A new computer rendered photo of the Vianney Halter Cabestan was released (click on it to see a larger copy). While it looks like a photograph of a real watch, I was informed that its a computer generated image.

The details on this watch clearly reflect's Vianney's desire to keep an old fashion clock look and feel to it. What an amazing watch this will be when it is delivered to market.

The new Quenttin is quite a dramatic timepiece. Jacob & Co's new watch is designed with two cylinders. Its limited to only in 99 pieces in White Gold; 18 pieces in Rose Gold and 18 pieces in Platinum. The dimensions are a hefty 56 x 47 x 21.5 mm.

The movement consists of a vertical mechanical movement with manual winding escapement, incorporating Swiss anchor mounted in a Tourbillion cage. The watch winds with an integrated key, external hand key or with a motorized system in the box.

The watch comes with a very long power reserve of 31 days, supplied by the energy of 7 gold coloured barrels and displayed through vertical rolls.

Its very hard not to be impressed or have an impression on seeing this watch. However, its very distinctive similarities (e.g. the two horizontal cylinders) with Vianney Halter's Cabestan is too close to be ignored (see earlier post here).

What impact will the Quenttin have on in the watch world? Being first to be released to market (as it is already being sold) before the Cabestan, the Quenttin will probably sell out before the Cabestan is even ready for the market. Both Jacob & Co and Vianney Halter cover a very small niche market of esoteric collectors but these pieces are wonderful pieces of engineering - despite their huge price tags.

The real question to me is not - why is the Quenttin so similar to the Cabestan but rather - how many other brands will follow suit in terms of design concept and cues? In an industry that has growing reliance on design recognition in an ocean of "me too" watches, it looks like it is inevitable that there will be more similar looking watches - even one as unconventional as the Cabestan.

Vianney's design was - in his words, during a conversation we had together about his Cabestan during his recent visit to Singapore - inspired by his love for watch tower mechanisms. The chain and fusee is the first in the world to be exhibited in an open movement. Personally, judging by how the two watches work, I think the Cabestan shows a more exiting movement and an easier way to read the time.

I look forward with the hope of seeing these two watches side by side someday to make a comparison. (Click on the picture to visit the Jacob & Co page for more photos and specifications of The Quenttin)

Vianney Halter in his visit to Singapore in May brought his much anticipated Trio Prototype here for us to look at. I took the opportunity to study the watch in great detail and recorded it in photos. To view this yet to be produced watch - CLICK HERE

Hope you enjoy the show!

One of the most controversial issues that will arise in the watch industry in the next 5 to 10 years will be the definition and meaning of "Swiss Made". I think it will become controversial because of the expanding use of outsourced services. In particular the potential outsourcing of manufacturing and assembling of movements from China in the near future.

In my online research I discovered that the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry has published their definition. To read it, click on the photo on the left. Interestingly, the Swiss legislation has a statute that specifically regulating the use of "Swiss" in watches.

A watch is considered to be Swiss if:

1. its movement is Swiss;
2. its movement is cased up in Switzerland; and
3. the manufacturer carries out the final inspection in Switzerland.

A movement is considered to be Swiss if:

1. it has been assembled in Switzerland;
2. it has been inspected by the manufacturer in Switzerland; and
3. the components of Swiss manufacture account for at least 50 percent of the total value, without taking into account the cost of assembly.

Also for the case of a watch, it is considered to be Swiss if:

1. it has undergone an essential manufacturing operation in Switzerland (stamping, turning, or polishing);
2. it has been assembled and inspected in Switzerland; and
3. over 50 percent of the manufacturing costs (excluding the value of the material) are due to operations carried out in Switzerland.

What is interesting and an eye opener is how the requirement for the watch movement and case needs only to reach 50% of total value and the watch is still deemed Swiss.

Theoretically, you can still have a "Swiss" made watch even though almost half of it may not be from Switzerland!

The FP Journe Chronometre Souverain is a watch enigma for me. For the longest time I thought that the watch was all hype. I thought it did not make sense that the watch costs over S$30k for a simple platinum watch (the only complication is its power reserve display). Even the Octa with multiple complications cost a few thousands less (as I recall the price).

Fortunately for me a good friend and gentleman allowed me to photograph his watch. By handling the watch and seeing it in real life, I can understand why its going to be a popular classic very quickly - and what the hype is all about. The case and dial seems intentionally designed to look antique. But the beauty is in its simplicity and balance of the dial despite the two indicators (sub second and power reserve). It has the inexplicable X factor that makes the watch really special. I have changed my opinion. This watch is wonderful despite the cost. For those who like simple classics and can afford this watch - you WILL be placing an order for it.

To check out the photographs CLICK HERE.