Prepare to be captivated by the rise of an extraordinary timepiece, The Owl, crafted by the visionary duo at L'Atelier Bernard. This limited-edition masterpiece, with only six pieces ever made, is a testament to the evolving landscape of independent watchmaking.
The Owl's Charm: A Blend of Unconventionality
The Owl is a true artisan's creation, showcasing a unique fusion of aesthetics and mechanics. Handcrafted with precision in Fleurier, it boasts an inverted movement architecture, a rare duplex escapement, and a captivating mix of colors and textures.
A Tale of Two Bernards
The masterminds behind this masterpiece, Bernard Van Ormelingen and Bernard Braboretz, have infused their shared aesthetic and technical prowess into every detail. Their backgrounds, from the Van Bricht series to the intricate guilloche dials, lay the foundation for this independent venture.
The Owl's Unique Features
The Owl's design is a study in contrasts. The large symmetric barrels, reminiscent of an owl's curious gaze, dominate the watch face. The slow-beating balance, powered by the unconventional duplex escapement, adds to its intrigue. The interplay of gold, dark blue, and warm grey tones creates an immediate visual impact.
A Rustic-Meets-Refined Movement
The movement is a delightful contrast of highly refined and rustic finishes. The lavishly engine-turned barrels, a personal favorite, stand out against the coarsely grained mainplate. The mirror-polished countersinks and the parachute-style shock absorber for the balance further emphasize this unique blend.
The Case and Profile
Housed in a stainless steel case with strong, angular lugs, the Owl offers a modern take on the classic Cornes de Vache style. The cylindrical, domed sapphire crystal reveals a unique side profile, showcasing the unusual oscillator.
The Duplex Escapement: A Forgotten Art
The duplex escapement, a frictional rest and deadbeat tangential impulse mechanism, is a rare find in modern times. Invented by either Robert Hooke or Jean-Baptiste Dutertre, and later perfected by Pierre Le Roy or Thomas Tyrer, this system offers precise timekeeping. Despite its advantages, the duplex was overshadowed by the more precise detached lever escapements.
L'Atelier Bernard's Duplex
The Owl's duplex escapement is a rustic take on this forgotten art. The escape wheel, with tall pins instead of conventional teeth, and the impulse pallet made of the same material as the wheel, showcase the watchmakers' unique interpretation. The safety implement, designed to prevent over-banking of the balance, adds to its complexity.
The Slow and Steady Balance
The free-sprung balance, beating at an unusual 1.5 Hz frequency, offers a slow and steady pace. The large cut and screwed balance wheel, the dark blue hairspring with a raised overcoil, and the comfortable 45-hour power reserve, all contribute to its unique character.
A Generous Blend of Finishes
The Owl strikes a perfect balance between haute horlogerie and rustic finishes. The parachute shock absorbers, the fully grained mainplate, and the concave bevels on the bridges, all add to its utilitarian charm. The gold inlaying and the delicate guillochage on the barrel drums are a testament to the watchmakers' mastery.
Key Specifications
- Diameter: 39 mm
- Height: 14.5 mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 50 m
- Movement: In-house Calibre with Duplex Escapement
- Functions: Hours, Minutes
- Winding: Manual
- Frequency: 10,800 vibrations per hour (1.5 Hz)
- Power Reserve: 45 hours
- Strap: Leather Strap
- Limited Edition: Yes, 6 pieces (all sold)
- Price: CHF150,000 excluding taxes
For more insights, follow @latelierbernard on Instagram.
And this is the part most people miss... The Owl is not just a watch, it's a statement piece that challenges conventions. What do you think? Is it a bold move or a step too far? Let's discuss in the comments!
