4 New Models by Independent Watchmakers

As the excitement generated by the SIHH settles down, we take a look at four watches by independent watchmakers unveiled in January. Marked by creativity, bold shapes and colours, and beautiful mechanics, the independent watchmaking scene remains full of surprises.

Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie Chronograph Salmon Dial

The Faubourg de Cracovie Chronograph was presented at Baselworld 2018. On the occasion of the opening of its own boutique in Geneva, Czapek launches new dial variations including this salmon hand-guilloché dial with silvered sub-counters. The 41.5mm steel case houses the automatic SHX3 calibre, a high-frequency integrated chronograph with vertical clutch and column-wheel, manufactured by Vaucher.

Quick facts: 41.5mm steel case – water-resistant to 50m – automatic SHX3 calibre – hours, minutes, seconds, date and chronograph -alligator strap with folding buckle – CHF 24,000. For more information, visit www.czapek.com

Louis Moinet Moon and Mars

Louis Moinet celebrates the Moon and Mars with two limited edition watches. Their dial reproduces the surface of the Moon (silver-coloured) and of Mars (copper-coloured). These limited edition watches feature a fragment of a Moon or Mars meteorite in a capsule at 3 o’clock. The 43.2mm case is presented either in steel or pink gold. Visible through the exhibition caseback, the automatic movement features a guilloché rotor.

Quick facts: 43.2mm steel or pink gold case – water-resistant to 50m – automatic calibre – hours, minutes and small seconds – alligator strap with folding buckle – CHF 39,500 in pink gold, CHF 15,000 in steel – limited editions of 12 pieces in gold and 60 pieces in steel. For more information, visit www.louismoinet.com

Manufacture Royale Androgyne Full Blue

Blue is the new black at Manufacture Royale. The striking three-dimensional architecture of the Androgyne is presented in full blue, with a blued steel case and tourbillon open-worked movement. This was achieved thanks to a new CVD-coating resistant enough to be used for both the movement and external parts of the watch.

Quick facts: 43mm CVD-coated stainless steel case – water-resistant to 30m – hand-wound MR02 calibre – hours, minutes and tourbillon – alligator strap with pin buckle – CHF 52,000.  For more information, visit www.manufactureroyale.com

Claude Meylan Skull

An independent watchmaker based in the Vallée-de-Joux that specializes in skeleton watches, Claude Meylan celebrates Mexican culture with a series of colourful “Calaveras” watches. Housed in a 42mm steel case, the skulls are created by using water-printing and superimposed on a fully skeletonized movement, based on Unitas 6497.

Quick facts: 42mm steel case – water-resistant to 30m – hand-wound Unitas 6497 calibre, fully skeletonized – hours, minutes and seconds – leather strap with pin buckle – CHF 3,500. For more information, visit www.claudemeylan.ch