Prior to visiting Baselworld I contacted numerous companies to schedule meetings. My primary objective (as I was funding the trip) was to have a full diary while I was at the event. This meant doing a lot of emailing and research to make this possible. Mostly I was successful but unfortunately I didn’t get to meet everyone I wanted. I suppose I underestimated the scale of the show and the amount of watchmakers exhibiting. Not only were the main halls crammed full of brands but there were also a select few displaying their creations in the adjacent Ramada Hotel. This is where I ended up meeting Andreas Knecht from Swiss company Basse Broye.
Lénaïc Tschanz and Andreas Knecht only established Basse Broye two years ago (2013). The company name pays homage to the historic town of Avenches (formerly known as Aventicum), which is one of the most important archaeological sites in Switzerland. When I spoke to Andreas at Baselworld he explained that the business had evolved organically. Originally he started designing his own timepiece (with Lénaïc Tschanz) because he wanted to create something unique. The first models incorporated the same skeletonized Unitas movement as I used in Frank Heydrich and my Phoenix Polaris prototype watch. In my opinion this is one of the finest examples of this particular caliber.
Although all of Basse Broye’s timepieces are popular, the Elegance Chronographe seems the most sophisticated and is my personal favourite. It also looks a lot better in the metal than I could have ever imagined. Dimensionally the watch displays classical proportions and has a 43.50mm diameter. These measurements should appeal to a wide variety of buyers including the rapidly expanding unisex market. Generally I found the watch sat comfortably on my wrist and I didn’t encounter any digging from the lugs. Ultimately this is down to the elegant case design and use of 316L stainless steel in production. However I feel this watch would look even better in matt black ceramic.
Visually the Elegance Chronographe has the same high quality appearance normally found in much more expensive watches. It also effortlessly combines both traditional and contemporary details. What makes this timepiece so appealing is the beautifully presented skeletonized dial. This acts as a perfect framework for the sporty black chronograph sub counters and chapter ring. Other stylish features include large Roman numerals, a special red date hand and sapphire crystal lens. Overall the design is cohesive and the finishing is first rate.
At the heart of the watch is a self-winding Valjoux ETA-7750 movement sourced from the Swatch Group. The caliber comprises 25-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This wonderful mechanism is visibly showcased through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the Elegance Chronographe features hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph timers and date facility. The timepiece also has a power reserve of 44-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 50-metres.
The Elegance Chronographe has a hand stitched black alligator leather strap with matching engraved stainless steel folding clasp. Priced for the discerning at: 9,950.00 CHF (approximately $10,581).
For more information about Basse Broye visit the company’s website: http://bassebroyewatches.com