Geneva-This year, Athens Watch has closely linked the development of its concept watch with the research of neurodegenerative diseases supported by OnlyWatch, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
REHAssist is part of the EPFL research group of the Biorobotics and Translational Neuroengineering Lab. It has developed the world’s best adaptable exoskeleton for patients with degenerative muscle disease: Autonomyo. This orthopedic tool, when worn, mimics human bones and detects expected movements (bending, stretching, and abduction of the legs), helping the wearer achieve walking. Based on this research, Swiss watch maker Athens Watch has designed a unique skeleton X watch mechanical exoskeleton (EXO-SkeletonX) to show its support for the 2019 OnlyWatch charity auction. This hollow-out watch uses sapphire crystal to support the entire transmission wheel train. At the same time, it consists of four flexible sheets fixed in the middle of the case to form an ‘exoskeleton’, which significantly improves wearing comfort. The Athenian watch and the bio-robot skeleton share the same goal: to further study muscular dystrophy in order to improve the patient’s autonomy until more treatments are available.
OnlyWatch is hosting this year for the eighth time, and a total of more than 50 watchmaking brands have made watches for the event to raise funds for the study of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Athenaeum contributed this unique watch to this world-renowned auction-the skeleton X watch mechanical exoskeleton.
AUTONOMYO
Neuromuscular disease is a degenerative disease, which is unfortunately still incurable to this day. The disease is characterized by severe loss of muscle function, leading to a decline in daily activities, especially walking ability. A technology that came out in the early 21st century—commonly known as ‘artificial exoskeleton’ —enables people to develop motion correction systems. Incredibly, this technology successfully allowed paraplegic patients to walk again during the initial development phase.
AUTONOMYO is an exoskeleton that can meet many challenges. To ensure complete freedom of movement, AUTOMYO is equipped with 6 motorized shafts at the hips and knees and 6 passive shafts at the ankles. Exoskeleton enables users to perform complex movements far beyond robotic walking patterns. The Autonomyo team is also working on the concepts of intent detection and balance enhancement to improve safety while enabling device assisted activities. The sensors for motion, force, and inertia use advanced algorithms to perform calculations of about 500 times per second to meet these challenges. The existing free-standing exoskeleton weighs 25 kg (55 lbs), and the user can barely feel the weight of the device. It can also range from 1.6 meters (63 inches) to 2 meters (79 inches) depending on the user’s height. Adjustment.
Dr. Mohamed Bouri, head of the REHAssist research team, said: ‘Autonomyo is an extraordinary device that can be used without crutches. Our goal is to provide support for walking and balance management for patients with conditions such as muscular dystrophy. Initiating this project, working with associations that actively fight neuromuscular diseases (ASRIMM and FSRMM), aims to improve patients ‘daily lives. ‘He emphasized:’ I hope that assisted walking can delay patients’ wheelchair use, which is our Common motivation. ‘
The skeleton X watch mechanical exoskeleton version provides a reference for the futuristic motorized device in the usual sense, especially for AUTOMYO. The Athens Watch team hopes to express its full support to patients suffering from this disease through this special watch that incorporates the concept of ‘watchmaking mechanical exoskeleton’.
‘The theme of adopting mechanical exoskeleton is an uncontested decision. We have decided to establish a close connection between the timepiece and its original intention of development. This is a cause loyal to our heart. We hope to hollow out the X wrist. The mechanical exoskeleton version of the watch expresses this. This watch embodies the passion of Athenian watchmakers and designers, and is also the president and members of the Monaco Anti-Myotrophy Association to make the best progress in the research field of this degenerative disease. Proof, ‘said Patrick Pruniaux, chief executive of Athens Watch.
Hollow movement, hollow case: Hollow X watch with bionic style
The Hollow X watch was launched at the SIHH in Geneva in January 2019. The case has a bionic appearance that highlights the watch’s ergonomic design. The flexible double sheet is fixed by two screws, one on the housing and the other on the lugs. There is a certain movement space between the lug crossbar and the case, which improves the flexibility of the watch. This watch features an easy-to-adjust non-integrated strap, highlighting its ergonomics. This fabric strap is reminiscent of a soft band of medical exoskeleton and is designed to fit the wrist perfectly. The smoke-gray PVD bezel, with the hour markers and the bright orange Super-LumiNova luminous coating on the hands, greatly enhances the watch’s appeal. The watch has no dial design and is replaced by a white pattern symbolizing the molecular structure in a rectangular structure, which pays tribute to the medical purpose behind OnlyWatch.
The skeleton X case mechanical exoskeleton case is only 42 mm in diameter, with clear lines and a stylish design. The geometric structure of the stack—the X-shape constructed by the four time scales resides in a rectangle, and the rectangle is in a ring, which is amazing. The hollow design inside the watch clearly reproduces the innovative design of the self-made movement UN-371 in the FreakVision Transcend watch at the center: an extra-large ultra-light silicon balance, nickel weights and self-adjusting micro-flakes.
ONLYWATCH
With the support of Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Monaco Anti-Muscle Atrophy Association (AMM) set up the OnlyWatch charity auction. This charity auction is aimed at raising funds for research on muscular dystrophies, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and one in every 3,000 newborn boys has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition that causes muscles in the whole body Progressive degradation. This long-awaited biennial event will debut during this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. Athens Watch has also been a sponsor of the Monaco Yacht Show for the past 11 years.
OnlyWatch brings together unique timepieces from major luxury watch brands. Since 2005, about 50 brands have donated watches for auction, raising about 40 million Swiss francs for research. The 2019 OnlyWatch series will be exhibited at many events held around the world. The first stop is the Monaco Yacht Show from September 25th to 28th, and then it will be successively in Dubai, Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, Singapore. , Hong Kong and Taipei made their debut, and the auction was finally auctioned by Christie’s at the Four Seasons Hotel in Berger, Geneva on November 9.