Everybody is aware of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which is having a devastating effect on global trading. Recently news came through that the two largest watch shows (Baselworld and Watch & Wonders) were not proceeding this year as a consequence. Even though the rumour mills had been suggesting this might happen it still came as a shock. When I visited Baselword in 2015 it became apparent of the importance of shows like this for brands. Therefore, it will be interesting to see what happens on the horological horizon this year.
Even though this news is disappointing for many there is still a lot of activity in the watch industry. Notably at entry-level and in particular crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter. A great example is Louis Chevrolet who has just unveiled a cool timepiece called ‘The Flying Date’. I previously featured their ‘Classic 8’ campaign on Total Design Reviews in October 2018 and am a fan of the brand. This fantastic watch was fully funded, and 144 backers pledged CHF 82,082 (approximately $85,568).
The Flying Date LC9’ has a similar diameter (43mm) to the ‘Classic 8’ and is synonymous with the brand. Essentially Louis Chevrolet specialises in the production of elegant dress watches and this is a perfect example. For this model, they have opted for stainless steel case with various different PVD coatings (black, blue, rose gold etc.) However, my preference would be the natural untreated version because it is more in keeping with the style of watch. Even though I haven’t personally worn this watch I would envisage it’s comfortable to wear. At 68 grams it is also much lighter than many other Swiss mechanical timepieces on the market.
Aesthetically ‘The Flying Date LC9’ has a very high-quality appearance normally found in much more expensive watches. I love the multi-layered black dial with contrasting white luminous indexes. Other refined details include open-worked hour/minute hands, bevelled crown and anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass. However, the pièce de résistance is the revolving 360 degrees date wheel, which gives the timepiece an Avant-Garde feel. Overall the composition is highly effective and the finishing first class.
Powering the watch is a refined Swiss modified automatic movement from ETA. The Calibre 2824/2 comprises 25-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This exquisite mechanism is also visibly showcased via the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally ‘The Flying Date LC9’ features hours, minutes, seconds and revolving date indication. The watch also has a power reserve of 38-hours and is water-resistant to a depth of 50-metres. To complete the picture Louis Chevrolet have presented the timepiece on a high-quality leather strap with a matching buckle.
The Flying Date LC9’ is very competitively priced at CHF 578 ($580). There is also an attractive Swiss quartz alternative called the LC11 priced at CHF 358 ($360). To purchase either of these fine watches on Kickstarter follow this link
