The Lavish Attic x Atelier de Chronométrie Limited Edition of 8 pieces AdC33
The Challenges Begin
The Lavish Attic focuses on independents, one of which being Atelier de Chronométrie, a brand committed to handcrafting one-of-a-kind high-end timepieces with an annual production of 7–10 pieces. In a new collaboration, both parties embrace traditional and artisanal craftsmanship, respecting cultural variances while considering the potential of watchmaking. This project presents a challenge with the application of Grand Feu enamel dial at the greatest level and the modification of a new in-house calibre, M284.
"As it occurs, our customer was the one who initiated the collaboration. With this initiative, we have gotten to know their talented and passionate team. Together, we develop creative ideas while drawing inspiration from enduring historical legacies and reinterpreting Chinese aesthetics. There are no physical continents that can contain such elegance.
It is an honour for us to receive the support of Santiago Martínez and Montse Gimeno, the core players behind Atelier de Chronométrie. The team's enthusiasm and dedication are palpable. We witness the creation of their first in-house movement, the Calibre M284, a technological advancement and pursuit of high-end watchmaking. Details are never left out of our discussions. The wooden watch boxes are made by a Spanish artisan in Madrid. The name of Atelier de Chronométrie and also the name of the customer will be engraved on two brass plates, which are gold plated. We want to provide our customers a journey with a truly holistic tour, further expanding their understandings and cultural knowledge in the fine timepieces.”
- Piano Chow, Founder of The Lavish Attic
“Hong Kong has a very special meaning for us because one of our first orders was made there by a customer who trusted in us to make a very personal project; a timepiece that was a present for his eldest brother. That project have been in our memories forever and Hong Kong is an important part of that memory.
Culture, people, food, and of course, a sensibility for the independent timepieces between collectors are the reasons why we have created such a special connection with Hong Kong since then. We always have felt welcomed by the collector’s community and we have good friends there.
So, when Piano Chow from The Lavish Attic contacted us to create a unique project in Hong Kong, it meant a lot for us. This is an important milestone in our history and we know that this is just the beginning of a very nice collaboration.
The AdC33 timepiece is going to be a very special one-off project created only for The Lavish Attic and for the very first time in Hong Kong. The design has been inspired in the Chinese traditional culture, where the porcelain and the blue color have an important sense as well as the ancient Chinese numerals used in a long past.”
- Santiago Martínez, Founder of Atelier de Chronométrie
After two whole years of planning, we are thrilled to introduce the AdC33, a limited edition of 8 pieces to everyone across the world. The dual atmospheres of Barcelona and Hong Kong are intertwined in the AdC33. More than just acquiring a watch, it offers collectors a unique and fascinating adventure.
The Serenity of the Time
The watch that is presented here is so different from its original vision. Day one, the dial was of a dominating blue, mixed with gold and adorned with a classic, bold font. Its striking visuals aimed to evoke the life of royal monarchy. After a discussion, a radical twist was made to the design - a monochrome dial with only markings of 3, 9, 12 in ancient Oracle bone script. It is a reference to the ancient Chinese numbers system of the Late Shang dynasty from 14th century BC, which was discovered inscribed on thousands of bones and tortoise shells.
With the second design, both teams dove into more research and testing, with the purpose of further conveying the rich essences and aesthetics of the two cultures. The combination of blue and white on ceramics can be traced back to 14th century Chinese pottery which played an important role in international trade, highly demanded across countries. The limited edition takes inspiration from the refined delicacy of the blue and white pottery design, exemplifying a sense of historical tranquility and elegance. Finally, the stamped lines will be made with fired enamel. We found a shade of blue that matches perfectly with the blue of Chinese porcelain and of higher quality compared to stamped typography.
The Unique Shine of Grey Gold
The limited edition allows collectors to choose case material from options of typical stainless steel, 18K rose gold, 18K yellow gold, and rare 18K grey gold. Grey gold is a high palladium alloy; the colour is more greyish than the name suggests but less white than platinum. It is a very special colour and does not need to be rhodised. The watchmaker has to take extra care to handle palladium. The challenging production process explains its higher cost compared to white gold. For its quality and purity, we are proud to recommend grey gold to collectors.
The material of the hands is fixed according to the case material:
The 18k grey gold - hands all in blued steel
The 18k yellow gold - minutes and hours in 18k yellow gold, and the seconds in blued steel
The 18k rose gold - minute and hours in 18k rose gold, and the seconds in blued steel
From left to right: rendering of Grey gold, Rose gold and Yellow gold variations
The First In-house Calibre M284
Since 2014, Atelier de Chronométrie has always had in mind the idea of creating its own calibre. Throughout all these years, we have created amazing projects and unique timepieces with unique stories behind them and we are very happy with the achieved result. At the same time, we also knew that, at some point, the creation of timepieces with movements, using existing calibres as a base, would restrict our creativity. This fact has strengthened our determination in the last few years to take a step forward and to create a personal movement aligned with our DNA. The result was the new calibre M284.
For the development of this new calibre, our team has relied on the help of our friend Luca So-prana who has an extensive experience as a constructor and with whom we shared the same vision of watchmaking. We thought that to achieve such a project, his advice would be the best. The result was a dream come true for us, the M284. A calibre with a timeless design that evokes the past with an architecture inspired by the calibres of the 40’s from the last century, such as the old Genève Observatoire Chronomèters, where challenges, skills and passion were essentials parts in watchmaking.
The finishing and anglage is of the highest level that one could find in a handmade watch. Countersinks are made by hand. All the screws and wheels are beveled. The engravings are exquisitely presented by the most important hand engraver in Switzerland. The perlage, the black polish of steel, the satin finish, and not to mention the pinions, unmistakably prove the high craftsmanship standard of the Spanish brand. The base profiles are diamond turning. The Côtes de Genève are made with a manual machine all the way like the old watches. Invisible parts are highly decorated, leaving no single flaw on the movement.
Watch Specifications
The Lavish Attic x Atelier de Chronométrie Limited Edition of 8 pieces AdC33
Case
Design: stepped lugs
Material: stainless steel or in 18k gold (grey, rose, or yellow)
Size: 37mm without the crown.
Dial
Material and design: white “Grand Feu” enamel dial with blued steel applied Chinese antique indexes
Hands: leaf design, blued steel
Colour combination: inspired in the Chinese pottery, combining blue colour with the white “grand feu” enamel dial
Movement
Manual winding calibre M284
Power reserve 38 hours
18.000 b.h.p.
Bridges made of Arcap, rhodium plated; 18k rose gold-plated wheels; 19 jewels
Swan neck regulator
Finishes: côtes de Genève, anglage, perlage, polished countersinks, straight graining, étirage des flancs, black polish and beveled screws
Hand-engraving on the bridges with signature and serial number
The Lavish Attic x Atelier de Chronométrie Limited Edition of 8 pieces AdC33 will be delivered in 2024.