Chronomètre Contemporain

Chronomètre Contemporain

In 2018 Akrivia launched a new product line, which embodies the first chapter of a new collection in more classical tones and which bears the name Rexhep Rexhepi. This timepiece is completing the existing Akrivia collection which showcases a more contemporary aesthetic approach.

The new Chronomètre is available with in white or in black grand feu enamel dial with Art Deco inspired asymmetrical gold or blue lines. These lines frame and segment the Roman numbers in a rhythmic fashion, providing the traditionally handmade grand feu enamel dial with a contemporary touch. The large diameter of the sub-seconds counter at 6 o’clock is a tribute to the officer’s watch of the 1940’s.

The novel case of the Chronomètre Contemporain, creates a fascinating visual tension through the interweaving of symmetrical and asymmetrical forms, as well as concave and convex details visible in the case sides and lugs. These aspects are enhanced by the alternation of brushed and polished surfaces. Following the purest tradition, the delicate and elongated lugs have been hand-soldered to the case in order to highlight the beauty of this expertly detailed and hand-finished case design. I have also given special attention to the strap, so that it follows the fine lugs, to allow the design of the case to ‘breathe’ on the wrist. Last but not least, with an eye to modern lifestyles, the case and lugs have been specifically designed to be ergonomic, easy to wear and equally comfortable on large or small wrists.

Movement RR-01

The Chronomètre Contemporain is officially certified by the Besançon Chronometer Observatory and indicates the hours, minutes and seconds. The movement also features a stop seconds and zero-reset mechanism to allow a precise time setting. As soon as the crown is pulled out to the time setting position, the mechanism implanted stops the balance and instantly returns the second hand to zero.

The new caliber RR-01 embodies all the values I cherish in watchmaking: the attention to every visible and invisible detail, purity, symmetry and functional reduction to the essential.

The movement of the Chronomètre Contemporain relates directly to the essence of chronometrical timekeeping instruments.

The winding of this watch will be a sheer pleasure for its owner thanks to the click ratchet inspired by old the pocket watches winding mechanisms. This provides a smooth winding underlined by a discreet mechanical sound. On the functional side, I have deliberately provided a very long power reserve of 100 hours with only one barrel.

It goes without saying that the entire, in house designed RR-01 movement, is a landmark of precision, fully embellished with handmade traditional finishing techniques such as anglage, black polish and Côtes de Genève. All this represents months of painstaking work requiring the expertise of highly trained experienced watchmakers.

REXHEP REXHEPI