Vogard is an exciting watchmaker based in the picturesque location of Nidau near Bienne in Switzerland. The dynamic and entrepreneurial Michael Vogt established the company twelve years ago. Originally Michael graduated from the University of St.Gallen with a degree in Business Administration. Subsequently his enormous passion for watches secured him senior marketing positions at TAG Heuer, Ebel and Gucci. Ultimately this experience culminated in the foundation of his own watch brand in 2002.
From recent conversations with Michael I can really appreciate what he is trying to achieve with Vogard. I absolutely love multi-timezone watches and have featured them numerous times on my website. Models by Meccaniche Veloci, Ritmo Mundo, Glycine and B.R.M normally have several mechanical movements. They also have small dials, which some people find hard to read. Vogard have combatted this issue by designing a patented and revolutionary new Timezoner® system. Essentially as the bezel is rotated the coordinating hour and minute hands display the time in the specific geographic region. The concept is ingenious and exceptionally easy to operate. Currently there are several attractive collections to choose from including the Datezoner Pilot, Cronozoner and the Business Officer.
Normally watch writers rely on the generosity of brands or retailers to get access to these fantastic timepieces. In this instance the Swiss Watch Box in Perth, Australia kindly sent me a Business Officer for review. My first impression of the watch was how well made and stylish it actually looked. Dimensionally the timepiece measures 43mm x 12mm (rising to 14mm in the center) which should appeal to a wide variety of buyers. Generally I found the watch very comfortable to wear and didn’t encounter any friction from the lugs or crown. Primarily this is down to the innovative design and use of anti-magnetic 316L stainless steel in production. Ideally I would love to see Vogard experiment with materials like bronze and titanium in the future.
Visually the watch has a very high quality and original appearance. It is clear that Mike Vogt has spent an enormous amount of time developing a watch of this caliber. The silver dial is easily legible and in my opinion understated. I love the large engraved bezel displaying important cities from around the world. Other integral elements to the success of the design are the bold raised numerals and distinctive hour/minute hands. There is also a central 24-hour display and date window located between 4 -5 o’clock. Within the same collection there is an equally impressive black dial version. Overall I would say the composition is refined and the finishing superlative.
Vogard has specifically designed and manufactured a bespoke movement to power the watch. The Caliber ‘Timezoner 01’ comprises 25-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,000 vibrations per hour. This incredible hand decorated mechanism is linked directly to the bezel and is operated by a sophisticated system of wheels. It is also visible through the exhibition mineral crystal case back. Functionally the Business Officer features hours, minutes, seconds, date and world time facility. The watch also has a 40-hour power reserve and is water resistant to a depth of 100 metres.
The Business Officer has a high quality brushed stainless steel bracelet with a double-push opening system. Priced at: $7,088
For more information visit the company’s website: http://www.vogard.com
