Just over eight months ago I commissioned a local agricultural salvage artist to make a huge sculpture for the outside wall of my house. The design is of a fish and has a width measuring over 2.5 metres. Interestingly the designer uses reclaimed pieces of farm machinery like parts of tractors and combined harvesters. This means that the process can be lengthy and cannot be worked to deadlines, as exactly all the right components need to be procured. Fortunately the end result has yielded something pretty unique and extraordinary. The reason I mention this is because I see a huge symmetry with the world of horology. A lot of the time watchmakers over shoot deadlines because they are striving for perfection. A wonderful example of this is Magellan Watch.
The fantastic thing about visiting Baselworld is the opportunity to meet so many interesting watchmakers. Magellan Watch perfectly illustrates this point and derives its name from the 15th century explorer/navigator Ferdinand Magellan. Even though the brand is nearly 15 years old, they have a very low presence in the market. In fact, unless you are completely obsessed with watches (like I am) you probably would never have heard of the company. Even their Facebook page only has 515 likes, which is pretty miniscule for a watch label. Nevertheless they do make exceptionally good looking timepieces that should be appreciated by all.
Prior to Baselworld I contacted Magellan Watch owner Mario G. Nargi to try and arrange a meeting. He was fairly candid and explained that his primary objective at show was to sell watches. Therefore spending time with watch writers/journalists was not his main priority. Fortunately his Marketing Director Yann Kenzey stepped in and allowed me access to their exquisite Earth 3D. Dimensionally the timepiece was smaller than I had envisioned and measures only 43.5mm x 19mm. These proportions should appeal to a wide variety of buyers including the unisex market. Generally I found the watch sat comfortably on my wrist and I didn’t experience any friction at all. Ultimately this is down to the innovative case design and choice of 316L stainless steel in production.
Visually the Earth 3D is unbelievably striking and unlike anything else available on the market. It probably won’t appeal to traditionalists because of the idiosyncratic design. However I doubt if anyone could dispute that the timepiece is an absolute work of art. What makes this watch so special is the hand painted half globe earth dial. This characteristic becomes even more enhanced because it is encapsulated in dome sapphire crystal. I love features like the bespoke curved hour/minute hands and the distinctive patented integrated crown (which is operated via the case back). Overall the composition is delightful and the attention to detail is first rate.
At the heart of the watch is a modified self-winding movement sourced from ETA. The Caliber 2893-2 comprises 25-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Unfortunately the mechanism is visible because the watch has an engraved solid case back. Functionally the Earth 3D features hours, minutes and GMT facility. The timepiece also has a power reserve of 40-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
The Earth 3D is limited to 20 pieces and has a high quality navy leather strap with matching stainless steel buckle. Priced at: $8,200.
For information about Magellan Watches visit the company’s website: http://www.magellan-watch.com