DeWitt Ladies' Watches: BaselWorld 2016 Hands-On

DeWitt is one of the very, very rare watch manufacturers who have a fully equipped in-house dial manufacturing workshop at their disposal, which in this case also includes a laboratory to develop and test new ideas. Very important so if - like with Mr Jerôme de Witt - you have a person with astounding creativity at your head. And DeWitt knows this perfectly:



This year, DeWitt has focussed its attention to new case shapes for its female collection, and presented them with two outstanding new watches, in terms of dial crafting: the mesmerising DeWitt Classic "Moon Abstraction" Rose Gold And Diamonds and the Blue Empire Automatic :



Let's start with the former and get close enough (that's important to appreciate the watch!):

Unfortunately (for the watch), at a passing view the DeWitt Classic "Moon Abstraction" looks less eye-catching than it should do. The blue dials plate appears like a cardboard sheet with painting...

That's a pity and my only complaint with this watch. And it is completely unwarranted, as you immediately realise once you get closer:



For DeWitt, the brand presents a rather atypical dial (since no guillochage work and no fancy and unusual anodisation has been used) presenting a celestial motif surrounded by 60 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.39ct) in the bezel:

 
The motif is entirely hand-crafted using powdered diamonds, pearls,lapis lazuli and other gemstones complemented with platinum and gold. Earch of them are individually hand-set which amounts to exuberant gestation hours.

The case itself is rather large (at 40mm) and presents a graphic interpretation of DeWitt's signature imperial columns:

Although able to manufacture its own movements, DeWitt opted for an ETA 2892 automatic movement.



Its rotor howewer is made in-house:

Strapped on the wrist of a self-confident, independent and stylish lady, the watch reveals her magical formula at play:

What always fascinated me with Jerôme de Witt's creation is the intrinsic harmony of the elements. The Classic "Moon Abstraction" is a great case in point. 40mm - very large for a fine women's watch! Dark blue dial - pronounces the size and emphasises its presence...

But look another time and simply admire the natural way this watch resides on her wearer's wrist, how the case sides catch attention - but just enough ot give the dials its deserved room.

And then the face - the eternity of the sky, framed by sparkling fixed stars. All in perfect proportion, the watch by itself as well as in dialogue with its wearer.



Really, I think this watch explains a lot about the compositional complications in watchmaking. All its elements mean little except when composed in such a felicitous fashion!

To be continued in Part II!

Magnus

This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2016-06-12 07:36:19