Recently there was a real buzz in the watch industry because the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève nominations had just been announced. Like most prestigious competitions/award ceremonies the final selections are sometimes contentious. For example, I was really hoping that Jean-Marie Schaller (founder of Louis Moinet) would finally be rewarded for his phenomenal ‘Space Revolution’. However, for reasons unknown he wasn’t bestowed with the credit he deserves. Fortunately, Bernhard Lederer did get acknowledgement for his exceptional Central Impulse Chronometer and netted the ‘Innovation Prize’.
Winning a Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève prize is an exceptional honour and thoroughly deserved for Bernhard Lederer. For nearly a decade Bernhard has worked fastidiously to create Central Impulse Chronometer. In my opinion, it is time well spent because this is one of the finest timepieces on the market. Certainly, I can imagine this horological masterpiece appealing to connoisseurs. Fortunately due to good timing (excuse the pun) I’ve been able to include this piece in my 10th book about modern dress watches.
Dimensionally the Central Impulse Chronometer is well proportioned and has a luxurious 18-karat white gold case measuring 44mm x 12.2 mm. Aesthetically the watch has a bold identity and is consistent with Bernhard Lederer’s other work. What makes the timepiece so remarkable is the sophisticated blue dial guilloché dial featuring Lederer’s exclusive motif. Other highlights include two interlocked circle apertures (configured in a figure-eight format) showcasing elements of the exquisite mechanism. The watch has raised sliver markers and delicate skeletonised hour/minute hands. Overall the minimalistic composition is refined and the finishing superlative.
At the heart of the watch is a sophisticated 44-jewel twin-barrel mechanical hand-winding movement entirely developed in house by Bernhard Lederer. The Calibre 9012 is composed of 210 individual parts and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. This entire splendour is perfectly showcased via the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the Central Impulse Chronometer features hours, minutes and small seconds (located at 8 and 11 o’clock). The timepiece also is water-resistant to a depth of 30-metres and has a power reserve of 42-hours. To complete the picture the watch is presented on an alligator leather strap with a gold pin buckle.
