Showing posts with label Integrated Bracelet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Integrated Bracelet. Show all posts

Friday, March 22, 2024

Spending Time with the Pequignet Concorde

So after a fun-filled few weeks, it's time for the Pequignet Concorde to wing its way home.

So let's start off with the vital statistics. The Concorde is Pequignet's take on an integrated bracelet watch. It is available in either a 36 mm and 40 mm case size. It is available in several color ways including green, pink, charcoal grey, gold, two different silver versions, and of course the blue dial above. The technical specifications, per Pequignet:
Case
316L polish, satin finish stainless steel
Crown with embossed « Fleur-de-Lys » logo
Details of the dial
Blue Navy
Polish steel hours and minutes’ hands,
Super Luminova TC1 (blue),
polish steel seconds’ hand
Large date display at 3.00
Details of the movement
Calibre Initial®
Dual direction winding
Frequency of 4Hz (28,800 Alt./h)
21 jewels
Stop second
Pierced oscillating weight with snailing decoration and embossed
« Fleur-de-Lys » logo.
Case thickness (in mm)
9.25
Waterproofing (ATM)
10
Back of case
Secured by 6 screws, sapphire opening on the movement
Power reserve time
65 hours

My test drive was with the 40 mm version in blue. 

The Concorde is an extremely easy to wear, comfortable watch. the squared / cushion style case sat quite well on my wrist, much of this is owing to the thickness - 9.25 mm.

Yes, it certainly has presence, but it is not a wrist-bound man-hole cover either.





The clasp is a butterfly style, operating with two push pieces. It creates a seamless closure, not bumps, buckles, etc. to sit out and snag your shirt sleeve ; )




The case finish work is solid, and this attention to detail carries through from the case, to the bracelet, and to the crown. Speaking of which, the crown is incredibly smooth to operate, the hand winding is buttery soft and smooth - and yes that is a good thing.


And finally, as this is Pequignet who are more than just a little famous for their in-house movements, let's talk about what's under the hood -

The Concorde utilizes Pequignet's  Calibre Initial®. This is a lovely movement offering hours, minutes, seconds and the date. The execution and finishing level are beyond reproach, and the timekeeping was spot-on. I experienced no deviations of any significance wither plus or minus. But in addition, I was quite impressed with the power reserve. I went two days without wearing over two days, and it was bang-on. Now it is worth noting that the advertised power reserve is 65 hours. With that said, Mileage often varies on these things once you get beyond 36 hours. I will also note that I made no special efforts to fully wind the watch, so i was pleasantly surprised when we were well into the sixtieth hour and no measurable loss or gain in time.

Courtesy of Pequignet

So now, to the bottom line - how much is this wrist bound bijoux going to set you back?

The Concorde's suggested retail price is 4,000 Euros. The 36 mm version is slightly less at 3,800 Euros. This does put the Concorde into some competition in terms of what else is out there at this price point. But I think it holds its own given what you get for your money. And in fairness, it is highly unlikely you will run into anyone at the next watch collector gathering wearing a Pequignet.

So overall? I would say you could do a lot worse, and you are unlikely to find an integrated bracelet piece at the quality level, with an in-house movement at this price point. The challenge will be finding a retail partner as Pequignet's distribution is not the largest in the world, but with that said you can order direct from the brand at https://pequignet.com/

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Real Men Wear Pink!

The Pequignet Concorde...in pink -
Courtesy of Pequignet

Pequignet came out a little while ago, and while most outlets went with the black or blue dial versions, I am going to share with you my personal favorite - the pink version.

Like every other member of the Pequignet Concorde family, it is a wonderful integrated case and bracelet concept. And while it is available in a 36 mm case, in truth I would opt for it in 40 mm. 

Courtesy of Pequignet

It is priced at (what I think) is a very level, 4,000 Euro. And what does 4,000 Euro get you? Quite a bit it turns out! A unique integrated case/ bracelet design which carries Pequignet's manufacture calibre - the Calibre Initial®. This one is dual direction winding (MERCI, Pequignet!), and has a beautiful level of finish.

So if you're as in love with this watch as I am, and want to know more, here are the pertinents, straight from Pequignet -

Case
316L polish, satin finish stainless steel
Crown with embossed "Fleur-de-Lys" logo
Details of the dial
Pink
Polish steel hours and minute's hands, Super Luminova TC1 (blue)
Polish steel second's hand
Large date display at 3.00
Details of the movement
Calibre Initial®
Dual direction winding
Frequency of 4 Hz (28800 Alt./h)
21 jewels
Stop second
Pierced oscillating weight with snailing decoration and embossed "Fleur-de-Lys" logo
Case thickness (in mm)
9.25
Waterproofing (ATM)
10
Back of case
Secured by 6 screws, sapphire opening on the movement
Power reserve time
65 hours

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

The OW 8001

From Ollech & Wajs -
Courtesy of Ollech & Wajs

EDITOR'S NOTE - James Henderson (owner of Henki Time) is the North American representative for Ollech & Wajs. This post contains no opinion or endorsement, only the specifications and the price.

Here are the specs:

Reference

OW 8001

Dimensions

39.56 mm X 12.5 mm

Case
Brushed 316L stainless steel tonneau style, screwed bottom, screwed crown, fixed steel bezel; made in the Swiss Jura

Bezel
Fixed bezel with a combination of numeric and round markers in Super-LumiNova® at 5-minute intervals

Crystal
Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment

Dial
Double-lacquered ‘Havana fumé’ dial; baton hands and indexes in Super-LumiNova®, with date window at 6 o’clock

Water resistance

300m/ 30atm

Movement

Automatic, COSC-certified, bespoke Soprod Newton Precision P092; date-only calendar, with semi instantaneous changes and quick adjustment using the crown; stop seconds; 4Hz 28,800 vibrations per hour; 23 jewels; 44-hour power reserve. The Soprod Newton P092 movement is also independently tested for dependability and durability at the internationally renowned Laboratoire Dubois in Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and has additionally been awarded a Chronofiable® certification.

Average Accuracy
+/-7 seconds per day, adjusted in five positions (equivalent of ETA Elaborate)

Bracelet
Integrated brushed oyster-style bracelet, engineered for comfort and stability and extreme durability. The bracelet is finished with sturdy milled, engraved clasp, extendable up to 22 mm, and a double pusher release system for extra security against accidental opening.

Origin
Over 90% Swiss Made

The OW 8001 is a pre-order item and is priced at CHF 1856.00