When it comes to mechanical watches, we're used to seeing ones with the traditional face and hands. Romain Jerome's new Subcraft, however, does things a little differently. It displays the hour laterally in photoluminescent digital-style numerals along one edge, while the minute is viewed on a disc on top.
Spied by Gizmag at Baselworld 2015 in Switzerland, the Subcraft is the result of a collaboration between watch designers Manuel Emch and Alain Silberstein. Its form is said to "reflect the absence of ornamentation and bring out the harmony that is found between form and function." Additionally, it draws upon shapes found in nature, including the body of the manta ray.
The 54-jewel self-winding watch is being offered in two versions, one with a case made from natural-colored Grade 5 titanium, and another featuring a black PVD (physical vapor deposition)-coated titanium case. Within that housing is a mechanical movement created by Swiss watchmaking company Agenhor, which features a combination of lateral, linear, jumping and retrograde complications.
Its hour and minute displays are protected by anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Additionally, the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters (98 ft).
Only 99 units of each version are being sold. The Subcraft Titanium (made from bare Grade 5 titanium) is priced at US$24,500, while the PVD-coated Subcraft Speed Metal goes for $26,950.
Source: Romain Jerome
