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)