Of the 40-odd brands exhibiting at the Salón Internacional Alta Relojería, most are aiming to familiarise the South American public with their respective universes and their star collections, as well as to highlight their heritage with the help of an expert flown in from the Manufacture, as Audemars Piguet and Cartier are doing. Since there is a definite clientele of connoisseurs in this part of the world (see yesterday’s article), some are upping the ante even more by offering models specially made with them in mind and unveiled during this three-day exhibition. WorldTempus is highlighting three of these creations, while the most curious among you can doubtless expect to see some pictures on our social networks throughout the week.
Cvstos Challenge Proud To Be Mexican
To celebrate in due style ten years of its presence in Mexico and cooperation with its local distributor (Raconli), as well as the tenth edition of the SIAR, Cvstos is presenting a 25-piece limited edition of the self-winding Challenge Proud to Be Mexican model, an inscription appearing on the inside of the bezel between two screws of the barrel-shaped case. Naturally flaunting its Mexican identity and notably featuring a red 10 at 10 o’clock as a reference to this commemoration, this special model is available in two versions: both have a green inner bezel ring, while one comes with a red aluminium alloy case and white rubber strap; and another with a steel case and red rubber strap. The date window is also ringed in red. Vibrant colours and an openworked dial serve to distinguish this Mexican edition of the Challenge from the Proud to Be Russian version on which the imperial Russian eagle spread its wings across the entire dial surface.
Montblanc 4810 ExoTourbillon Slim Mexico
At the SIHH 2016, as part of its 110th anniversary celebrations, Montblanc presented its 4810 ExoTourbillon Slim 110 Years Editions: three limited editions graced with dial bearing hand-painted depictions of Asia, Europe and North America. The 4810 ExoTourbillon Slim Limited Edition Mexico unveiled at the SIAR continues the world exploration begun by the brand founders 100 years ago. This version dedicated to the American continent places Mexico at the centre of the dial perched above the patented ExoTourbillon carriage. The painting is so meticulously executed that the artist takes an entire week to complete all three layers, thereby making each dial truly unique. The pink gold case – another distinctive feature compared with the white gold versions launched at the SIHH at the start of the year – pays tribute to Mexican warmth, as does the 12 o’clock Roman numeral in the same glowing metal.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Automatic Skeleton Mexico
The geography lesson continues with the green, white and red colours of the Mexican flag (not to mention its central motif of an eagle perched on a prickly pear tree and devouring a snake) that enliven the bezel and the inner bezel ring of this 8-piece limited series designed for Mexico and presented at the SIAR. The white ceramic of the bezel, a first for Roger Dubuis, makes a striking contrast with the forged carbon of the high-tech case. But the centre is where the show really takes place, with a spectacular balancing act performed by the skeleton movement bearing the extremely rare Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark. Famous Mexican artist Luis Barragán would doubtless have appreciated the colourful and architectural approach adopted by Roger Dubuis in setting the stage for its new in-house RD820SQ calibre with a skeleton-worked micro-rotor. Visitors to the SIAR (and the WT networks) with a taste for the “1st Art” will also enjoy a chance to admire the Roger Dubuis stand, built on the theme of architectural and technical mechanics. Particularly lucky ones will perhaps enjoy a chance to discuss the projects outlined by the brand CEO, Jean-Marc Pontroué, who was interviewed last week by Paul O’Neil.
