Dual Time Havana

A watch of instantly identifiable aesthetics and an utterly beguiling personality, the Dual Time by independent watchmaker Vladimir Négault and his brand Atælier Haute Complication is a piece which combines the practicality of a second time zone function with technical sophistication and the exclusive individuality of its irresistibly quirky design.

Continuing the legacy of this remarkable creation, which has quickly assumed a cult status among discerning collectors of independent watchmaking, the Dual Time Havana edition sees the now-familiar dial configuration, with decentralised dial and the rotating day/night disc which dominates the upper half of the display, given an exotic appearance, thanks to the sand-coloured detailing, which transforms the character of the original, whilst still remaining unerringly faithful to the watchmaker’s unmistakable Dual Time formula.

Manufactured in an edition of only 19 pieces, the Dual Time Havana edition is presented in a rounded case of stainless steel, which measures 41mm across and a slender 9mm in height. Lightweight and with short lugs ensuring an exceptionally comfortable fit on almost any wrist size, this eye catching piece packs an impressive presence on the wrist.

Around the bezel, the name and series number are found on the front of the case in white print, as opposed to the much more common approach of being on the underside.

Beneath the subtly domed sapphire crystal, the dial is an elaborate, multi-part construction. Foremost, the hours and minutes (local time) are displayed on a white dial which features plump white numerals which stand out prominently against the dark anthracite discs at the 3, 6, 9 and 12. A minutes track around the periphery and tapering, skeletonised hands as well as the visible dial-side screw heads are all design nuances which offer a visual mark of respect to the watchmaker’s great friend and mentor F.P.Journe, under whose watchful eye, he mastered his craft.

The local time dial is screwed onto a sand-coloured sapphire disc out of which an arced aperture is cut, and beneath which a day/night disc rotates in a continuous 24-hour cycle. Passing through the light blue of daytime and fading into the starry darkness of night, the ‘home time’ is indicated by an arrow pointer with a sun for day and a crescent moon for night.

On the underside a sapphire caseback provides a view of the fascinating, almost spartan layout of the Architecture Mécanique No.1 manual winding calibre which beats within. Designed and developed in-house, this remarkable mechanism is manufactured in untreated German silver which will patinate with age, with each component meticulously finished by hand, and runs at a leisurely 21’600 vib/h (3Hz), with a power reserve of circa 42 hours from its single barrel.

Fitted on a white leather strap with titanium pin buckle, the Atælier Haute Complication Dual Time Havana edition is a fabulous and visually arresting interpretation of this contemporary classic from one of the most convention-defying watchmakers of our time.