Glovebox: Gift of Zeus
October 1, 2006
The airplane logo clearly reminds the world that the famous Pilot Classic collection is a crucial part of the Zeno-Watch Basel’s line. However, among the independent Swiss manufacturer’s many other quirky-yet-traditional offerings, two recent specialized examples are worth noting.
The word "retro" appears in the names of many of its timepieces, where the concept is put to rigorous and idiosyncratic use. The Godat 2 Tourbillon Retrograde is an artful salute to Zeno-Watch’s founder, Jules Godat, who began making watches in 1868. Designed by the company’s current owner, Felix W. Huber, only 50 will be made. The tourbillon frame was developed to offset gravitational pull on moving parts, thus enhancing accuracy. The precise one-minute rotation features a small second hand on the cage’s axis. Full hand-winding gives five days’ operation (a power-reserve scale and a beautiful retrograde date display are provided). It seems a pity to cover the intricate, polished TT791.04 movement, with its hand-decorated bridges, 37 jewels and escapement wheel, but the stunning outside design is worthy of the job. The substantial case (44 mm diameter, 14.3 mm thick) is made of 18-karat rose gold with a Duoblock structure. A curved crystal tops a rounded, refined face with guilloche silver metal and rose markings. The hands are Breguet blue steel with a white propeller blade for seconds. Subtly curved lugs hold the padded leather strap and its engraved gold buckle.
Another unusual Zeno creation is the Rallye Navigational Board Clock, which fulfills a narrow purpose: It is affixed to the dash or instrument panel of an old-time vehicle. This is done by means of a 58mm x 58mm mounting plate that screws onto the back of the clock’s case. Manual winding lends 55 hours of power reserve. The black face and Superluminova-coated hands and markings (hours, minutes, and seconds in a 6 o’clock circle) are visible in most any light, lending an extra bit of style and whimsy to a moonlit drive.
Zeno-Watch Basel, 800.822.2312, www.zeno-watch.ch
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