Hello, today I’d like to introduce you to a watch that will be part of the Only Watch auction, happening this Friday, May 10th at 2 pm at Christies Auction (Palexpo) in Geneva, Switzerland. This charity auction aims to raise funds to support research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Before presenting this sublime, unique model, allow me to share a bit about the Krayon brand.
Krayon was founded by Rémi Maillat, a watch designer, with one vision: to push the boundaries of watchmaking innovation and to enable the reading of the actual time of sunrise and sunset anywhere on the globe, thanks to a mechanical movement that can be adjusted manually with ease. From this bold idea, he embraced a new challenge never before seen in watchmaking: to develop a watch with a universal mechanical calculator that accurately indicates the time of sunrise and sunset.
He founded Krayon in 2013, providing movement engineering and prototype fitting services, before launching his own brand in 2017 with the debut of the Krayon Everywhere. This model clinched the Best Watch Innovation of the Year award at GPHG 2018. Due to the complexity of his highly technical approach and his desire to expose more of the main mechanisms and allocate more space to finishing touches, he introduced a second, more refined and balanced model, the Krayon Anywhere. In this model, location adjustments are made by the watchmaker, not by the wearer.
What are the features of the Krayon Only Watch 2023?
Case
For the first time, the Krayon Anywhere Only 2023 features a grade 5 titanium case. Measuring 39mm x 9.5mm, this 3 ATM water-resistant case is remarkably compact and ergonomic, considering the complexity of the movement.
Dial
The Krayon Anywhere Only 2023 watch boasts a neo-impressionist dial, inspired by the painting “Coastal Scene” by Belgian artist Théo van Rysselberghe. Displayed at the National Gallery in London, this painting captures the essence of simplicity and, paradoxically, rich detail through its pointillist technique. The hand-painted miniature dial invites onlookers to immerse themselves in the natural world, depicting the rhythmic motions of water, and the reflections of sky and sun on the sea’s surface, all rendered in a myriad of blue hues that mirror the undulating currents, waves, and tides.
Movement
The Krayon Anywhere Only 2023 is powered by the manually wound C030 movement. This caliber, comprising 432 components, operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and boasts a 72-hour power reserve. It features a display for hours, minutes, seconds, a 24-hour indicator, sunrise and sunset times, day and night, date, and month. The sunrise and sunset times for the wearer’s selected location anywhere in the world are displayed at the 6 o’clock position. The long central screw is used to adjust the latitude, while the two screws on the bridges, flanking the mechanism for sunrise and sunset adjustments, set the longitude.
Surrounded by a ring-shaped display, a small sun perpetually revolves, marking the time across 24 hours. The annular zone is divided into two sectors: a day sector (azure blue) and a night sector (dark blue). The respective arcs of these sectors indicate the times of sunrise and sunset, readable on the bezel.
To incorporate geographic variations, Krayon has engineered a mechanical positioning system using rakes and rockers instead of a fixed cam. The positioning of the two sapphire discs is determined not only by the reference position but also by the calendar. Consequently, Anywhere features a subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock displaying the date and month. It operates on a double calendar system where each month is treated as having 31 days, requiring only five quick, easy adjustments per year, directly via the crown, in both directions.
Strap
The Krayon Anywhere Only 2023 is equipped with a blue grained calfskin strap, complemented by a Grade 5 titanium buckle.
How much does the Krayon Anywhere Only Watch 2023 cost?
The Krayon Only Watch 2023 is set to go on sale on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 14:00. This model is estimated to be priced between CHF 150,000 and CHF 250,000.
Krayon Only Watch 2023: A Timeless Ode to Nature
The Krayon Only Watch 2023 is a model that truly captivates me. Its craftsmanship and finish are simply exceptional. This watch is not only a timepiece but a poetic journey, reminding us of the day’s progress and encouraging us to savor the present moment.
Krayon Only Watch 2023 Watch Specifications
- Brand: Krayon
- Model: Krayon Only Watch 2023
- Case Material: Grade 5 Titanium
- Dial: Unique métiers d’art dial, inspired from Coastal Scene by the Belgian painter Théo van Rysselberghe, Miniature painting
- Functions: Hours ; Minutes ; Date ; Day and Night Indication ; 24-hour display ; Sunrise and Sunset Indication ; Indication of the Month
- Movement: C030, in-house, hand-wound, 21’600vph frequency (3 Hz), 55 jewels, 432 components
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Case Back: Grade 5 Titanium and sapphire crystal
- Case Dimension: 39mm (diameter) × 9.5mm (thickness)
- Strap: Blue Grained Calfskin with Grade 5 Titanium pin buckle
- Availability: Unique Piece for Only Watch
- Estimate: Sold for CHF 440’000
What are your thoughts on this unique piece? Do you have a preference between miniature painting and marquetry?
For more information about Krayon, click here.
