There is nothing to rival precious metals for standing the test of time. Doubtless because watchmakers, more than anyone else, have a firm grasp of the passage of time and a love of precision, the Manufacture has chosen to work only with materials that will survive the centuries, and whose durability will maintain the precision of the watch. Whether for visible or invisible parts, solid gold and platinum, plus traditional grand feu enamelling, are the only materials adopted for making the movement, case and dial of watches, which therefore become inalterable. Similarly, there is no chemical coating or plating involved at any stage in the manufacturing process. True to this desire to leave an enduring mark, the Julien Coudray 1518 Manufacture makes and sets aside for every watch produced the spare parts that might prove necessary, even in the distant future.

Materials

950 Pt platinum: a pure, rare and eternal metal.
With its origins on Earth certainly stretching back more than 3 billion years, this noble beautiful metal has appeared sporadically throughout history.
All civilisations, ancient or more recent, up to the alchemists of the 18th Century, have made use of it.

Platinum is 95% pure (as opposed to 75% for 18 carat gold), naturally white and hypoallergenic. Its density and weight explain why it is much more resistant than other metals. Scratching a platinum piece will only move the metal; thus its value and integrity are unaffected, making for a life-long companion. Its exceptional longevity and permanent shine give it an eternal quality. It is thirty times rarer than gold, and is extracted from very few deposits worldwide. These qualities have made it a highly coveted treasure down the centuries.

18 carat gold: one of the most coveted precious metals in the world. Along with copper, gold has been wrought by man since the dawn of time. From the Neolithic to Ancient Egypt, it is the precious metal par excellence, bedecking pyramids and obelisks, and accompanying the dead on their voyage into eternity.

Pure gold weighs 24 carats, but it is not suitable for watchmaking as it is too soft. So it is alloyed with other metals to harden it. The gold used is 750/1000ths or 18 carats, which contains 75% pure gold. Depending on the metals added, the gold will take on different shades: copper turns it reddish or yellow, while silver is used to create white gold.