The Steel Capitaine

From Montres OJ

Courtesy of Montres OJ

One of the particularly nice things about calling your own editorial shots is you get to write about what you like.  And that is definitely the case with Montres OJ, or Montres Olivier Jonquet, a small, quietly growing brand created by Olivier Jonquet.  

Courtesy of Montres OJ

Like many of my colleagues, I get a shit-ton of press releases from big brands, with big money.  And fair enough, I am not going to hold it against them.  But having said, I particularly appreciate hearing about the guy (or gal) who despite the odds, the risks and potential pitfalls will make a reach for the brass ring.  And there was one passage in the press package describing the launch of Montres OJ that really drove this home. This is what :

My personal Watch collection will fund this project but its success will be a nice recompense. 

How can you not want something like that to succeed?

The first piece was a limited, subscription watch known as the Elie which sold out very quickly.  That success led to the creation of three new offerings, and the Steel Capitaine is one of them.
 

Courtesy of Montres OJ

I admire the willingness to use a unique case style that might not be for everyone.  Because, ultimately, isn't that the point?

And needless to say, I think it is stunning.


Here are the pertinents -
 
Case :  
Cushion shape / Stainless steel polished 316 L / 
Dimensions : 43,5 x 43,5 mm 

Special strap attachment (strap width 24 mm) / 
Transparent caseback
 
Crown : Bespoke stainless steel 316 L
 
Movement : ETA 6498-1 top finition (manual winding) / Power reserve around 46 hours  

Glass : Domed sapphire Crystal (dial side) / Flat sapphire crystal (caseback side)
 
Dial : Enamelled White
 
Bespoke OJ hands : Blued steel
 
Water resistance : 3 ATM
 
Strap : Black perforated Alligator (CITES certified) / Hypo allergenic. Hand made Stainless steel 
OJ buckle

The Carro by Olivier Jonquet

Several of my more astute colleagues have already reported on this new (to me) enterprise, but clearly I have been somewhat asleep a the switch.  So for those of you not yet familiar, may I (belatedly) introduce you to Olivier Jonquet -

Courtesy of Olivier Jonquet  

Now despite the (to me) newness of Olivier Jonquet, this is, in fact, only their latest offering, the 

Carro.  It is limited to 200 pieces.

 Their first foray featured a similar case design, but the watch was powered by a vintage French movement.  As I am currently nursing a vintage movement (installed in a modern watch) along, I can sadly tell you that is not always the best long-term option.  And it appears that the newer models are using ETA's 6498 hand winding movement so good news for future customers.  It has some nice and quirky engraving details that I like and the sun and stars on one of the wheels is vaguely familiar from another watch I've seen.  As I said, I quite like it.

Courtesy of Olivier Jonquet

But what caught my eye the most was the dial.  It is a wonderful reinterpretation of a style that one often sees on clock faces, but sadly not so many watches, so bravo for pushing the design envelope on this one, I for one think that the dial, when combined with the hands makes a wonderful statement.

My understanding is that the watch is currently available for pre-order and will start shipping at the end of this month.

The price is listed as 1,991.67 € without the VAT and shipping weighs in at around 70 Euro.