While most micro-brands are positioned in the mid-range of the market, XRby, a brand created by Xavier Rousset, the grandson of a dial manufacturer, goes decidedly against the tide and enters the haute horlogerie sector by passing through the niche of artistic crafts. In this case, the star of the project is the dial, hand-crafted using techniques such as mosaic, miniature and Grand Feu enamel by artists who are experts in their respective fields. To further emphasise the importance of the dial, the 41 mm case is a single block of sapphire that also incorporates the upper crystal, almost as if it were to disappear, despite being itself a highly valuable component.
Production is limited to a few pieces for each version: Le Quetzal with a multi-material mosaic dial (from €18,500); Le Pin Parasol with a hand-painted dial (from €16,500); Ara jaune, Ara rouge in Grand Feu enamel (from €27,500).All the watches are powered by a Schwarz-Etienne Ase 200.00 automatic calibre with micro-rotor, 21,600 vibrations per hour and 86 hours of power reserve, with personalised bridges, plate and rotor, and for each model it is also possible to purchase a rotor-case decorated with the same technique as the dial.
Rousset is present with its creations at major trade fairs and events in the sector, such as the latest edition of Mercanteinfiera di Parma, Fiere di Parma's autumn event dedicated to antiques, modernism and collecting, held last October. Information and contacts at the website: www.xrby.art; Instagram profile: @xrby_artwatch.
