ALCHEMISTS CU30

Boasting a spectacular three dimensional display of hand finished mechanical architecture underneath a pronounced dome of sapphire crystal, the Cu30 by The Alchemists evolves the portfolio of this youthful independent watch company and affirms their reputation as creators of beautifully finished and highly complex timepieces,

Formally established in 2017 The Alchemists is appropriately named, as the company brings together the entrepreneurial nous of Fabrice Thüler, the mastery of watchmaking prodigy Hervé Schlüchter and the innate healing energies of Denis Vipret who together have created an independent watchmaking company quite unlike any other. While relatively youthful, the company have already created a new niche within a niche for their brand, thanks to the inception of their own proprietary metal alloy of copper, silver and gold called Cuprum 479, which adds an entirely new healing dimension to wrist worn horology. One of the smallest contemporary watchmaking companies, with a production of less than 20 pieces per annum, each Alchemist timepiece is conceived, designed and developed on-site in a purpose-built, state of the art facility in the restored nineteenth century Villa Jolimont, in the historic Jura Valley.

Sized at 46mm across, the stainless steel case of the Alchemists Cu30 is bereft of a bezel or case middle. On its own a quite beautiful and unique structure, it rests on the wrist at a height of 15.5mm, and is evocative of a miniature glass showcase which is topped with a sapphire crystal dome, beneath which the structure of the hand finished mechanical architecture is displayed.

In an outstanding arrangement, the time indications of the Cu30 by Alchemists merge with the meticulously finished mechanisms, creating a wonderfully holistic display which is immediately compelling. Conforming to the domed sapphire a silver galvanic dial with a fine-grained circular brush finish indicates the hours and minutes via black lacquer arabic numerals and blued steel hands which curve to adhere to the profile of their domed dial. Below this, a domed three legged blue pointer indicates the seconds against a one-third section reference, while exhibiting perfect symmetry, the two barrels on either side feature a pair of gorgeous ‘moustache’ winding pawls.

Suspended beneath the sweeping overhang of the rounded, polished balance bridge of the Alchemists Cu30, the mesmerising pulsations of the cylindrical hairspring, and oscillation of the balance wheel which constitute the beating heart of a quite extraordinary mechanism are fully exposed. Elsewhere, polished bridges provide anchorage for the crown functions selector at the three o’clock position and again for the power reserve indicator at the ten, exploring an alternative watchmaking discipline, and giving the Alchemists Cu30 its own distinctive personality to the knowing eye.

The work of Master Watchmaker Hervé Schlüchter, the manual-winding Calibre AC004 is finished with black-polished and hand-blued screws, and with each of its 350 components finished and fitted by hand to the uncompromising standards demanded of traditional Haute Horlogerie, it displays the high level finishing desired by the most discerning of modern day watch collectors. Beating at 21’600 vib/hr, the movement is equipped with a 72 hour power reserve. On turning the Alchemists Cu30 over, one can appreciate the rear view of the movement, and the unique ébauche number of each movement as signed by the watchmaker.

An exclusive edition of only seven examples to be manufactured in stainless steel, the Alchemists Cu30 watch is presented on an alligator leather strap, secured to the wrist with a stainless steel pin buckle or folding clasp.