Neode N01 First Edition Pure Silver

A stunning piece of contemporary independent watchmaking and a confident statement of intent, the debut N01 First Edition Pure Silver by UK based brand Neode combines elegance and style and with cool modernity and state of the art haute horlogerie.

The brainchild of architect Marius-Daniel Dumitrascu, the approach to the design of Neode N01 has come from the perspective of his fifteen years of professional experience. Working in a hands-on collaboration with a roster of Swiss specialist manufacturers including Chronode (movement), Voutilainen & Cattin (case), and Les Cadraniers de Genève (dial), the result is a watch whose every subtle nuance and detail is considered and conceived to contribute to a holistic whole.

Presented in a case of Grade 5 titanium, measuring 39.5mm across and just 9.9mm high, at first glance, the N01 reveals little of its complexity, with its clean lines, and double curvature which tapers inward toward the lugs to form a gentle C-shape that hugs the wrist, designed for everyday elegance and exceptional wearability. Circular brushing on top and underside, with mirrored lateral edges subtly accentuate the geometry. The crown is recessed into a vertical cut, mirrored on the opposing side, a nod to architectural keystones and the designer’s roots.

Beneath the sapphire crystal the dial exemplifies the Neode philosophy of gradual revelation. Crafted in 925 silver by Les Cadraniers de Genève, the three-sector dial is hand-grained, with each segment physically separated by polished shadow gaps which create a three dimensional depth and interplay with the light.

The centre section and hour ring are frosted in a fine, matte texture, while the brushed minute track sits slightly elevated, and the seconds ring is recessed with azurage finishing and diamond-cut edges. The effect is a multi-level display which invites closer observation. The hands are manufactured in 18Kt 210 grey gold with ceramic Super-LumiNova inserts, while the 3-6-9-12 markers are cut from solid ceramic Super-LumiNova and add a pronounced depth whose vivid luminous glow ensures optimal legibility in low light environments.

The power reserve indication is subtle and ingenious. Concealed in the architecture of the dial the display is subtly integrated into a shadow gap at 12 o’clock, and is visible primarily to the owner, which echoes the designer’s theme of private discovery.

On the underside, a sapphire caseback reveals the striking symmetry of the manual-wound movement which beats within. Based on Chronode’s C101 calibre and extensively re-engineered by Neode and Jean-François Mojon’s team, it runs at a lesiuyrely 21,600 vib/h and delivers a robust 192-hour (eight day) power reserve from its twin barrels. The bridges are frosted and anthracite-coated, with hand-bevelled edges and a symmetrical architecture, while the V-shaped balance bridge, cantilevered inwards from the inner side of the case, is a technical and visual centrepiece, its form echoed in the hand-bevelled cut-outs of the ratchet wheels.

With only 25 pieces produced in this inaugural configuration, the Neode N01 First Edition Pure Silver is a watch which blends the disciplines of the architect’s design codes with the uncompromising standards of contemporary haute horlogerie.

It is fitted to an integrated rubber strap, which can be tailored to the client’s specification and features a Grade 5 titanium folding clasp.