Lorca Model No.1 GMT

LORCA // ABOUT

Lorca Watches was founded by New York based recording artist Jesse Marchant, son to a Swiss mother and Canadian father. Marchant’s inspiration for the Model No.1 GMT came after frequently touring Europe as a solo performer and always feeling that his ideal watch travel companion was missing.

With Lorca, Marchant intends to produce a restrained catalog of elegant, mid-sized waterproof Swiss Made mechanical watches, designed with attention to detail, priced affordably and manufactured to standards that can stand up to the discerning scrutiny of seasoned collectors. The brand aims to offer accurate and easily serviceable timepieces that are romantic and beautiful and can be worn daily.

MODEL NO.1 GMT

Since inheriting my Swiss grandfather’s gold dress watch 15 years ago, I found myself diving deep into the horological vortex. Though I had always worn and coveted watches, even as a kid, it was that particular gift that set off my adult curiosity. My grandfather was a man I admired. He was a musician and a poet with a generous spirit and romantic eye on the world. I can recall him smiling in the intoxicating landscape of the Swiss Alps during my childhood visits with him, and the impression that left on me. We shared a particular connection, one that I am reminded of when I wear his cherished timepiece.

After receiving that watch, I began collecting knowledge and a few interesting pieces I could afford.

The idea to design my own watch came on my third or fourth tour of Europe as a solo performer. After visiting numerous new and vintage shops in many different cities, and years following publications that cover well-established and emerging brands, I still could not find the piece that I wished someone was making, let alone for a price I could afford, or in a condition fit to be put through the paces.

I had in mind a compact sports-watch that was elegant, original and discrete enough to wear on stage for my performances but also highly waterproof for jogs and hikes, swims in oceans and lakes. It would also feature a GMT function, a complication I have long romanticized for the way that it simultaneously evokes wanderlust and the grounding feeling of a connection with a loved one far away. The function would be integrated in a way that was discreet, however, as to not end up with a piece that wears decidedly tool-ish, as GMTs often do. In short, I wanted to create a travel companion for my tours and their ensuing adventures, well-suited to every moment, that would spare me the worry of packing an additional piece.

So, I decided to try. After over a decade designing my own cover art and packaging for my LPs, I had developed the drafting skills that would make this possible, and ideas came quickly.

The case of the Lorca Model No.1 GMT is compact, the radial dial is large and warm, and the watch wears thin without being dainty. The bracelet is elegant and low in profile, sturdy yet extremely comfortable & slinky, owing to its numerous small, solid links. It is a unisex piece with a balanced presence for any wrist size. In keeping with the intention to integrate the GMT quietly, the flared bezel is fixed, with the etched and lacquered numerals all standing upright - 2 time zones and the date. For you and your loved one(s) away, or vice-versa. A GMT without making too much of a fuss about it - a watch to wear daily.

Water resistance is rated at 200m, with a screw down crown so you’ll never have to worry about taking it in the water. The case-back also screws in and has been left uncluttered by needless information, providing a clean palette for personalized engravings. The design aims to be original but also classic, without copying specific pieces from the golden era or too closely paying homage to them. A watch that you can buy with pride without feeling like it is a lesser version of the one you wanted. The watch that I myself was looking for.

Jesse Marchant

Owner | Designer

Lorca