Hello, today I’d like to introduce you to the latest creation from Kauri, showcased at the Geneva Watches Week 2024. Before delving into Samuel Gillioz’s newest design, let’s explore a bit of the brand’s intriguing history.
Since his apprenticeship at the Geneva Watchmaking School, Samuel harbored the dream to establish his own watch brand. His journey began in earnest after his experience as a designer-builder at Vacheron Constantin, propelling him to launch his distinctive brand in 2019.
The initial step in this entrepreneurial journey was a transformative trip to New Zealand with his wife. There, Samuel discovered Kauri wood, an ancient material preserved in peat for over 30,000 years, which inspired the name of his brand.
In his first two models, Samuel merged his passion for woodworking with his watchmaking skills to produce uniquely designed timepieces. These models featured a steel frame enveloped by semi-precious woods such as Kauri wood, heather burl, purplewood, Macassar ebony, and Swiss ebony, each chosen for its distinct character and beauty.
What are the features of the Kauri Régulateur Carbone?
Case
The Kauri Régulateur Carbone boasts a hybrid case that masterfully blends steel with Carbonium®, a material known for its lightweight yet robust qualities. Carbonium®, made from compressed carbon fibers, not only offers a dynamic aesthetic as it catches the light but also provides outstanding rigidity—three times more than titanium at half the weight.
Dial
Featuring a multi-textured dial with a regulator-style unstructured display, the Kauri Régulateur Carbone excels in both aesthetics and functionality. The gold hands contrast sharply against the dial, enhancing legibility while subtly showcasing the underlying mechanics.
Movement
At the heart of the Kauri Régulateur Carbone is a manually wound movement crafted by renowned watchmaker Olivier Mory. Thoroughly refined at Kauri, this movement aligns perfectly with the brand’s ethos, featuring a power reserve exceeding 100 hours. A novel addition is the integrated mechanism for jumping hour and retrograde minutes, adding a unique twist to its functionality.
The Kauri Régulateur Carbone features two hands for time indication on separate axes. The minute hand operates via a double wolf’s tooth wheel, eliminating any mechanical play. Additionally, a wolf’s tooth disengaging mechanism enhances the reliability, preventing damage if the time is set incorrectly.
Strap
This model sports a custom-made carbon grey nubuck alligator leather strap, crafted in Geneva.
How much does the Kauri Régulateur Carbone?
The Kauri Régulateur Carbone is priced at CHF 34,000.
Kauri Régulateur Carbone: Tradition Meets Innovation
A testament to the brand’s growth, this watch melds technical prowess with classic watchmaking artistry like hand-bevelling and mirror polishing. Discover or revisit this masterpiece at Watchmaker United in Geneva.
Kauri Régulateur Carbone – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Kauri
- Model: Régulateur Carbone
- Case Material: 316L Steel and Carbonum®
- Dial: Sandblasted Grade 5 titanium
- Functions: Jumping Hours, Retrograde Minutes Regulator
- Movement: Based on Olivier Mory Movement, Manual Winding, 23 jewels and 157 parts
- Power Reserve: Above 100 hours
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Caseback: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 41.5 mm (Diameter) × 11 mm (Thickness)
- Strap: Bespoke Carbon Grey Alligator Nubuck Leather
- Retail Price: CHF 34,000
Are you familiar with this brand? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
For more information about Kauri, click here.
