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Weird Watch Wednesday: The Rebellion Predator

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Article posted in: BaselWorld 2010, Wow Watch Wednesday

It’s unique and aggressive styling make the newest timepiece from novice watchmaker Rebellion our feature piece for this week. Aptly named the Predator, this latest creation represents Rebellion’s first attempt at a timepiece in a round case whilst still staying true to their automobile racing roots. Conceived in collaboration with the highly regarded, international watch designer Eric Giroud, this latest offering presents a truly memorable looking timepiece.

Racing Heritage
Like all of Rebellion’s previous timepieces, the Predator takes many of its technical and design cues from the automobile racing industry. Many examples of this can be readily found in both the case and dial composition; the brake discs, the pedals, the push rod shaped bridges connecting the chronograph counters to the dial all combine to give the watch an authentic racing feel. Even the sub-dials themselves are reminiscent of gauges in a high-performance race car.

The case itself constructed using a sandwich of superimposed layers which are available in various materials, including combinations of red gold, steel and ceramic, giving the wearer a number of options when it comes to choosing a more personalized timepiece. The base of the case is a honeycomb design which provides a rigid but at the same time lightweight construction.

To really distinguish the piece from competitors (as if it wasn’t enough already!) the bezel is attached by eight distinctive screws custom made by Rebellion and prominently featuring the brand’s logo on their heads.

Technically Adept
Like all good race cars, however, the Predator is more than just a pretty face. Animated by an automatic RE-1 calibre with a 50-hour power reserve this new piece makes the formidable technical mastery of the double sectorial seconds hand at 9 o’clock seem easy. If you take a closer look at the dial you will see that the shorter hand indicates 0 to 30 seconds, with the longer one taking over for 30 to 60 seconds.

Whilst certainly not a high-end complication by any means, it is still a very cool novelty and only serves to add to the authentic racing feel of the piece.

Also offered in a time-only version with three hands and date, as well as a mono-pusher chronograph, the new Predator is presented on a black rubber strap with a red gold, ceramic or steel patented folding clasp, depending on your choice of case materials.

The Predator will be limited in its production and once it is formally announced at Basel World is expected to sell at somewhere between CHF20,000 (US$18,500) – CHF50,000 (US$46,500).

The Final Word
This newest piece from Rebellion certainly won’t suit all tastes. However, for those interested in something with a very distinctive look and the technical credentials to match the Predator definitely warrants a second look. Giroud has designed a piece that stays true to the brand’s race car inspired ethos, incorporating functionality and form within a solidly constructed case.

You may never get behind the wheel of a race car but you will certainly look the part.

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