Press release
United in Time
This enchanting new concept of watches in pairs has been designed to create bonds between women - whether they are mothers and daughters, sisters, cousins, best friends, business partners or complete strangers -. DeLaneau's «Pairs» are a contemporary way to create a unique tie with another special person. In an age of social networks where people are connecting so easily across the globe, DeLaneau's «Pairs» unite women even if they live in far away lands. A mother in Europe can feel closer to her daughter living in China, for example, in the knowledge that they are the only two beings in the world adorning the same timepiece on their wrist.
We have always called upon symbolic objects to represent a bond - like engagement rings or wedding bands representing the union between a man and a woman. A beautiful fountain pen is a renowned object for sealing international treaties. Today the «Pairs» watches are proposed to women as a symbolic binding token, be it blood ties, friendship or their love for a particular timepiece.
A History of Pairs
Creating watches in pairs is not a new concept to the watch industry. In fact, from the mid-18th century up until around the 1850s, English & Swiss master watchmakers were producing pairs of watches, mainly for Chinese dignitaries. Sometimes the watches would be identical or sometimes the one as the mirror of the other. Experts are divided on why the Chinese were so particular about purchasing their timepieces in pairs. Some believe that it was the Chinese love for symmetry and balance, the yin and yang, which created this custom for a double set, much like ancient Chinese vases that traditionally came in twos. Others believe that it was for the more practical reason of having a spare watch if one had to be returned for repair to far away from Switzerland. However, DeLaneau's reason for creating pairs is of a completely different nature entirely.
The DeLaneau «Pairs»
DeLaneau's “Pairs” will be available throughout DeLaneau's collections. Cristina Wendt-Thévenaz, CEO and Artistic Director, has always put women at the heart of her creations. Not only does she design perfectly balanced and refined timepieces, she actually emphasizes their emotional appeal. A DeLaneau “Pairs” is a token of union and passion...isn't this what every woman strives for?
Two Very Different Sets of «Pairs» are Launching the Concept
A pair from the Atame collection, which are distinguished by its elegant rectangular form and unique lugs that traverse the crystal, case and the strap. Atame actually means «attach me» in Spanish. Illustrated here is a pair of Atame Colibri in white gold set with baguette cut diamonds and onyx links. The dials are entirely hand engraved and decorated with high fire enamel as well as miniature paintings «sous fondant».
A pair of Magic Haute Joaillerie pieces set with baguette rubies and diamonds are also making a spectacular début in January 2010. Totalling no less than 23 carats of diamonds and rubies, these two ravishing Magic pieces are an ingenious interpretation of the long standing tradition of «montres à secret».
Both Atame Pairs and Magic Paris are powered by mechanical movements, automatic for the Atame and manual winding for the Magic.
Pairs... Sealing Ties Between Women Across Oceans and Cultures
For ladies who only wish to purchase a timepiece for themselves, but fall in love with one of DeLaneau's «Pairs», the link isn't necessarily lost. Each new owner of a «Pairs» timepiece will have the opportunity to connect with the only other woman anywhere in the world who has chosen the same watch, sealing a tie across oceans and cultures.
This exceptional new concept by DeLaneau will not only strengthen the bonds between existing friends and relations, it will open doors and hearts to new acquaintances – a first in the history of watchmaking.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Pair of Atame Colibri
Movement: automatic mechanical
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case: 33 x 23 mm white gold set with baguette diamonds and onyx lugs
Dial: white gold decorated with high fire enamel and miniature painting «sous fondant».
Crown: white gold set with a briolette diamond.
Decorative arches on strap: white gold decorated with brilliant cut diamonds.
Strap: «glacé» calf leather with gold buckle.
Carats: in total 5.29 cts
Pair of Magic Haute Joaillerie Diamonds and Rubies
Movement: manual winding
Case and Dome: 25 mm case and dome invisibly set with baguette cut rubies as well as brilliant cut diamonds on the case around the dial.
Dial: white «guilloché» mother of pearl with 4 rubies.
Crown: white gold set with brilliant cut diamonds.
Bracelet: articulated white gold bracelet set with baguette cut diamonds and rubies as well as brilliant cut diamonds for the two attaches between the watch case and the bracelet.
Carats: total rubies and diamonds is 23.76 cts
