Wow Watch Wednesday: Christophe Claret Blackjack 21 Watch (VIDEO)
If you find yourself in the enviable position of having a large amount of money taking up unnecessary space in your bank account, then this may just be the watch for you. Touted as a miniature casino for your wrist the all new Blackjack 21 watch from Christophe Claret has been designed with aficionados in mind and offers three classic games; dice, roulette and cards. Beautifully crafted and mind-bogglingly complex, the brand describes this latest offering as a “luxury toy for those still in touch with their inner child” and promises an interactive watch experience like no other.
Playfully Complex
Claret has earned quite a reputation for pushing boundaries in the watch-making industry, thanks in large part to his bold designs and willingness to embrace and exploit modern technology. For over two decades his company, the recently renamed La Manufacture Claret, has been behind some of the most amazingly complex timepieces ever produced. In 2009 the company celebrated 20 years and marked this milestone with the introduction of the first ever Christophe Claret timepiece – the Dual Tow. This was followed up by the unveiling of the Adagio in Geneva in 2011 and now, the Blackjack 21.
As we alluded to before this remarkable timepiece has been designed to bridge the gap between playful interaction and extremely complex watch-making. Some aspects are incredibly simplistic, like the game of dice which features a pair of miniature dice, 1.5 mm on each side (and still perfectly legible according to the brand), that are housed in a small cage at the 4 o’clock position on the side of the case and move when the watch is shaken. A sapphire crystal window affords the players prime viewing position as they enjoy a quick game of craps.
Similarly, all one needs to do is flip the watch over to partake in a thrilling game of roulette. Clever design sees the winding rotor, which is visible through a glare-proofed sapphire crystal, serve a dual role as the roulette wheel. A couple of quick, deft flicks of the wrist are all it takes to set the wheel in motion for a few moments before stopping, hopefully, on your lucky number.
Still, whilst undeniably entertaining, these games really only serve as a warm-up to the main event; Blackjack. Here, is where it gets truly complex.
Blackjack!
On the lower part of the dial, between 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, you will notice four distinct windows. This is where the player’s cards, as dealt by the dealer, will appear. Two are visible, the other two hidden by shutters. On the upper part of the dial are three additional windows for the dealer’s cards, one of which is visible, the other two also hidden by shutters.
To play simply activate the push-piece at 9 o’clock. This action arms a spring that instantaneously triggers the seven discs, on which the cards are printed, into motion. Made of solid gold to impart the ideal weight and inertia, these discs each rest on a double set of ceramic ball bearings. After a few seconds, they are randomly stopped by a jumper-spring. At this stage of the game, three cards are face up: two of the player’s cards and one of the dealer’s.
Those familiar with the game will know that the player now has two options; “hit” (ask for an additional card) or “stand” (stay with the cards that have been dealt.) If the player chooses to hit they must press the push-piece at 8 o’clock, engraved with the word “player.”This will result in one of the shutters opening to reveal the card underneath and is accompanied by an audible bell ring to indicate “hit.” Each time a shutter opens, whether for the player or the dealer, this note will sound. As an added touch the delicate striking mechanism’s hammer and bell are visible through a side window at 2 o’clock.
When the player’s turn is over, the dealer can take a turn, always following the strict rule “Dealer must draw on 16 and stand on 17”. Similar to the player, the dealer must activate the push-piece marked “dealer” at 10 o’clock to open one of the two shutters. Now all that remains is to count up the points and determine the winner. The dealer has some 216 different card combinations; the player no less than 4096; for a total of 884,736 ways to win or lose.
Whilst we’ve done our best to explain this incredible timepiece in detail, an image is worth a thousand words so check out the video below to really get an idea of the watch in action:
Powered by an in-house Calibre BLJ08, the self-winding COSC chronometer-certified movement is comprised of 501 parts and two barrels ensuring a power reserve of about 72 hours. In addition to the casino games and chime, it displays hours and minutes and is housed within a 45mm case available in several versions: white gold and grade 5 black PVD titanium; pink gold and grade 5 black PVD titanium; platinum and grade 5 black PVD titanium; grade 5 black PVD titanium, or grade 5 grey titanium. The matching titanium or titanium/gold crown is topped with a ceramic or ruby cabochon engraved with Christophe Claret’s new logo and the dial is in black onyx or titanium and grey sapphire, depending on the version, with a plaque decorated in casino-themed motifs (card games, Las Vegas or Joker) serving as a setting for the black PVD/ruby or gold/ceramic hands.
Each version will be limited to a maximum of 21 pieces and will cost between US$200,000 – US$225,000 each depending on which metal you choose.
The Final Word
Claret has built his business on servicing the exclusive market of high net-worth individuals around the world who have a finely honed appreciation for luxury watches. With his latest creation he has sought to take this relationship to the next level by inviting his clients to interact with their timepieces in new and playful ways. According to the brand, these are not pieces designed to be passively admired; rather, it will offer as-yet unknown sensations and emotions that will be actively evoked by playful and exceptional mechanics. In short, Christophe Claret watches promise to be real “toys for boys”!
On show at this year’s Basel World, visit www.claret.ch to learn more.
Category: Wow Watch Wednesday
