but rather made for the bold, for those who appreciate the raw mechanics and radical aesthetics. There’s no denying this timepiece leaves a lasting impression, and with it being limited to just 10 pieces, its impact will no doubt resonate far beyond that number.
Specification: Mauron Musy X Arturo Tedeschi MU05-106 Architect
- Dimensions: 44mm x 13mm thick
- Case Material: Titanium Grade 5
- Dial: Luminescent-tipped diamond-polished hands. Black ruthenium-coated brass dial with handcrafted and micro-blasted finishes.
- Water Resistance: nO-Ring® mechanical water resistance to 300 m. (30 ATM)
- Movement: Automatic Calibre MM01-SK
- Movement Power reserve: 55 hours operating at 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Crystal: Glareproofed sapphire crystal and back
- Bracelet/Strap: Delivered with two straps, leather and rubber, enabling tool-free interchangeability. Deployant clasp in steel and Titanium Grade 5
