With so many watch labels flooding the market it is pretty much impossible to feature them all comprehensively. Like most writers I make a concerted effort to contact brands (I personally admire) to get the necessary press/marketing material I require. A lot of the time (and for many reasons) these companies don’t respond. In some instances I will send them numerous emails but on a practical level this is not always possible. I think now watchmakers are realizing their own limitations and employing Public Relations consultants to act as a buffer.
A few weeks ago I emailed Clerc via Facebook and got a response from marketing and communications specialist Jerome Pineau. He has worked with many brands and is an expert in his field. For that reason he was very proactive in supplying me with all the information I required about Clerc. I have been very keen to feature them on Total Watch Reviews for a long time because essentially they produce fantastic looking timepieces. Even though the company has a history dating back to 1874 their watches have a very contemporary appearance. Currently the youthful and dynamic Gerald Clerc manages the business.
For most people Clerc are renowned for their really exciting Hydroscaph collection of watches. Recently they have introduced a new member to the family called the H140 Carbon to celebrate the company’s 140th anniversary. At the moment it pretty tough to get access to the actual timepiece because there is only one prototype in existence. Hopefully it will be making an appearance this year at Baselworld 2015. Dimensionally the watch has a generous 44mm diameter (49.6 mm including lateral protectors), which is designed to make a bold statement. It is also constructed from a specialist carbon composite material that should make it exceptionally lightweight to wear. For that reason I would imagine this watch would be ideal for daily usage.
Visually the Hydroscaph H140 Carbon has a really bold and distinctive appearance. What makes this timepiece so special is the shape and texture of the matt black carbon composite case. Rather than the normal cross weave pattern of carbon fibre this material almost has the same aesthetic as Damascus steel. Other attractive details include sapphire crystal lens, a sleek two-tone black dial with contrasting cool grey (SuperLuminova treated) markers, hands and sub counters. Overall the sporty composition is really successful and the attention to detail is first rate.
Beneath the chunky exterior lies an exclusive Swiss made self-winding chronograph movement. The Calibre C608 comprises 51-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). This mechanical splendour is visibly showcased through two sapphire crystal window located on case back. Functionally the Hydroscaph H140 Carbon features hours, minutes, seconds, date facility, day/night indication and chronograph timers. The timepiece also has a power reserve of 44 hours and is water resistant to a depth of 500 metres.
The Hydroscaph H140 Carbon has a black Vulcanized rubber strap with matching black folding clasp. Priced at: 12,000 CHF (approximately $13,972).
