Tag: concord

Wow Watch Wednesday: The Concord C1 Code Chronograph

| February 17, 2010 | 4 Replies

Concord C1 Chronograph Code

This week’s piece from Swiss watch maker Concord is certainly unique but we’re not really sure if that’s a good thing. Over the last few years the luxury brand has built a reputation for pushing the envelope when it comes to design, in large part thanks to the marketing ingenuity of former President Vincent Perriard, who is now working his magic over at Techno Marine as the global CEO. However, this latest piece, the C1 Code Chronograph seems to lack that spirit of innovation, replacing it instead with cheap gimmicks.

Under the guiding hand of Mr Perriard Concord produced the C1 Chronograph, a watch which attracted a great deal of fanfare and was well-known for being as loved as it was hated. Admirers extolled its innovative and unique design while critics said it was clunky and unattractive. Regardless of what you think, it cannot be denied that the C1 series well and truly put Concord back on the map.

As such its not surprising then that the brand would want to create further variations of this successful base model in order to maintain interest in the brand and continue to drive sales. Having said that though, this latest version due to be officially launched at Basel World next month, seems to lack the creativity and boldness of its predecessors.

Essentially what we have here is a Concord C1 Chronograph with mathematical equations engraved into the sapphire crystal. The reasons for this are rather vague as there is no direct link that we can see between Concord and mathematics, although we do appreciate that watch making is certainly a very precise art.

To us, it seems that the designers over at Concord just got lazy.   

Concord C1 Chronograph Code

Fellow watch enthusiast Kyle over at Perpetuelle recently gave his thoughts on this rather unusual choice of dial “decoration” saying:

“…while the engraving of an algebraic formula/cryptic mathematical equation directly into the crystal of the watch is novel, it seems to make the (already busy) dial hard to read and I wonder what is the real allure of this for a potential buyer?  I see none.”

We tend to agree.

From our point of view there is no added value to the consumer and legibility (arguably the most important aspect of a watch) is further reduced. To be honest, we would be surprised if even mathematicians found this to be an attractive timepiece, although undoubtedly it would draw some attention.

The concept of engraving on the sapphire crystal on the other hand though is undeniably cool, and it will certainly be interesting to see what other (perhaps more innovative?) brands will come up with. Who knows, perhaps we’ll see a watch with the entire dial engraved on the sapphire crystal? Admittedly unlikely, but you never know!

The Final Word
While we think Concord have got it half right by trying something a little different, in our eyes they have missed the mark somewhat. Perhaps this is yet another example of a concept not transferring as envisioned from the drawing board to design reality? Whether it was their intention or not, this new model simply comes across as a poorly disguised attempt to exploit a previously successful model which we don’t think will fool seasoned consumers.  

Yes it is unusual but not really in a good way.

Wow Watch Wednesday: Concord’s C1 Quantum Gravity

| October 28, 2009 | 4 Replies

Concord C1 Quantum Gravity

This week’s watch provides us with an excellent example of taking things one step too far. Or in the case of the Concord C1 Quantum Gravity, several steps too far. I am a huge supporter of pushing boundaries in high-end watch design and challenging conventional thinking, especially when it is done successfully. Think MB&F’s HM No.2.2 or Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps’ Sequential One. However, to me the C1 Quantum Gravity is the answer to a question no one asked.

Defying Gravity (And Good Taste)
Before I launch any further into this article I just want to clarify that I do not in anyway dispute the technical genius involved in the creation of this timepiece. The concept of itself is truly unique and ambitious to say the least. Designed to be provocative and defiant, this new species of watch supposedly lives time as if it were an experiment, a source of stimulation. The question is, who is Concord defying? Good taste perhaps?

As advanced and complex as this piece is, the simple fact is that I would not wear it. It is large, unattractive and seems as though it has had as many high-end complications shoved in, excuse my crassness, wherever they will fit. Yes, it does feature a ground-breaking aerial bi-axial tourbillon mechanism and a vertical power reserve but I ask you, what is brains without beauty?

I would put forth the argument here (and please if you disagree do tell me below in the comments section) that the C1 Quantum Gravity has committed the cardinal sin of forsaking design and aesthetics in the name of technical complexity. Watch making is a form of artwork as much as it is a form of engineering, the two must be married and blended together as one to form a finished piece of mechanically brilliant art. You simply cannot have one without the other.

The Final Word
It is undeniable that the C1 Quantum Gravity has crossed over into a new realm of watch making altogether and perhaps this is where my issue lays. Maybe the fault is not with the visionaries at the C Lab Series but rather with me, as a purist watch lover. Maybe I have not yet evolved to a point where I am ready, nay capable of accepting and understanding this piece. Or maybe the C1 Quantum Gravity has just moved too far away from the roots of traditional watch making to be considered in the same category of other high-end horological masterpieces.

After all, boundaries can only be pushed so far before they are irreversibly broken.

Full Black: New Wyler Genève Code-R chronograph

| August 31, 2009 | 1 Reply

Wyler Genève Code-R chronograph

It seems that black is back and its here to stay. I for one could not be happier. Especially when you consider the number of high quality, stealth look watches that have been steadily introduced to the market over the last 12 months.

Wyler Genève Code-R chronograph
Take for example the new full-black Code-R chronograph from Wyler Genève. The brushed titanium case is subtle and refined yet the all black styling gives it a hint of toughness and reliability. And for a watch brand so closely linked with motorsport, reliability is key. That’s why the Code-R is powered by arguably one of the most reliable Swiss automatic chronograph movements presently on the market (at least within this price range) and has a power reserve of 42 hours.

Design Cues
Further demonstrating its strong links to motor racing the Code-R takes it design cues from the materials and technology used in the sport. As previously mentioned the external casing is made from lightweight yet incredibly resilient titanium with carbon-fibre resin for its inner frame. The rubber-coated crown is reticent of a car tyre and the chronograph pushers are pedal-shaped.

Function Over Form
However, just as in motor racing, design plays second fiddle to practicality in the Wyler Genève chronograph. A watch, no matter how stunning, has little use if it cannot be read and this problem is further magnified on an all-black timepiece such as the Code-R. To counter this, the hands and minute track numerals are coated with black SuperLuminova which ignite the dial at night to allow the user to view it clearly.

Ensuring comfortable wearing the Code-R is fitted as standard with a black rubber bracelet with pushbutton-operated fold-over clasp in steel and titanium and comes with a 2-year warranty.

The Final Word
Wyler Genève make stunning watches and the Code-R chronograph is no exception. The subtle stealthy allure of the watch cannot be denied and although I generally do not like titanium casing I would most certainly make an exception in this case (excuse the pun). This would make a great every day watch or a very nice addition to any collection.

Check out www.wylergeneve.com for more information.

The Concord C1: Diamonds Are a… Man’s Best Friend?

| August 26, 2009 | 1 Reply

Concord diamonds

It is no secret that precious jewels have always featured in men’s high-end, luxury watches. Yet it seems that these days more and more of these jewels are finding their way onto dials, bezels and bands, as opposed to only being incorporated in the complicated movements the power these incredible timepieces. One brand that has recently taken this new trend to the next level is Concord, with their new C1 Chronograph. The watch features a 44mm white gold case, standing 16.70mm tall and is set with enough diamonds (184 to be exact, or a cool 2.4 carats) to ensure that anyone who tries to look directly at the dial risks potential permanent blindness.

However, the enhancement of the original C1 does not stop there, not by a long shot! A protective ring in white gold, fixed laterally by 7 self-blocking screws is enhanced by eight decorative elements straddling the bezel. These bastions protect a spectacular 3.30 mm thick sapphire crystal, which literally emerges from the case and displays a ruthenium dial set with 259 diamonds, 0.8 ct and its distinctive Concord seconds disk. End result, a dial literally covered in bling. Even the band doesn’t escape this “special” treatment, the black rubber strap with a white gold folding clasp is set with 72 diamonds or 0.6 ct.

You almost get the feeling looking at the picture of this watch that is more diamond than anything else, you might even go as far to say as its not really a timepiece at all but rather a very large, very expensive piece of jewellery. Which leads to the next question. What on earth were Concord thinking? There is certainly an argument for improving the aesthetics of a watch, even to the point of adding diamonds. Rolex has been doing it quite successfully (and subtlety) for a number of years with their diamond dials which feature diamonds on the hour markers. Yet, this piece here screams excess and poor taste. Its almost like Concord is saying “well, we couldn’t make a good looking watch, so we’ll just cover it in diamonds and hope it distracts attention from the less desirable features.” However, nothing could be further from the truth. The C1 series features sensational, rugged looking timepieces which truly look fantastic on any wrist. Why this sort of treatment is necessary, this author will never know!

Thankfully, there is one saving grace. Despite being one of the most overly decorative timepieces available, it also has a mechanical, self-winding Valgranges movement with a 48-hour power reserve and is certified by the official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

This at least restores some credibility to the watch, however, unfortunately in this author’s opinion, the damage has already been done.