As well as attending Baselworld in a press capacity I also brought along a prototype watch I designed (in collaboration with Frank Heydrich) called the Phoenix Polaris. Due to the complexity of the design there wasn’t really time to test its functionality before I left for Switzerland. Therefore I didn’t actually wear the timepiece until I was on the flight home. As I was inspecting the watch the guy sitting next to me expressed a genuine interest and we talked intensely for the next six hours. By coincidence he turned out to be a very eminent Asian publisher and avid watch collector. We also seemed to have very similar tastes in watches and the same philosophy about the industry in general. One of the many brands we discussed was AkriviA.
While I was at Baselworld I tried my absolute best to see a diverse range of brands. Ultimately on Total Watch Reviews I want to promote all types of watches from groups and small independents alike. For that reason I ran out of time and couldn’t meet with everyone I hoped to on this particular visit. One of the watchmakers that slipped through the net was AkriviA. The last time I had any contact with the company was about two years ago. My primary contact was Etienne Deschamps, who has subsequently left the business to pursue other interests. From what I gather AkriviA is now solely managed and operated by a young gentleman (with a fantastic name) called Rexhep Rexhepi.
Previously I had written articles for other magazines about their first model called the Tourbillon Monopusher Chronograph (originally named Saturn). For a debut watch this is a pretty amazing feat due to the intricate design and movement. A few weeks ago via Facebook I saw images of their new Tourbillon Heure Minute and was very interested to feature it on my website. Dimensionally the case (available in steel, 18-karat gold and platinum) is exactly the same as the Tourbillon Monopusher Chronograph and measures 43mm x 12.90mm. This watch is certainly smaller than I am accustomed to wearing but should appeal to serious collectors. I should also imagine it would feel very comfortable and lightweight on the wrist.
Visually the Tourbillon Heure Minute is a lot more understated than the Tourbillon Monopusher Chronograph. Nevertheless it does have a really refined and distinctive appearance. I love the minimalistic hand made polished grey steel matt dial. This unique detail is achieved by combing crushed rock and oil together. Other characteristics include delicate hour/minutes hands, engraved AkriviA plaque and subtle chapter ring. Although in my personal opinion the most effective feature is the large aperture (located at 6 o’clock) showcasing the magnificent rotating tourbillon. Overall the composition is cohesive and the finishing is first rate.
Beneath the wonderful exterior lies a highly accomplished manual winding tourbillon movement. This caliber comprises 33-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Each of the individual mechanical components has been meticulously decorated (côtes de Genève) engraved and assembled by hand. This entire splendor is visibly showcased through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Function the Tourbillon Heure Minute features hours and minutes. The timepiece also has an impressive power reserve of 100-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
The Tourbillon Heure Minute has a hand stitched blue strap with matching folding hand engraved clasp. Priced for the discerning at: CHF 99,000 (approximately $106,494).