quattro's comprehensive overview of the Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain serves as an invaluable resource for collectors tracing the evolution of this acclaimed timepiece. By meticulously detailing its various iterations from prototype to the distinct production models and unique editions, quattro illuminates the subtle yet significant design and finishing nuances that define the RRCC series. This deep dive is essential for understanding the journey of a watch that quickly became a horological benchmark, earning the GPHG Men’s Watch Prize in 2018.
The
Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain was first released in
2018 and was instantly
awarded the
GPHG Men’s Watch Prize.
Developed from a steel prototype, the Chronomètre Contemporain I (RRCC I) came in two versions:
- Platinum case with white Grand Feu enamel dial.
- Pink gold case with black Grand Feu enamel dial.
A/ CHRONOMÈTRE CONTEMPORAIN I (RRCC I)
38 x 9,5 mm case made by Jean-Pierre Hagmann and caliber RR-01
1/ STEEL PROTOTYPE
Rexhep Rexhepi wearing the prototype
credit: Hodinkee
A few things changed from the prototype to the final production versions: most notably, a metallic track was added around the sub-seconds dial and the movement finishing was also slightly different.
2/ PLATINUM
credit: Phillips (1), Hodinkee (2-3), A Blog to Watch (4-6) & Monochrome (7-9)
3/ PINK GOLD
credit: europastar (1), @miketay (2), Hodinkee (3-4), Monochrome (5) & esperluxe (6)
In 2019 a piece unique was made for Only Watch.
4/ ONLY WATCH 2019
It featured a platinum case and a blue grey enamel dial with hand hammered surfaces and numerals in white enamel.
credit: Swisswatches Magazine (1 & 6-9) & Sjx (2-5)
In 2021, Rexhep Rexhepi offered the very first Chronomètre Contemporain II (RRCC II) as his Only Watch donation.
B/ CHRONOMÈTRE CONTEMPORAIN II (RRCC II)
38 x 9.9 mm case also made by Jean-Pierre Hagmann and new caliber RR‑02
1/ ONLY WATCH 2021
It featured a
platinum case and a
layered enamel dial, first finished in
opaque, grand feu
enamel, and then in
champagne-hued,
translucent flinque enamel.
credit: Christie’s (1-3) & @a.dose.of.time
The regular version, launched in 2022, came in two variants:
- Platinum with black enamel dial with silver markings and a special sub-dial of the seconds register with a hand-engraved “gravé-gratté” pattern under translucent grey enamel.
- Pink gold with an ivory-colored enamel dial with black enamel print markings.
2/ PLATINUM
credit: Swisswatches Magazine (1), Hodinkee (2) & Rexhep Rexhepi (3-4)
3/ PINK GOLD
Side by side with the platinum RRCC II
Side by side with the platinum RRCC I
credit: Swisswatches Magazine (1-2) & Hodinkee (3-5)
Finally, in 2023 and 2024 two new variants were released:
- Platinum case with black enamel dial and diamond indices
- Pink gold case with ivory enamel dial and ruby indices
4/ PLATINUM & DIAMONDS
credit: Rexhep Rexhepi (1-2) & Sjx
5/ PINK GOLD & RUBIES
credit: Hodinkee & Rexhep Rexhepi
I have also found online two bespoke versions:
- One made for Silas Walton (@silas.walton)
- One made for Jean Todt, the motorsport legend who was CEO of Ferrari from 2004 to 2006 (thank you Concord for pointing it out to me!)
6/ SILAS WALTON BESPOKE PIECE
Platinum case & white enamel dial with grey markings and a special sub-dial of the seconds register with a hand-engraved “gravé-gratté” pattern under translucent grey enamel.
credit: @jfdorozco & @silas.walton
7/ JEAN TODT BESPOKE PIECE It features red
Ferrari accents on the dial and on the strap.
credit: Hodinkee
Thanks for looking.
Best, Emmanuel
About the Independents Chronomètre Contemporain Ref. Chronomètre Contemporain I (RRCC I)
Rexhep Rexhepi's Chronomètre Contemporain represents a bold entry into independent watchmaking from Kosovo-born Rexhepi, who founded Akrivia after honing his craft at prestigious Swiss manufactures. The piece emerged from Rexhepi's vision to create contemporary interpretations of classical watchmaking principles, drawing on his background in haute horlogerie restoration and his deep understanding of 18th and 19th-century chronometer construction techniques.
The watch showcases Rexhepi's technical philosophy through its distinctive sub-seconds layout and Roman numeral indices, executed with the precision expected from someone trained in the Swiss tradition. The manual-winding movement, entirely manufactured in-house, demonstrates Rexhepi's commitment to traditional finishing techniques while incorporating modern materials and tolerances. The dial architecture deliberately references marine chronometer design language, with its clean sector layout and subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock, creating visual balance through classical proportional relationships.
As an independent production, the Chronomètre Contemporain occupies a unique position in the contemporary collecting landscape. Rexhepi's limited annual output and his reputation among collectors who appreciate technical innovation within traditional frameworks has established strong secondary market performance. The piece appeals particularly to collectors seeking alternatives to established independent brands, offering access to genuine manufacture capabilities at a relatively accessible entry point for serious haute horlogerie.
Specifications
- Case
- steel
- Diameter
- 39mm
- Dial
- white
