Hervé Schlüchter Debuts his First Watch, L’Essentiel

The proportions of the watch are pitched perfect, with a width of 38mm and a mere 8mm in height. The case is in stainless steel with a contrasting finish; the bezel, top surfaces of the lugs as well as case back ring are highly polished while the flanks are brushed. Inspired by a regulator made by Antide Janvier in the 18th century, the watch is characterized by a regulator style dial with a small seconds at six o’clock, a central minutes and a large semi-circular aperture that displays a 24-hour disc. Immediately apparent is the amount of effort that has been expended on the dial work alone, which is itself made up of five components excluding the hands. The central dial, which is made of German silver, has been engine-turned by Schlüchter himself using a traditional rose engine acquired from master guillocheur Georges Brodbeck. The outer minute track as well as the inlaid small seconds sub-dial are executed in Grand Feu enamel. Their bases were produced by Schlüchter while the enamelling was done by Sophie Cattin Morales, an independent enameller located in Les Barrières. The massive aperture for the 24-hour display is enclosed within a steel frame that is fastened to the dial with screws. This frame exhibits numerous outward and inward angles, the hallmark of hand-applied anglage. The 24-hour disc is crafted from aventurine with the sun and the moon metallized in gold and silver, both pad-printed. The distinctive minute hand is rounded, polished and flame-blued by hand. Each hand is attached to its own hub that are bevelled and highly polished as well.