Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe MONOCHROME Montre de Souscription 4 Seconde Morte is a 33-piece limited-edition watch made with Austrian independent watchmaker Habring². It launched on 18 December 2025 and sold out in 12 hours and 20 minutes, according to MONOCHROME founder Frank Geelen. The original subscription is closed; MONOCHROME’s shop lists the watch as sold out.
What is the MONOCHROME Montre de Souscription 4?
Known as the MdS4, the watch is a collaboration between watch publication MONOCHROME and Habring², based on the Habring² Erwin Jumping Seconds. Its defining feature is a hand-wound mechanical movement with deadbeat seconds, paired with a black Art Deco-inspired dial designed with Pietro Pilla.
MONOCHROME announced the watch on 16 December 2025 and scheduled the subscription launch for 18 December at 15:00 Central European Time. The offer was limited to 33 individually numbered watches and was set to run for two weeks or until the edition sold out. Geelen reported on 19 December that all 33 had sold in 12 hours and 20 minutes. That interval describes MONOCHROME’s own launch, not a broader measure of demand.
What does “Seconde Morte” mean?
“Seconde Morte,” or deadbeat seconds, describes a seconds hand that advances in distinct one-second steps rather than sweeping continuously. In the MdS4, the step-by-step motion comes from the mechanical movement; it is not a quartz mechanism. The format has historical associations with observatory timekeeping and scientific measurement, where clearly separated seconds were useful. Hodinkee explains the complication’s history and operation.
#1 Best Overall
- Global warming accelerates glacial melting, causing severe ecological damage to Earth. Inspired by “Never-Melting Ice,” Agelocer's Swiss Chief Designer Etienne Ruffieux grand launch this full sapphire case free-sprung balance flying tourbillon watch, urging awareness of climate change. Honored with the 2022 German Design Award for its exceptional design, this tourbillon is globally limited to 100 pieces.
- The entire watch case is crafted from 5N (99.999%) high-purity sapphire crystal; 5N-grade sapphire crystal boasts a Mohs 9 hardness rating (second only to diamond) and exceptional transparency. Its superior hardness renders the case scratch and wear resistant, ensuring a flawless, long-lasting finish that stands the test of time. High transparency enables us to clearly appreciate the mechanical artistry of the ultimate skeletonized flying tourbillon.
- Self developed design CAL9001 free-sprung balance flying tourbillon movement, manual winding, 28,880 vibrations/hour, 25 ruby bearings. Satin brushed finish and chamfered edges with premium finishing techniques; Brand logo engraved and gold foiled. Dual mainspring series technology delivers 80-hour power reserve (twice that of standard tourbillon movements). This technology ensures more uniform and gradual mainspring release, resulting in enhanced timekeeping precision and stability.
- The CAL9001 tourbillon movement features the exclusive free-sprung micro-adjustment technology typically found only in luxury timepieces. This free-sprung system eliminates the need for a balance spring regulator, thereby overcoming the timing inaccuracies caused by regulator displacement in conventional mechanical movements. This ensures the watch delivers enhanced precision and stability in timekeeping.
- 50M water resistance for the entire watch; food-grade semi-transparent silicone strap, water/sweat/corrosion resistant, comfortable and durable to wear. Super-LumiNova luminous hands, paired with a butterfly double-press clasp. We promise a three-year global warranty service.
MdS4 specifications and design
| Feature | MdS4 details |
|---|---|
| Movement | Habring² A11S, in-house and hand-wound |
| Seconds display | Mechanical deadbeat seconds |
| Power reserve | 48 hours |
| Case | Brushed stainless steel; 38.5 mm diameter and 9 mm thick |
| Water resistance | 30 m |
| Dial | Glossy black with Art Deco-influenced Roman numerals and diamond-shaped markers |
| Hands | Steel leaf hands |
| Strap | Taupe nubuck |
| Edition | Maximum of 33 individually numbered watches |
The proportions and dial distinguish the MdS4 from a conventional Erwin Jumping Seconds. MONOCHROME founder Frank Geelen described the project as a way to bring “something fresh” to the Erwin while highlighting the Habring family’s independent watchmaking and the deadbeat-seconds complication.
How much did the MdS4 cost?
The historical launch price was EUR 6,000 excluding tax. A EUR 2,000 deposit, also excluding tax, was required and was non-refundable. Those figures were the terms of the original subscription, not a current buying offer. MONOCHROME’s product page records the specifications and original terms.
Rank #2
- Global warming accelerates glacial melting, causing severe ecological damage to Earth. Inspired by “Never-Melting Ice,” Agelocer's Swiss Chief Designer Etienne Ruffieux grand launch this full sapphire case free-sprung balance flying tourbillon watch, urging awareness of climate change. Honored with the 2022 German Design Award for its exceptional design, this timepiece is globally limited to 100 pieces.
- The entire watch case is crafted from 5N (99.999%) high-purity sapphire crystal; 5N-grade sapphire crystal boasts a Mohs 9 hardness rating (second only to diamond) and exceptional transparency. Its superior hardness renders the case scratch and wear resistant, ensuring a flawless, long-lasting finish that stands the test of time. High transparency enables us to clearly appreciate the mechanical artistry of the ultimate skeletonized flying tourbillon.
- Self developed design CAL9001 free-sprung balance flying tourbillon movement, manual winding, 28,880 vibrations/hour, 25 ruby bearings. Satin brushed finish and chamfered edges with premium finishing techniques; Brand logo engraved and gold foiled. Dual mainspring series technology delivers 80-hour power reserve (twice that of standard tourbillon movements). This technology ensures more uniform and gradual mainspring release, resulting in enhanced timekeeping precision and stability.
- The CAL9001 tourbillon movement features the exclusive free-sprung micro-adjustment technology typically found only in luxury timepieces. This free-sprung system eliminates the need for a balance spring regulator, thereby overcoming the timing inaccuracies caused by regulator displacement in conventional mechanical movements. This ensures the watch delivers enhanced precision and stability in timekeeping.
- 50M water resistance for the entire watch; food-grade semi-transparent silicone strap, water/sweat/corrosion resistant, comfortable and durable to wear. Super-LumiNova luminous hands, paired with a butterfly double-press clasp. We promise a three-year global warranty service.
Can you still buy the Montre de Souscription 4?
The original sale is over, and MONOCHROME’s shop marks the watch sold out. A dealer page observed in the available listings showed a used MdS4 with box and papers at “Price on Request,” but that single page does not confirm present inventory or establish a market value. No completed MdS4 sale price is established here. The dealer listing should be treated as a lead to verify directly, not proof that a watch is currently available.
If assessing a pre-owned example, verify the exact model and numbered edition, condition, provenance, service history, and whether box and papers are included. Confirm the seller’s current stock and clarify currency, taxes, and any auction or transaction fees before comparing prices. A sale result for the earlier Montre de Souscription 1 is not a price comparable for the MdS4: it is a different watch and edition. Heritage Auctions’ result concerns MdS1, not MdS4.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Asian Limited Edition: This watch is a special Asian limited edition, with only 5,500 pieces available globally, each featuring a unique serial number on the back.
- Sunrise-Inspired Design: The design is inspired by the serene beauty of a sunrise, featuring an elegant off-white dial and the first-ever introduction of rose gold accents on the rotating bezel sides and GMT hands in the SKX GMT series.
- Automatic Movement with GMT Function: Equipped with an automatic movement and manual winding capability, it includes a 24-hour hand for dual time display, making it ideal for travelers.
- Distinctive Bracelet: The five-row chain bracelet, inspired by the original SKX series, features a polished middle section that sharply contrasts with the hairline pattern of other sections, adding a touch of sophistication.
- Secure and Stylish Clasp: It comes with a three-fold clasp that includes a secure lock, push-button release, and a double lock for added security and ease of use.
Rank #4
- SEIKO WATCH – Seiko SRPD53 automatic wristwatch.
- CASE – Stainless steel case and stainless steel strap.
- CRYSTAL – Hardlex crystal.
- MOVEMENT – Caliber 4R36 automatic movement with hand-winding capability.
- WATCH DIAMETER – 42.5 mm.
Rank #3
- 2025 Inaugural Year of World Glacier Day, Agelocer called for greater public attention and participation in addressing climate change. Swiss Chief Designer Etienne Ruffieux grand launch the 'Never-Melting Ice 2.0' fully transparent crystal case free-sprung balance Tourbillon Watch, This timepiece was awarded the French National Design Award for its outstanding design and is available in a limited edition of 299 pieces worldwide.
- The watch features a sapphire crystal glass face and an Agelocer-exclusive K9 crystal case with 95% light transmittance. Treated with annealing hardening and silicon carbide Deposition technology, it achieved a hardness of Mohs 8. This exceptional hardness prevents scratches, ensuring the watch remains pristine over time. The crystal case's high transparency allows for a clear view of the exquisite mechanical artistry of the skeletonized flying tourbillon.
- Independently developed CAL9001 free-sprung balance flying tourbillon movement, manual winding, 28,880 vibrations per hour, 25 ruby bearings. Features high-end finishing including satin brushing and beveled edges, engraved brand logo with gold-stamped. Dual mainspring series technology delivers 80-hour power reserve (twice that of standard tourbillon movements). This technology ensures more uniform and gradual mainspring release, resulting in enhanced timekeeping precision and stability.
- The CAL9001 tourbillon movement features the exclusive free-sprung micro-adjustment technology typically reserved for luxury timepieces. This free-sprung system eliminates the need for a balance spring regulator, thereby overcoming the timing inaccuracies caused by regulator displacement in conventional mechanical movements. This ensures the watch delivers enhanced precision and stability in timekeeping.
- The watch is water-resistant to 50 meters. It features a food-grade translucent silicone strap with a butterfly double-push buckle, offering waterproof, sweatproof, and corrosion-resistant properties for comfortable and durable wear. Featuring Super-LumiNova Luminous hands and hour markers. We provide a three-year worldwide warranty.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
