Back in 2015, I travelled from South Australia to Switzerland for the prestigious Baselworld watch fair. For those who are passionate about watches, I would highly recommend visiting this amazing show. As well as seeing offerings from the corporate’s it’s a great chance to meet the owners of many independents. They are mostly located in peripheral halls as the expense is astronomical. I got the chance to meet many talented designers and watchmakers including Bernard Richards from French Brand B.R.M Chronographes.
Over the years I have written numerous reviews about BRM and featured their exquisite watches in books. On a personal level, I’ve also owned a few of their timepieces. Therefore I would be happy to endorse the brand. Recently I received a press release unveiling two models called the V6-44-SA-N-Art Car (€4,250) and V6-44-SA-SQ-N-Art Car (€5,450). Both of these distinctive timepieces are synonymous with the brand and have diameters measuring 44mm. Dimensionally they are smaller than I normally like to wear but can appreciate this size will appeal to a broad demographic.
Visually the V6-44-SA-N-Art Car and V6-44-SA-SQ-N-Art Car models have a vibrant aesthetic inspired by racing cars painted by the greatest pop-art artists in the 1970s and 80s. As usual Bernard Richards has been meticulous about the details. Both models contain numerous colourful parts including the case, crown, flange and springs. These are hand-lacquered and then fixed by baking. Other refined features include bold numerical markers and signature white perforated hour/minute hands with Superluminova®. Depending on preference there’s a solid dial (V6-44-SA-N-Art) and a skeletonised version (V6-44-SA-SQ-N-Art Car). My favourite is the latter because I love the appearance of the mechanical elements of a watch.
At the heart of the watches is a Swiss automatic movement supplied by ETA. The Calibre 2824-1 comprises 25-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per minute. This entire splendour is visibly showcased via the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the V6-44-SA-N-Art Car and V6-44-SA-SQ-N-Art models feature hours, minutes and seconds. The timepieces also have a power reserve of 38 hours and are water-resistant to a depth of 100-metres. As a perfect finale, the watches are presented on a high quality black leather strap with holes and a complimentary stainless steel buckle.
