The identity of Montandon & Co – a brand launched in 2008 – lies in the twin passions nurtured by its founder, Daniel Montandon: sailing and fine watchmaking. The brand established in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland produces timepieces based on the principles and aesthetics of a 21st century marine chronometer. With this in mind, Montandon & Co has just unveiled its very first collection named Windward, which combines certain characteristic style elements found on today’s superyachts with the demanding standards of haute horlogerie.
Designed to be worn as much on land as at sea, the TMA01 V1 is the first model in this range. This timepiece intended for 21st century ocean riders is equipped with a complex in-house-made case. From the crown shaped like the wheel of a sailing ship, to the Swiss cross adorning the heads of the screws securing the sapphire crystal and caseback to the case, each of the 36 components has been developed and crafted with extreme concern for quality.
Inside the sturdy 44mm case of the TMA01 V1 beats the self-winding TMA01 V1 movement with a flying tourbillon and a peripheral rotor, entirely designed, developed and produced in-house. Equipped with a balance wheel oscillating at the frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, it ensures a 72-hour power reserve for this Oceanrider with its unmistakably maritime identity. Asymmetrical sail-shaped hands, pushers evoking the air intake vents of modern boats, a case recalling the shape of a sailing yacht stern, or the starfish appearing on one of the movement bridges: each of these elements enriches the watch with nautical references and testifies to Daniel Montandon’s keen eye for detail.
Another distinctive feature of the TMA01 V1 is its anti-magnetic iris mechanism that can be opened by pressing the left-hand crown. In the open position, the flying tourbillon is clearly visible to all, while only the small seconds indication appears when the device is closed.
The TMA01 V1 is available in six different interpretations, with a choice of white gold or bronze case (the latter being a special alloy guaranteeing excellent long-term electrochemical stability), complete with a bezel and pusher-guards in grade 5 titanium and delicately guilloché-worked dials in three different colours: blue, platinum and slate grey. Teamed with a hand-sewn rolled-edge crocodile leather strap, this timepiece also features an integrated push-pin system facilitating strap changes and ensuring peerless comfort on the wrist.
Montandon & Co has no intention of stopping there, since the brand has already announced the introduction of its next collection of diver’s watches, Naval Systems, slated for 2017.
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