Over the last few weeks and since I returned from Baselworld my time has been spent scheduling reviews. In the five days I actually spent at the fair I literally tried on well over a hundred watches. Due to the artificial lighting in some of the halls the images are not as high quality as I would desire. However I did take some decent pictures of a wonderful cross section of timepieces. Ultimately my prime objective was to try on watches that I couldn’t get access to in Australia. That is why many of my recent reviews have featured high-end timepieces from luxury watchmakers like Louis Moinet SA, Rudis Sylva, Urwerk, MB & F and Cabestan. Fortunately I also got access to some exquisite watches from more affordable brands. A great example is Geneva based company Greco.
It is fair to say that prior to Baselworld I didn’t know much about Greco Genève and had only ever seen images of their watches on Facebook. The business is the brainchild of Stéphane Greco. Interestingly he has a background in chemistry and electroplating procedures. These skills have been utilized to produce parts for many well-known watch brands over the last 24-years. Therefore it seemed only natural for Stéphane to establish his own small independent watch company.
While I was trying to find another brand I walked passed their booth and was captivated by their eclectic designs. Even though I didn’t personally meet Stéphane Greco on this occasion other members of his team were very accommodating. Although all their watches are stylish I opted to test their wonderful LTM-41T from the Les Temps Modernes collection. Dimensionally the watch measures 42mm x 13mm but appears much larger due to the unique case design. It also felt comfortable on the wrist and use of titanium makes it exceptionally lightweight. For that reason I feel it would be a viable option to wear for most occasions.
Visually the first thing I noticed was the extraordinary hexagonal nut case design. The design of the Les Temps Modernes LTM-41T is further enhanced by a sublime Clous de Paris pattern and black DLC (diamond like carbon) coating. The dial is inspired by the giant cogwheels represented in the 1936 film ‘Modern Times’ and makes a really bold statement. Other features include open wrench style hour/minute hands, small date window (located at 4 o’clock) and sapphire crystal lens. Overall the composition has a cool industrial quality and the finishing is supreme.
At the heart of the watch is a self-winding movement sourced from the Swatch Group. The caliber ETA 2892-A2 comprises 21-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). This refined mechanism is visibly showcased through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the Les Temps Modernes LTM-41T features hours, minutes, seconds and date facility. The timepiece also has a power reserve of 40-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
The Les Temps Modernes LTM-41T (as tested) is a unique 1/1 piece and has a black silicon strap with matching DLC coated titanium buckle. Priced at: 6,990 CHF (approximately $7,324).
For more information about Greco Genève visit the company’s website: http://www.greco-geneve.com
