Strength in Numbers

Independent Fashion

Despite the seeming dominance of the large watch groups in the industry, independent companies are proving that they have much to offer in function and style.

Chopard’s L.U C Engine One H, released at Baselworld 2013, combines fine watchmaking with stylish, sporty aesthetic that the line is known for. The timepiece is similar to the LUC Engine One tourbillon presented in 2010, but has been rotated 90 degrees for a horizontal dial, hence the ‘H’. A limited edition of 100 pieces, the titanium-cased model features a centre-set minute and hour hands, on top of two indicators, a full/empty power reserve display on the left, and a tourbillon with Chopard’s variable inertia balance wheel on the right. The back of the watch echoes the design of a car’s engine, designed with grooved plates and bolts. At 44.5x35mm, this is a handsome, well-sized timepiece.

Meanwhile up-and-coming Christophe Claret presented the Kantharos, a stylish mono-pusher chronograph with striking mechanism and constant force escapement. While the chronograph feature is common, what makes this timepiece different are the cathedral gongs designed to chime at each function change, and the constant force mechanism visible at 6 o’clock, that works to create a steady flow of energy from the beginning to the end of the power reserve. The 45mm titanium watch comes in five different colour schemes, combining black PVD with red and blue hands, white or pink gold accents.