On a recent trip back to the UK I noticed the amount of large watch adverts prominently displayed at the airports. Numerous celebrities act as brand ambassadors and it is now very big business. I always ponder on whether these A-lister’s actually like these timepieces or is it purely about the money. A few years ago I read an in depth article about Daniel Craig who at the time had just landed a role of a lifetime as James Bond. Interesting that in his capacity as 007 he wore an Omega watch (because they sponsor the franchise) but in real life sported a Rolex. Even small independents are now getting in on the act because they can see this is an effective way of marketing. However there are still watchmakers that rely solely on the quality of their product. Swiss company Revelation perfectly illustrates this point.
In 2007 dynamic couple Anouk Danthe and Olivier Leu established Revelation. With an extensive history of designing timepieces for many prestigious Swiss watchmakers, the duo fulfilled their dream of launching their own brand. Realistically this is a really tough proposition as there are so many wonderful watches on the market. For that reason they had to come up with a brilliant and unique concept to distinguish themselves from their many competitors. This involves a patented technology of two polarizing discs ,devised by Centre Suisse d’Electronique et de Microtechnique (CSEM) . When aligned they act like micro shutters, which allow and block the light. Ultimately this offers the recipient either a conventional black dial or more complicated mechanical skeleton façade.
Within the range there are many different models to choose from including the fabulous R03 Magical Watch. Dimensionally the watch has a generous case size, which measures 45mm x 14mm. These proportions should appeal to a large variety of buyers including the largely expanding unisex market. Although I haven’t personally worn any of their watches I have reviewed several models of similar size by Montblanc, Omega, Rolex and Breitling. For that reason I can envisage the timepiece would sit comfortably on the wrist. Presently Revelation manufactures their watches in a range of different materials including steel, titanium and luxurious 18-karat gold. Some of the more opulent models are also embellished with baguette diamonds.
Beneath the elegant exterior lies a sophisticated self-winding movement developed by Dubois Dépraz. The Caliber TW01 comprises 44-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Each of the individual components including the distinctive rotor and bridges are finished by hand. This exquisite mechanism is visible through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the R03 Magical Watch features hours, minutes, seconds, date wheel and chronograph timers. The watch also has a power reserve of 48-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
The R03 Magical Watch is equipped with a variety of different strap options. Prices start from: 12,900 CHF (approximately $13,999).
