Bern to La Chaux-de-Fonds to Zurich and Home

So Bern. I have been through Bern once or twice via train connections, and driven by my friend Rod Hess. With that being said, I was clearly missing out. I had about two hours after breakfast to take in the sights -

There is clearly a lot more to be seen, so next year this is definitely slated for a full day's stay.

And then I got a reminder about just exactly how large and (I gotta' be honest) not consistently logically laid-out a train station Bern is. If you've never started a journey in an SBB station without a ticket (and you do not have a pay account tied to your SBB app) you must do a few things before you get in the carriage:

• Identify the ticket machine - curious to relate? It is not always where you expect it to be.
• Make sure your payment method is going to work. 
• Make sure you have sufficient Swiss Francs and (if necessary) Euro to make your purchase (see above).
• Clearly understand just how far the platform is from the main hub.

So let's examine that last bullet item in a bit more detail. Ordinarily, it is a fairly brief walk from the central hub to any given platform. The one previous experience I've had is the walk "across the border" when arriving into Basel via Mulhouse (France). With that said, I was not prepared for the (literally) 1 + kilometer walk I had to make - and that is FROM the tunnel marked "Biel/Bienne"!

Long story short? I had to sprint at the end to make the train, and truly just made it!

With that said, it was a beautiful day and the ride to Biel/Bienne was smooth, with a quick transfer to La Chaux-de-Fonds -

And a return to visit my friend Kornelia Imesch at ochs und junior -

And I got to check out the settimana junior -

Courtesy of ochs und junior

And in an odd sort of way? This was really coming full-circle for me. Back in 2010 I had walked away from DOXA, realizing that it had become a bit of a dead-end, and I was not going to advance or go any further. I had started writing Tempus Fugit (which is today known as Henki Time), and I stumbled upon ochs und junior via a magazine article that had been forwarded to me. I then connected with Beat Weinmann and got a behind the scenes look at the nascent brand. Fast forward nearly 10 years to the day later, and I was back behind the scenes and got to know the owner Kornelia, the inspiration for the settimana junior - Flori, and got to see how things were moving forward since ochs und junior moved to La Chaux-de-Fonds. So really oj does bookend my start in consulting and media and as I said, it feels as if I've come full circle ; )

After a lovely lunch and a walk around the neighborhood, I was off to Zurich -

I got checked in, found dinner at my favorite Chinese take-out in the old town, got a good night's sleep. The next morning I availed myself of the Ruby Mimi's breakfast - highly recommended by the way, and struck out for a personal errand...a visit to Jenni Uhren, the work address of one Marc Jenni (among others).

After a few wrong turns and a short stroll along a river / canal, I found myself in the right place. I had my eye on two different pieces -

This particualr one I quite like - it's quirky and definitely "of an era", not unlike yours truly ; )

But I had also been admiring this little time machine -

And that is what I ended up with.

And a few words about Marc. The watch business can be a cynical world. As a member of the press, you all too often realize that your relationships with brands and watchmakers can be transactional. I sometimes call them "Weather Vane" friendships, meaning that whether or not some folks have time for you depends upon which way the wind is blowing ; )

But Marc Jenni is something altogether different. I will never forget getting a much coveted invitation to the AHCI dinner during BaselWorld several years back. I have never considered myself an "A List" level invitee, so I reached out to Marc and asked if there had possibly been a mistake, did they really mean to invite me. Marc immediately responded saying that I was absolutely meant to be invited, and that he looked forward to seeing me there! And he could not have been more inviting, more friendly, and more engaging. And I can honestly say after several years of knowing him that he is exactly that nice! For those of you have have the opportunity, he is a friend well met.

Then back to the hotel, packed everything up (including watches this time and double checked), and headed to the station -

And off to the airport, and some "self-care" which my friend Armand Billard reminds me is important not to neglect ; )

As I write this, it is Sunday morning, nearly one month since I got back. A lot has happened. A family member has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, my job will likely be over by the end of June owing to the political machinations endemic to the city of Lawrence, and in many ways while it feels like the end of some things, it also seems like the start of yet another series of wonderful opportunities, and I am reminded once again that true friendship is something that endures.

Life is fickle and short, embrace it.

Tempus Fugit -

This IS NOT A Story About Watches

Okay, maybe sort of... at least watches are involved.

Regular readers will know that I am about as big a fan of Watches and Wonders as root canal work sans anesthetic. But this year I went to Geneva to help out at the Ollech & Wajs booth -

I also wanted to check out some new brands, and possibly drum up a little business. That was, at least, the plan.

The plan included some other stops:

Bern for half a day (afternoon) and night, La Chaux-de-Fonds for lunch on Sunday, and a night at one of my favorite hotels - the Ruby Mimi in Zurich. And finally a treat for myself (assuming it was still available) at Jenni Uhren.

As per usual, I worked all day and then headed to Logan to catch the overnight to Zurich. Zurich connected to Geneva (a quick hop), and I grabbed my bag and found my way to the Villa Sarasin where the Time to Watches show was being held.

In the process I passed by the Watches and Wonders compound. And honestly? Now that I've seen it up-close and personal? I still don't get it. Clearly a lot of money was (and will continue to be) spent. And I felt a bit bad for the staff stationed outside, wearing something that resembled surgical scrubs in various hues. Curious to relate? A few special delegates were apparently too "special" to walk the 100 meters to the entry way and were driven. Which ordinarily wouldn't bother me, apart from nearly being run over...

Anyway, the show was good, but hectic. I ran into A LOT of old friends and colleagues and got down to work. The first day was a blur, a quick sausage with fries with my boss, and I found my way to the train bound for my hotel in Annemasse, France.

And then I got off the train. I stopped into the convenience store for some water, and plugging in the directions to my phone, started to walk, dragging my suitcase through what seemed like a semi-destroyed town. It was just after 10:00 PM and I'm not going to lie, I was starting to get a wee bit nervous. I was starting to have this bad feeling that people would be reading about me as a cautionary tale vis-a-vis the dangers of not looking for a taxi in a strange town after dark...

I got to my hotel, got checked in, fell into bed and was asleep before my head hit the pillow. And then I woke up... 

The sun was shining, and I was reminded of one important travel rule - never judge a place until you've seen it in daylight ; )

Feeling somewhat sheepish about my earlier trepidation, I followed my normal routine:

When you arrive in a new place during the night - Get a good night's sleep, enjoy a good breakfast, wander the town and let yourself get lost, try to use the local language, and don't be afraid to ask a stranger for directions.

And as per the condition of the town? It seems that nearly all of the streets had been ripped up in preparation for tram lines that would be installed. In the bright light of day it made perfect sense, but at 10:15 PM it gave a totally (in hindsight, false) impression. Annemasse is a beautiful town that I hope to spend more time in next year.

And the fair continued for the next few days, I saw some cool stuff -

And in between? I caught up with people I hadn't seen for years, promoted my book, and wolfed down lunch. And an important rule about working watch shows - allow flexibility in all things, but lunch is the one thing you can't compromise on.

And Saturday rolled around, and it was time to head home. I had picked up a watch that I had been admiring, and started packing up my bags, consolidating things into my main suitcase. I turned to see that someone had grabbed one of my bags and had started heading up the stairs with it. So I left my things and called out to him. He turned to look at me, and then turned back continuing to walk, only faster! I called out again. He shrugged, turned around and handed me back the bag. I went back downstairs and zipped up my bag, and left the Villa heading for the train station. My intention was to be on a train that would deliver me to Bern around 8:00 PM. Plenty of time for dinner and a walk around the city. I did my usual mental inventory, and just in front of the Palexpo I froze... I didn't have the bag with my new watch! I sprinted back towards the Villa - pulling a now very heavy suitcase, and absolutely sweating through my clothes. I dashed down the stairs and the bag with the watch was nowhere in sight. I went down to the area where we had been showing and informed both my boss and the folks at Elka that I couldn't find the bag with my new watch, and that it might have been stolen. I ask them to keep an eye out just in case, and pretty dejectedly, I headed back up to grab my suitcase and limp back to the train station. I felt like an idiot. My suspicion was that the kid had tried to distract me by grabbing one bag while someone else took my new watch. I had been played, like some rube in the big city. Hakim El Kadiri, the owner of Elka had followed me out, and like a patient parent trying to deal with a child mid-meltdown asked me -

"Did you check your suitcase?"

I took a beat, flipped my suitcase over and opened it up, and there near the top was my Elka watch, still in the bag. I sighed, looked at Hakim like that same mid-meltdown child who has just now realized that the world isn't really ending, and meekly said thank you. He smiled, wished me a safe trip, and headed back down to the show. 

I now double stepped it towards the train station, because I still had a chance to get the train I was hoping for. I got to the ticket machine and...

My bank card wasn't working. I tried another machine... no joy. I rooted through my wallet and gathered an assortment of Euros and Swiss Francs, and managed to cobble together enough coins and cash to buy a ticket to Bern! And... I missed the train by about 1 minute.

I waited the extra 30 - 40 minutes, got on the next thing steaming north and reminded myself about the importance of not panicking, keeping my cool, and enjoying the moment. And to this end I was truly enjoying the ride, looking out at the scenery. We had been underway a full 20 minutes or so, and just outside of Nyon, the train came to a stop. And this part I'll never forget. If you've never taken one of the main trains on the SBB system, allow me to inform you that there are typically three languages used (unless you are in Ticino / Lugano where it will be four) in this order:

French or German is first and/or second, depending upon the region. In this case French was first. But this next part was curious. The second announcement was not in German but rather in English. A rather shaky young female voice informed us that there had been an accident, and a person had been hit by the train. She couldn't tell us how long we would be there as it had to be investigated. And as the hours ticked by, first police, then engineers, and finally medical personnel arrived. The fact that the doctors arrived last, and seemed in no great hurry made it clear that someone had likely been killed.

Now think about this for a minute, this was in a semi-rural area, the train tracks were in a bit of a gulley with high embankments on either side - meaning that there was no reason for someone to be anywhere near where the train went through.

I texted my boss, I called my wife (Wendy) and let them know what has happened. And if I'm honest? I felt like I'd been hit square between the eyes with a two-by-four. The entire folly of my two panicky presumptions had been laid bare. And I also took that moment to remind myself how lucky I was, and that not everyone else was as fortunate. I realized that life, writ large, is fickle and fragile and pretty unfair.

Nearly two hours later, the train moved forward, but only to another stop. And then the next dominoes started to fall as train traffic had now backed up with hundreds of people waiting on the platforms of a small town between Geneva and Lausanne. Another 40 minutes later and the train finally arrived. We pulled into Bern around 10:45 or so. And I was fairly certain that dinner was going to be an impossibility. Yes, first world problems.

But then my luck changed.

Young Boys Bern had apparently had a big match that evening that ran late, and the station was flooded with black and yellow jerseys. And accordingly, most of the restaurants in the train station had stayed open. So I treated myself to what I seem to remember was called an Kebab Orientale. 

Spoiler alert - it was AWESOME! 

With my dinner in hand, I made my way to the exit, and tried to find my way to the hotel. A very kind person confirmed my directions and I made my way to there -

I enjoyed a lovely glass of wine and had a good chat with the night manager. 

I stayed up a bit later than usual, wrote some letters and journal entries. And climbing into bed, I closed my eyes and took a moment. I was at once relieved, sad, happy, introspective, embarrassed and ultimately grateful. I realized that we are, all of us out there in the world, trying not just to survive. So many are searching to find meaning, to find connection. 

To find joy. 

I close my eyes with the promise to do better. 

La Chaux-de-Fonds and Zurich were still ahead, and as my old father always used to say -

"Things will look much brighter in the morning!"

Stay tuned!

The “Züri Date” Cherry Blossom

From Maurice de Mauriac -

Courtesy of Maurice de Mauriac

The case measures 35 mm in diameter, 41.5 mm lug to lug, and is of stainless steel.  The movement is ETAs 2834-2.

Per Maurice de Mauriac, during the month of October, a percentage of each sale of the "Züri Date” Cherry Blossom will be donated to the Cancer Leauge in Zurich.

The M-52 AU

Editor's Note - James Henderson is the North American Representative for Ollech & Wajs.

From Ollech & Wajs -

Courtesy of Ollech & Wajs

This is the latest addition to the Ollech & Wajs stable.

Courtesy of Ollech & Wajs

In their own words:

We are excited to present the new OW M-52 ‘All Units’ (AU), a watch that draws on the archive of Ollech & Wajs military watches used by US soldiers, pilots, sailors and divers from the early 1960s. Highly water resistant, durable and multi-functional, these watches were equally popular with civilian professionals working in challenging environments.

Courtesy of Ollech & Wajs

                                                      Technical specifications

 

Case
39.5 mm × 12.5 mm; 47.5 mm lug to lug, brushed 316L stainless steel, screwed bottom, screwed crown, rotating steel bezel; made in the Swiss Jura

Bezel
12-hour worldtime bidirectional friction bezel

Glass
Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment

Dial
Hands and indexes in Super-LumiNova^®

Water resistance
300 m/ 30ATM

Movement
Automatic, bespoke Soprod P024; date-only calendar, with semi-instantaneous changes and quick adjustment using the crown; stop seconds; 4Hz 28,800 vibrations per hour; 25 jewels; 38-hour power reserve; lncabloc. Bespoke OW Zurich 1956 rotor, OW-engraved platine, custom screws, assembled for OW and adjusted in three positions

Grey RAF strap
20 mm military-grade grey nylon; finished in Switzerland; with a brushed stainless steel thorn buckle, signed ‘OWZ 1956’

Brown Italian leather strap (optional extra)
20 mm Italian leather and natural linen, finished in Switzerland; with a brushed stainless steel thorn buckle, signed ‘OWZ 1956’

M-Heritage bracelet (optional extra)
20 mm medium gauge, stainless steel mesh bracelet, hand-brushed, reinforced ends, with an OW-engraved thorn buckle 

Origin
Handmade in the Swiss Jura

When The Glass Is Not Even Half-Full, But Broken

It's time for the semi-annual cut the shit episode here at Henki Time. Having spent the better part of the last week in the real capital of Swiss watch making (that would be Biel/Bienne, Le Locle, La Chaux-de-Fonds and the surrounding areas), let's just say that the hot air being pumped out of Geneva, Zurich and other "fancier" places is just that.

There are many tell-tale signs, but the most obvious are the rumors (now growing louder and more frequent) about layoffs in the Jura and surrounding area. This will, of course, have zero impact on the shot-callers and big dogs, but most likely the watch makers and roll players who did as instructed. While the big dogs drop off their suits for a quick cleaning before the Kabuki theatre that is Watches and Wondering  the realities of poor decision making and poorer oversight continue to haunt the industry as a whole. But not to worry, the press releases will certainly only reflect triumph!

But what Gregory Pons of Business Montres refers to as "Musical Chairs" is no game to take lightly. There are a lot of people depending on each other to make everything work out. More than a few suppliers are delivering even later than usual. This then impacts supply deliveries, watch assemblies and ultimately sales. But it is highly unlikely that any big bosses are going anywhere. No, where the real pain is being felt is most likely going to be the actual people who make the actual watches that you might, gentle reader, actually buy ; ) 

Think I'm full of it? Well, let's examine what was once referred to as "trickle-down" economics. The idea was that the bounty enjoyed at the top will overflow and trickle down. Let's start with the carrion crows of Watch Town - the Fourth and Fifth Estates. For many of my brothers and sisters out their hustling for whatever might not be gobbled up by the bigger outlets, times are looking pretty tough. And even the mighty are feeling the pinch of uncertainty. After just a month or so on the masthead of a certain media outlet, the Chief Operating Officer who appeared in January is no longer there. As is often the case at this certain media outlet, it is impossible to really know the comings and goings as they are rarely clearly articulated. But it is clear that the Masthead has shrunk considerably in the recent years, as has the amount of coverage.

Now it is also interesting to consider that press invites for the show formerly known as the SIHH (Watches and Wonders) are still handed out to exactly the same cast of characters from the same outlets with - you guessed it, the same impact. Now I know that this is going to sound crazy, but isn't the idea of marketing to spread the word about your product BEYOND its already existing customer / enthusiast base?

But that certain media outelt and the other big dogs need not worry, the same contortions will still be performed by the same brands to ensure that media outlets that cover them once or twice a year will have multiple invitations (which in turn ensures that other outlets will be excluded). Say what you want about BaselWorld, it was a democratic meritocracy. Anyone who was willing to get themselves there would be able to get appointments with brands. But as someone who has been referred to as notable, but not welcome at SIHH / Watches And Wonders, I continue to be astonished by the merry-go-round that is media relations in Watch Town.

And in truth, the approach to media relations is no different than Watch Town's approach to most everything else. 

So what? What's the point? In fairness, I am not saying anything here that I haven't been saying for years. And maybe that is exactly the point! I think that probably, deep down? Watch Town's residents don't really want anything to change. 

Despite impassioned mini speeches no doubt fueled by multiple servings of ardent social lubricants, the same mistakes will continue to be made, because ultimately? Change is probably a bit too scary.

I took a moment this past Thursday to reflect on the nearly 14 years I've spent covering the comings and goings of Watch Town at Caffe Specttacolo in front of the Biel/Bienne station waiting for my train back to Zurich airport. And I must say that I thought about it all and laughed a bit, raising more than one eyebrow from my fellow cafe guests.  Because it occurred to me, that despite its flaws and frustrations, I do love this world that is Watch Town ; )

Spending Time With The BR 03-93 GMT BLACK

From Bell & Ross -

The folks at Bell & Ross North America were kind enough to let me borrow a BR 03-93 GMT Black for the past two weeks. And this was the perfect watch to get me in the mood for my upcoming trip to Besançon ; )

Now confession time, I have never worn (for more than a quick BaselWorld photo) one of Bell & Ross's Instrument series watches. And more importantly, up until recently I was more a devotee to the Vintage collection. But lately I have become more and more taken not only with the practical side of the watch - visibility, etc., I have come to not only admire (but again, in all honesty) become rather obsessive about the BR 03-93 format in both the diver, and per this review the GMT.

When I first launched "the blog formerly known as Tempus Fugit" my goal was to share feedback that was pertinent to actual watch buyers who actually might buy an actual watch, and actually? I don't know, maybe, actually wear it. In my world that comes down to a few things -

• Is the watch actually comfortable to wear?
• Is the watch reliable?
• Is the watch well made?
• Is it likely that someone who makes a reasonable income could save a bit and afford it?

So let's begin at the beginning, shall we?

The BR 03-93 GMT is based on what has become symbolic of Bell & Ross's design grammar, while also evolving beyond it's original iteration as a time only watch. It is not insubstantial, but in fact that is appealing to me.

The case is like an instrument panel, and that is by design. 

The case measures 42 mm in diameter, which is more than big enough, but yet not too big. The visibility is enhanced by the square shape. Don't ask me why, but I suspect it's not unlike utilizing a mat around a painting, or print - it draws in the viewer to a focal point.

The dial's face uses Bell & Ross's favored layout of alternating indices and numbers. In this instance the quarter hours are writ large with 12, 3, 6, and 9. The indices are coated in Superluminova, as are portions of the hands, and the tip of the GMT hand.

The finish of the case, the crown, the strap, and the buckle are all incredibly well finished.

Although the case back has engraving and four screws securing it, you would never know while wearing it. Very often, even in a watch costing far more, this is a tell-tale indicator of where the technical finishing and attention to tolerances is proven to be inconsistent with the vision of the design team. Not so with the BR 03-93. It is extremely comfortable on the wrist.

The crown is very smooth, yet very tactile. It is well balanced, setting and winding are quite pleasant - none of that "scratch, scratch" noise, nor cracked fingernails. And I was very impressed with the alignment of the GMT hand. This sounds silly, perhaps. I mean, it's a GMT watch, right? Well, it might surprise you to know that A LOT of GMT watches ship out to stores, later to be sold to customers, with somewhat misaligned GMT hands. Needless to say, Bell & Ross's quality control remains first rate.

On this review model, the BR 03-93 GMT shipped with a black leather strap. The strap is very well finished, not sloppy slipped stitches, and the leather is comfortable and smooth. The BR 03-93 GMT when purchased ships not only with a leather strap, but also a black synthetic fabric strap -

Courtesy of Bell & Ross

The strap is secured by four hex screws -

And while both straps are quite nice, Bell & Ross offers the opportunity to add to your strap wardrobe. And as I am both a fan, and a wee-bit contrary, if I were buying this time travel machine, I would add two more options to my sartorial kit -

Courtesy of Bell & Ross

Courtesy of Bell & Ross

The point being, is that you have options - actually a WHOLE BUNCH of them!

The buckle is definitely from the Goldilocks school of design, just right!

It is not insubstantial, but the finishing is smooth, the tang piece lays flat, and it refuses to get caught in the sleeve of your sweater ; )

Now the physical comfort is undeniable. It is more than comfortable all-day. But let's talk about reality. Travel is only so glamorous (unless of course you fly on a private jet, in which case you can afford to have someone else tell you the time). My travel tends to break down as Boston to California, Boston to Zurich, and more than once, Boston to Tokyo. Now again, back to reality - when you are traveling long distances you are not (despite the images you see in the brochures) at your best - either physically or psychologically. Your sleep patterns are, to use the Latin - jacked up. Your vision is not solid-state, and therefore it is hard to read the dial of your watch, even with a GMT feature. You need contrast -

Very often, we think of day and night separation of blue and black. And if that is your take on things Bell & Ross has you covered with a more subtle version. Me? I need contrast.

Let me invite you to the 22:55 Logan - Zurich flight with your old pal Henki. Chances are good that I have already put a full day in at my job, raced home, caught the shuttle bus to Logan, checked in, cleared security and paced back and forth waiting to board. This is even if I have plumped the extra $ for a business class seat on Swiss Air. Why? Doesn't Logan have a Swiss or Lufthansa lounge? Well now it's time for travel tips from your old pal Henki - Yes there is a lounge, but it is, to put it politely, underwhelming. So after putting in about 3 miles of airport walking while carrying my coat and my carry-on, I am not exactly "springtime" fresh by the time I am plopped in my seat. Moreover, I am tired, a bit groggy, and my visual acuity is not what it might have been earlier in the day. Now fast-forward as we are maybe about four hours into the flight and I am trying to decide between a night cap and part of a movie, or simply turning in. There is a true sense of reassurance and comfort glancing (not squinting) at your wrist and knowing what time it is where you are heading, and more importantly what time it is where your loved ones are. Your mileage may vary, but this stuff is important to me.

Overall, I fell in love these past two weeks. And as someone who stepped back from writing about watches, or even being that interested as an enthusiast for nearly 2 years, this is saying something. I do, however, have one critique. The date indication is just too small, and I suspect even for a younger guy it is a bit challenging to read. The one alteration I might propose would be a magnifying "window" over the date. BUT - not the typical cyclops window that you might find on others, but rather a magnifier on the inside of the crystal. Otherwise the date window really serves no purposes but decoration (very small and hard to see decoration). But again, that is just my take on it.

The timekeeping has been what you would expect, spot on. The movement is the BR-CAL.303. This is based on the ETA 2893-2. So good news, this is a very serviceable watch that you can get taken care of promptly, and not resign yourself to owning a formerly operational time keeper now consigned to over-priced paper weight.

About price - the BR 03-93 GMT is reasonably priced for what you get. It is (at least for me) not an impulse buy - social work paying what it does and the cost of living in the Northeast being what it is. But with that being said, it is what I consider to be aspirational within reason. It is something that you could reasonably save for. Of course if you are cut from more well-to-do stock, you won't have to wait. The asking amount is $4,200 and can be ordered directly from Bell & Ross or from a retailer in their network.

After two weeks, I regrettably have to return my new best friend to its family at Bell & Ross HQ, but can say unequivocally that this is a fantastic watch. Wonderful as an everyday watch. But if like me, you long for that extra something that will make your travel not only more bearable, but actually pleasurable? If you are looking for that trace of glamour (albeit attainable) in your travel experience, in a day and age where glamour (or even pleasure) is disappearing faster than the chicken entree in the economy class cabin's food trolley? Well this might just be for you too - I know that it is for me.

Here are the pertinents -

• MOVEMENT

  BR-CAL.303. Automatic mechanical.

• FUNCTIONS

  Hours, minutes, central seconds, second 24-hour time zone and date. Quick setting of the GMT hand, independently of the hour hand.

• CASE

  42 mm in width. Satin-finished and polished steel. Bi-directional rotating bezel with 24-hour scale and black and red two-colour anodized aluminum ring.

• DIAL

  Black. Indices coated in Super-LumiNova®. Metal skeletonised Super-LumiNova®-filled hour and minute hands and 24-hour hand.

• CRYSTAL

  Sapphire with anti-reflective coating.

• WATER-RESISTANCE

  100 meters.

• STRAP

  Black coloured calfskin leather and ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric.

• BUCKLE

  Pin. Satin-finished and polished steel.

The Chrono Modern Zurich Grand Prix

From Maurice de Mauriac -

Courtesy of Maurice de Mauriac

Available in two versions - stainless steel with black PVD finish with a black dial (above), and in stainless steel with a silver dial (below) -

Courtesy of Maurice de Mauriac

It is also available in two different sizes - 42 mm or 45 mm in diameter.

Here are the pertinents -

Maurice de Mauriac Chrono Modern Zurich Grand Prix 

CASE: 

Brushed stainless steel or stainless steel with black PVD coating; screw-down bezel; screw-down crown and pushers; domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides; sapphire caseback; water resistant to 100 meters 

Diameter: 42mm, 50mm lug-to-lug; 45mm, 53.5mm lug-to-lug Height: 10.7mm 

MOVEMENT: 

Swiss Valjoux (ETA 7750 top execution); blued screws; personalized with a black coated racing-inspired oscillating weight 

Functions: hours, minutes; day and date; chronograph 

DIAL: 

Black or white with Zurich racing stripes and Lucky Numbers badge; guilloché-stamped center; double day-date window; hands hands filled with Super-LumiNova 

Subdials: chronograph minute counter at 12 o’clock, chronograph hours at 6 o’clock 

BRACELET: 

22mm wide; brushed steel bracelet, stainless steel with black PVD coating, or NATO strap with white/blue color combo 

PRICE: 

from 3.700 CHF plus personalization (including 7.7% VAT) 

Availability: online and in the Zurich atelier