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December 19, 2012updated Feb 13, 2013

Christophe Claret

By Chris Boyle

MANUFACTURE CLARET

Christophe Claret

For over 20 years, the Claret Manufacture has been designing, developing and producing highly complicated watch movements for the most prestigious brands.

It was not until 2009 and the launch of the extraordinary DualTow that the public at large finally discovered the talent of Christophe Claret, an exceptional watchmaker. The Christophe Claret brand now belongs to the exclusive circle of independent watch manufacturers capable of mastering the entire production process of haute horlogerie watches—from the original idea through to final adjustments. The collection comprises three lines: The Haute Horlogerie line composed of oneof- a-kind creations and striking watches (Adagio and Westminster models); the X-TREM watches, a collection that aims to explore fields of research rarely or never applied to watchmaking until now (DualTow and X-TREM-1 models); and the Playful line with the 21 Blackjack and Baccara watches, which matches grand complications with the world of gaming.

 

A MESSAGE FROM FOUNDER CHRISTOPHE CLARET

 

“I’ve been fascinated by watchmaking since childhood and especially by the idea of creating innovative movements. It was with this in mind that I created my very own Manufacture in 1989. Since inception, I have sought to inspiremystaff to cultivate a spirit of initiative, innovation and perfectionism.We have not only created movements, including many world firsts, but also machines—developed with several machine manufacturers—that are several years ahead of the market.

After crafting 65 different calibers for major Swiss brands, I decided to launch my own brand in time with the Manufacture’s 20th anniversary. Having my own brand enables me to fully explore various timepiece concepts stemming from my own creative drive, and to leave my own personal imprint on the timepieces I create. The adventure of having my own brand is a tremendous challenge, and I have taken on new staff to develop my brand coherently.

Naturally, I still aim to continue developing and making movements for other brands, as well as developing the Christophe Claret brand on an international level.”

X-TREM-1

X Trem 1

This watch features a flying tourbillon inclined at a 30° angle and mounted on a curvex titanium main plate, equipped with a retrograde hours and minutes display system that is radically different from existing watchmaking conventions.

The two tiny hollowed steel spheres, isolated within sapphire tubes on the left and right sides of the case band, magically move with no mechanical connection thanks to magnetic fields. The timepiece is issued in a limited edition of eight timepieces per version ($280,000).

BACCARA

Baccara

A miniature casino with three games: Baccarat (“baccara” in French), roulette and dice, each one of them appealing to our audio, visual and tactile senses complemented by the aesthetic wonder of the special sapphire crystal protecting Baccara’s dial which, when blown upon, reveals a secret, talismanic Chinese ideogram.

It is the sheer complexity of Christophe Claret’s movement that makes it possible to have an authentic game of baccarat, as if the wearer was in a real casino. Baccara comes in a limited edition of nine timepieces per version ($210,000).

WESTMINSTER

Westminster

The Westminster features a musically accurate four-note minute repeater striking Westminster Quarters on patented “cathedral gongs,” a tourbillon and Charles X-style bridges, all on a spectacular dial-free view.

The case is in three parts: Bezel and case back are in gold or platinum and the central case band is in titanium, selected for its superior sound transmission qualities. Each of the versions is issued in a limited edition of eight pieces ($500,000).

21 BLACKJACK

21 Blackjack

A genuine miniature casino, the 21 Blackjack blends grand complications with the world of gaming.

n addition to transparency and the passage of time, Christophe Claret presents three games: Roulette, dice and, of course, blackjack, which draws cards to equal or as close as possible to 21 points without going over, striking a “cathedral gong” each time a card is displayed. Befitting its name, this unique high rollers’ watch is limited to 21 models per style ($215,000).

ADAGIO

Adagio

Already a classic model of watchmaking, the Adagio features central hour and minute hands, small seconds, a large date and a dual time-zone display with day/night indication.

This timepiece is equipped with a minute repeater, which strikes the hours, quarters and minutes on demand on “cathedral gongs,” which are prevented from knocking against each other by a special patented device. A truly stunning piece of design and craftsmanship, the Adagio is available in a limited edition of eight pieces per style ($285,000).

 

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