Hello, today I would like to talk about a small independent brand that is under the radar. It is Narbel & Co. Before moving on to the presentation of its second model, the Narbel & Co Skel-1, I would like to focus on the man behind this brand, Philippe Narbel, whom I had the opportunity to meet in person in Geneva.
Before creating his own brand in 2021, Philippe Narbel began his career as a self-taught jeweler. He then continued his career at Audemars Piguet at the age of 29, first as an intern, then as a watchmaker for 6 years, and 2 years as a decorator. He became captivated by the complex art of skeletonization and notably worked on the Audemars Piguet 3132 caliber and large complication skeleton movements of the same house.
In 2015, he founded Manufactor SA, a high-end watch decoration company, and realized his dream in 2021 by launching his first creation, the Narbel & Co Roots. For his second creation, the Narbel & Co SKEL-1, he sought to represent the art of traditional skeletonization. Let’s move on to the watch.
What are the features of the Narbel & Co Skel-1?
Case
The Narbel & Co Skel-1 features a two-tone gold and steel case in the shape of a television screen, measuring 40 mm by 40 mm and 10 mm thick. This case with classic proportions has the particularity of having two central lugs. It also presents a wide polished angle on the bezel and the case back, while the upper surfaces and the middle case are brushed-satin finished.
Dial
The Narbel & Co Skel-1 is adorned with a skeleton dial made in the traditional way, in the ‘old school’ style, with a compass. Indeed, here, no curves of the movement are traced at random. The aim is to be guided by the construction of the base movement so that the curves find their center point on a stone, a screw hole, or a pin hole. No straight lines, only curves that intersect, giving an overall very organic look to a simple skeleton watch.
Movement
The Narbel & Co Skel-1 houses a movement based on the Peseux 7001, totally rebuilt and finished with a 5N red gold plating and an abundance of 211 hand-beveled and polished internal angles. Displaying hours, minutes, and seconds, this manual winding caliber beats at a speed of 21,600 vph and offers 42 power reserve.
Strap
The Narbel & Co Skel-1 comes with a beautiful custom-made strap in blue alligator, from the Atelier du Bracelet located in Geneva.
How much does the Narbel & Co Skel-1?
The Narbel & Co Skel-1 will be produced in a total of 10 to 15 pieces per year due to limited production capacity and will be available at a price of CHF 82,000 (excluding VAT).
Narbel & Co Skel-1: A unique skeleton design watch
The Narbel & Co Skel-1 is a superb creation that I find very refined. This watch embodies a perfect fusion between traditional watchmaking and contemporary innovation, revealing a masterpiece that transcends time. However, I do not really understand the strap attachment system, which involves making a new custom strap to change the strap. Note that the material, color, and finish of the case, buckle, click cover, mainplate, and bridges can all be modified if you wish, including a significant additional cost. You can discover this watch at Watchmakers United in Geneva, a new space dedicated to the work of many watchmakers who create, take risks to think outside the box, and keep this ecosystem alive in a very unique way.
Narbel & Co Skel-1 – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Narbel & Co
- Reference: PHN-99000-003-H04
- Model: Skel-1
- Case Material: Steel & Rose Gold
- Dial: German Silver Dial, Openworked
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Secondes
- Movement: Peseux 7001 Base Movement Modified and Skeletonised In-house, Manual-Winding, 21’600vph frequency (2.5Hz), 19 jewels and 139 parts
- Power Reserve: 42 Hours
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Caseback: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 40mm (Width) x 40mm (Length) x 10mm (Height)
- Strap: Bespoke Handmade Alligator (Atelier du Bracelet)
- Availability : Limited to a Production Capacity of 10 to 15 pieces per year
- Retail Price: CHF 82’000 (Excluding VAT)
What do you think of this piece? Do you like traditional skeletonization? Give me your opinion in the comments.
For more information about Narbel & Co, click here.
