The last few months have been very challenging on a personal and economic scale due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, many countries have imposed strict measure to ensure social distancing. Australia has contained the virus pretty effectively and limited the death rate. Nevertheless, bars, cafes, cinema’s gyms and restaurants have been closed as a safety measure. This has given me time to pursue previously neglected activities like design and painting. Creative endeavours have always played a big part in my life and that is why the art of horology fascinates me.
Way back in January I got access to a magnificent timepiece called the Akylon from MUSE – Swiss Art Watches. Subsequently, I wrote an in-depth article for Roberta Naas’s acclaimed magazine ‘A Timely Perspective’. The editorial was an overview of the brand rather than a detailed product review. However, now I’ve had time to extensively test the watch (for several months) it’s given me clarity about the brand and their overall philosophy.
As a writer, I have always tried my best to represent the products and the companies featured (on Total Design Reviews) faithfully. The owners of MUSE – Swiss Art Watches are very passionate about their creations and wanted me to convey that in this review. In a few sentences, this is the brand’s philosophy: “A unique concept that allows us to have a “living” timepiece that changes its appearance with the passing of time. A “work of art in movement” … only you have the keys to read the time on your watch and also the aspect of the dial is constantly evolving and changing”
MUSE – Swiss Art Watches was established by engineers Frédéric Leuba Rosa and Pascal Robert, who have extensive experience (50-years combined) in the watch industry. However, rather than produce a technical brilliant timepiece they set out to create a piece of moving art. To a certain extent, time is secondary and their primary objective is to give the recipient a reflective moment. This sentiment is reflected in each dial, which is composed of three overlapping discs (hours, minutes, seconds).
The model I tested is called the AKYLON 44 AVENTURINE, which as the name suggests has a solid Aventurine stone dial. With a hexagonal case size measuring 44mm this piece is much smaller than I normally wear. However, it is exceptionally beautiful to wear and the display is absolutely mesmerising. It also feels exceptionally lightweight compared to other timepieces I have reviewed due to the use of titanium in production. Certainly, I would be happy to wear this sublime timepiece for any occasion (with the exception of extreme sports).
At the heart of the watch is a historic Swiss-made self-winding movement that dates back to 1969. The ETA 2776 (renamed Calibre MU 01) comprises 25-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz). This sensational mechanism is hand-decorated (circular graining, “côtes circulaires”) and is visible through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the AKYLON 44 AVENTURINE features hours, minutes and seconds. The timepiece also has a power reserve of 48 hours and are water-resistant to a depth of 50 metres.
As a perfect finale, the AKYLON 44 AVENTURINE is equipped with a Karung leather strap with matching with “Muse” engraved pin buckle. For information about MUSE – Swiss Art Watches follow this link
