OPH-411 Vesper Silver

A watch of striking visual characteristics, featuring a beautifully balanced combination of geometric shapes and meticulous attention to detail throughout, the new OPH-411 Vesper by independent watch company Ophion is a study in design and the harmonious integration of forms, with a stunning three dimensional two-tone dial, which refuses to be ignored.

Inspired by the neoclassical architecture of the visionary seventeenth century French architect Étienne-Louis Boullée, and in particular his design work for a cenotaph for Isaac Newton, which indulged his theories on the universal beauty of the sphere, Ophion have created this quite wonderful piece as a faithful tribute to those codes established almost three hundred years ago, and which have continued to influence many of the leading contemporary architects and designers throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Manufactured in 316L stainless steel, the case of the OPH-411 Vesper is polished by hand, and measures 39mm across and 11.45mm tall. Once again working with the Voutilainen group he smooth shape of the perfectly rounded case is accentuated even more by the four independently soldered teardrop lugs and the curved profile of the crown.

Beneath a domed sapphire crystal the silver collured dial is an elaborate combination of shapes and textures, which is comprised of a frosted base, onto which elevated concentric rings which align with the hour and minute hands are applied, giving the display a layered, three dimensional effect.

The silvery chamfered and polished edges of the rings, and the matte grey centre sections provide a tasteful contrast to the silvery dial, while dotted between the polished nickel plated hour markers, which bridge across the rings, rows of tiny raised square pillars fill the spaces, as micro-monolithic minute markers. Finally, a smaller third ring at the six o’clock position completes the theme, where the decentralised seconds are displayed.

The stainless steel hour and minute hands perpetuate the same geometric design language and the same attention to detail, being straight-edged, but tapering ever so slightly to squared-off tips. Polished along their top surface, the chamfered sides are brushed to provide further contrast on this remarkable display.

On the underside, a sapphire crystal caseback reveals the bespoke self-winding movement which beats within. The extensively customised Schwarz Etienne ASE 200 movement boasts redesigned bridges, a signed Ophion micro rotor, as well as finishing and detailing which are unique to Ophion. Beating at 21,600 vib/h (3Hz), the movement boasts an impressive 86 hours of power reserve.

A superb piece of contemporary independent watchmaking which combines eye catching styling with state of the art watchmaking innovation, the Ophion OPH-411 Vesper Silver is presented on a handmade leather strap with stainless steel pin buckle.