Although it has been used for many years in the medical world, above all for its anti-allergenic qualities, Grade 5 Titanium was somewhat neglected in the watchmaking field until recently. There was a good reason for this: its incredible toughness makes working and modelling Grade 5 Titanium particularly difficult, which explains why few watchmakers today can claim to enjoy perfect mastery of this material. As pioneers in the use of this high-tech material, Volna have succeeded in providing its emblematic Typhoon Siberia model with a complex construction composed entirely of G5 Titanium.
More than just a brand: Volna is an unparallelled concept in the watchmaking world, blending the heritage of the Soviet watchmaking industry with the best of modern Swiss horology. This young firm, founded in 2006, swiftly made its mark through audacious creativity and its expertise in using complex materials like Grade 5 Titanium. Volna takes an atypical, unconventional approach to watchmaking. Its timepieces lay claim to a mysterious and unusual heritage – the Soviet submarine fleet – while displaying a very contemporary approach blending the latest in high technology with sophisticated aesthetics.
The Volna Typhoon Siberia chronograph has a three-part case with an attention to detail and perfection that only the top watchmaking brands can attain. The alternating polished/ satin finish requires specific skills for work on each of the elements that compose this prestige timepiece. Both versions of this masculine timepiece feature a high-precision chronograph movement within a 46.5mm diameter case. The first limited edition is in polished and satin-finish Grade 5 Titanium; the second, also in Grade 5 Titanium, is double-treated with black carbon for impregnable resistance. Hands, applied numerals and oversized indexes are coated in the brand's hallmark red Super-LumiNova. The chronograph, safety indicator and date functions are exceptionally easy to read thanks to the addition of hand-crafted satin ruthenium plaques. The notched, unidirectional bezel facilitates perfect, immediate handling. The generous push-pieces display the same aesthetics as the lugs and crown, underscoring the timepiece's dynamic, exclusive look.
Volna movements have a high balance-spring frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, using discs and hands produced specifically for the brand. They are also equipped with a mobile Incabloc shockprotection system to ensure the precise functioning of the watch's spiral balance-spring; and with an escapement in glucydur – a highly elastic, amagnetic and corrosion-proof alloy that ensures extra durability of the movement's functions and precision.
Two features patented by Volna have become the brand's signature: the double safety crown (which alone has 17 components) has a “crown actuator,” a protective cap covering the crown, which is recessed into the caseband, and used to unscrew it and carry out the various setting operations. Also exclusive, the safety indicator on the dial confirms that the watch is tightly sealed after any such operation: it moves from the “open” position to the “300 M” position once the crown has been completely screwed down.
Sharing the values of an extreme environment
Volna draws its genetic heritage and its technical sophistication from the ocean depths. In a vibrant Swiss tribute to Soviet industry, this new brand offers extremely successful technical timepieces that are meticulously finished, customized, and equipped with exclusive developments.
Typhoon, Volna's first collection, takes its name from the submarine class of the same name, the largest submarines ever built. Their enormous size and deep-diving capability is a striking demonstration of the know-how and advanced technology that went into the creation of the Soviet submarine fleet. The class was illustrated with impressive distinction in the Hollywood film “The Hunt for Red October”.The Typhoon collection is inspired by the design of the watches produced by the Slatousk watch factory and worn by Soviet military divers in the 1960s. The Slatousk factory was commissioned to develop a watch for the Soviet armed forces; these were classified as a military secret, without a brand name but bearing the designation CHF91.
Among the most sophisticated weapons systems ever designed, nuclear submarines have provided Volna's Swiss watchmakers with a variety of inspirations. The advanced metallurgy and complex security systems of these submarines, together with their overall technical wizardry, have inspired the design of timepieces which combine emotional significance, aesthetic innovation and technical distinction. These qualities form the unusual yet exceptionally solid foundation on which Volna watches have now built their identity, character and reputation. The largest submarine in the world, measuring 170 metres long, 19 high and 24 wide, the Typhoons were the Soviet submarines that most frightened the West during the Cold War. which gave them a clear strategic advantage. Relatively slow but perfectly silent, these ships were a nightmare come true for American submariners during the Cold War. Their mission was to race through the waters of the Atlantic, without ever coming to the surface. Thanks to their long-range missiles, they could reach any target in the Northern hemisphere, without leaving their home port. Typhoons were made with three hulls, supposed to protect them in the case of a torpedo impact. Despite their vast size, they were among the more manoeuvrable submarines.
TECHNICAL INFORMATIONS
Typhoon Siberia
Case: Grade 5 titanium
Size: 46,5mm
Movement: self-winding mechanical movement (42h power reserve), chronograph
Functions: Hours, minutes, date, 2 counter chronograph, patented security indicator to check proper closure of the crown, unidirectional rotating bezel for the duration of immersion
Dial: matt black with complication plate in applied satin-finished ruthenium and red luminous applied numerals, markers and hands
Water-resistance: 300m
Limited editions: 125 in titanium and 125 in G5 titanium with double black carbon treatment
Strap: Real rubber with hand stitching, buckle in blackened G5 titanium with double tongue
Typhoon Siberia SPGI
Case: Grade 5 titanium with double PVD treatment
Size: 46.5mm
Movement: self-winding mechanical movement (42h power reserve)
Functions: Hours, minutes, date, linear indication of power reserve, patented security indicator to check proper closure of the crown, unidirectional rotating bezel for the duration of immersion
Dial: open at 2 o'clock
Water-resistance: 300m
Limited edition: 125 pieces
