Something Alarming from Eterna

One of the unexpected treats at this year's BaselWorld was this little timekeeper -

The good folks at Eterna told me that they had stumbled upon a cache of "virgin" A. Schild alarm movements that they, in turn, decided to craft into a limited number of alarm watches.

More details to come, but this should keep you buzzing for now ; )

Bubbling Up!

This is a new release from Martin Pauli's Angular Momentum.

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls - allow me to share the "Ebullio" from Angular Momentum.

So where to begin?  I have a HUGE amount of respect for Martin's work for many reasons - he is a craftsman.  He does not go to the "Home Depot" for watch parts, he makes what he needs.  I also really appreciate that he finds beautiful vintage movements and brings them back to life in some of the most evocative and beguiling watches available.  And this latest offering is no exception.

Starting with the name - Ebullio.  Become a fan of Angular Momentum and your Latin vocabulary will grow by leaps and bounds!  Ebullio from the Latin - "to bubble up", "boil up", "produce in abundance".  Apt name!

So let's get down to the stats- the case is tripartite (3 pieces/parts).  It measures 42 mm and is of 18 kt. yellow gold.  

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

The movement is another wonderful vintage movement.  In this instance it is a 41 jewel A. Schild 1701 Skymaster - also known as the Caliber AS 1701.  It is self-winding with a reported power reserve of 42 hours.  

The dial is described as "white sapphire glass".  It is adorned with black Roman numerals.

The strap is made from natural rubber and features a yellow gold locking system.

Wake Up!

Oscar Waldan is, to quote George Costanza - "Back in Business Baby!"

Courtesy of Oscar Waldan

This is the Retro Alarm -

38 mm 18k gold.  The movement is a an A. Schild hand-wound version with date.

White enamel dial and red alarm indicator - this is THE BOMB!

Alarming!

One of my favorite complications is the wrist alarm.  Of course most thoughts would immediately go to Vulcain, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Girard-Perregaux even.  And these are beautiful and worthy alarm watches.
Beautiful - but they certainly come at a price.

So what about the rest of us, are we to be consigned to either wear a G-Shock, or buy something that we may be able to afford some day, just not right now?

Auguste Reymond to the rescue!

Courtesy of Auguste Reymond

This is the "Boogie" Alarm from Auguste Reymond.  I like most everything about this watch except the name.  Sorry, I guess you can't have everything ; )

But to my way of thinking, this is what an alarm watch should be - legible, tactile, easy to use.  Hours, minutes, seconds, alarm.  No more, no less.  And while there are beautiful new in-house/manufacture concoctions out there that do truly amazing and wonderful things, Auguste Reymond has chosen the reliable (and dare say it) pedestrian AS 1475 Alarm movement from A. Schild.  Pedestrian in the best possible way.  When you need to get this serviced, a good, competent watch maker will be able to help you.  A most un-complicated complication!

www.augustereymond.ch