The Kerbedanz Tribute Russia model is the second watch produced by the brand that translates its geographical inspiration into design elements on the dial. Instead of hour markers, there are the four compass points in the appropriate places and the dial in solid gold consists of three separate layers: a blue-treated background with engraved ocean and gridlines on top of which the map of Russia is depicted as a microsculpture in rose gold with the double-headed eagle motif of the Russian Federation in pride of place at 12 o’clock.
A rare Kerbedanz timepiece that is not intended for a single owner, the Tribute Russia is a limited edition of 85 watches with a 46mm diameter case in 18-carat white gold and a hand-engraved caseback. Unlike the similar Tribute USA model, which had a depiction of Mount Rushmore engraved on its case back, the special engraving on the back of the Tribute Russia models remains a secret known only to their few owners.
As with all Kerbedanz models, the Tribute Russia watch carries a wealth of symbolism. This horological tribute to the largest country in the world by area, which covers more than one-eighth of the Earth's inhabited land and is the ninth biggest in the world in terms of population, uses the double-headed eagle. It is a symbol that dates back to the late 15th century, when Ivan III made the black double-headed eagle an official emblem of the Russian state. The symbol endured until the fall of the monarchy in 1917. In 1992 the Russian Federation restored it to the state coat of arms. It is a symbol of Russia’s spanning of two continents, Europe and Asia, with one head looking West and the other East.
The Kerbedanz Tribute to Russia is powered by the self-winding KRB-03 movement, which was designed and decorated by Kerbedanz and offers 120 hours (5 days) of power reserve. In this artistic interpretation, the timekeeping functions are restricted to hour and minute hands to allow the observer a view of the detailed hand engraving with the minimum of obstructions. The watch is completed by a black alligator leather strap with an 18-carat white-gold folding clasp.
The Tribute Russia is also available as a tourbillon in which the tourbillon carriage is visible between 7 and 8 o’clock, occupying the south-western territories of the Russian Federation.
