Called Ripples, the new Speake-Marin collection has an exquisitely sporty chic character and takes its design inspiration from modern architecture. Its steel case (40.3 mm and water-resistant to 5 atmospheres), named 'The City', reflects the architecture of London's financial district of the same name, which combines business, cultural heritage and design. In fact, the case itself has a very distinctive design, which could be described as octagonal with rounded corners, and houses a circular dial. On the latter, with a distinctive 'Ripples' finish, are the 'Big Ben' hands, a tribute to the brand's British roots. Between 1 and 2, in a very unusual position, is the small seconds counter, one of the brand's signatures.
Of particular note is the fact that the dial reflects the light differently depending on the angle at which it is 'struck', thanks to the special workmanship on it. The watch is driven by the new IWC-manufactured SMA03-T calibre, developed by the Swiss Research & Development division of Le Cercle Des Horlogers, a haute horlogerie atelier owned by Christelle Rosnoblet, President and CEO of Speake-Marin. This self-winding mechanical calibre (28,800 vibrations per hour, 52-hour power reserve) is visible through the sapphire crystal porthole on the back and is equipped with a micro-rotor. The finishing that characterises it, such as perlage, côtes de Genève and anglage, is done manually. Speake-Marin's new Ripples is fitted with a steel bracelet with a polished and satin-finished surface and a double folding clasp. Its annual production is limited to just 100 pieces.
Price: 19,900 Swiss Francs (excluding tax).
