SKEL-1 BICOLOUR

Presented in a casing of 18ct white and 18ct rose gold, the SKEL-1 Bicolour by Narbel & Co is an exceptional hand crafted timepiece that blends this independent watchmaking atelier’s mastery of Haute Horlogerie finishing with a contemporary aesthetic that is distinctively unique. Exclusively limited in production, Narbel & Co will craft only 10 to 15 pieces in this series per annum.

Having spent the early days of his career as a jeweller, and his formative watchmaking years with Audemars Piguet, Philippe Narbel of Narbel & Co unveiled his debut timepiece in 2021. Exhibiting similar styling codes, but with the added challenges brought by skeletonisation, the SKEL-1 Bicolour is a visually stunning proposition that evolves the Narbel &Co portfolio beautifully.

The case is of a cushion style, displaying a subtle curvature which is enhanced with pronounced inward and outer angles which taper gently through the bezel, upwards onto the dial. Sized at 40mm x 40mm it has a wonderfully tactile form and an excellent combination of 18ct white gold for the bezel and caseback and 18ct rose gold for the middle band adds further distinction to its profile. Beautifully finished with satin brushed and polished techniques, at each end of the case where the strap attaches, a single lobe replaces conventional lugs, while the pull-out crown has a satisfying level of deep fluting.

Beneath the gently curved sapphire crystal, the dial and movement are as one with the 18ct rose gold plated German silver plate having been meticulously skeletonised and with every angle displaying expert hand bevelling. A masterful showcase for the painstaking art of skeletonisation, the components of the calibre are exposed on the dial side, between a fine labyrinth of bridges, with every nuance meticulously decorated and finished. At the periphery of the dial, three-dimensional markers meld within the rehaut seamlessly, with the hours, minutes and small seconds indicated via skeletonised and frosted steel hands which carry curvaceous tips.

On the underside of the watch, a sapphire exhibition caseback reveals the incredible level of artisanship devoted to the movement, with a holistic and well thought approach taken to each micro-step in both the skeletonisation and also the finishing of its components. Using the plans of a Peseux 7001 manual winding movement, Philippe has constructed his own unique version of the classic calibre, re-designing it for the modern era, and elevating it up to Haute Horlogerie standards. Displaying endless flowing lines, the intricate skeletonised bridges have been treated with 18ct rose gold plating, and with 211 hand bevelled and polished internal angles, the craftsmanship displayed throughout is beyond exceptional.

In addition to the meticulous hand-finishing, the visual highlight on the rear side is the openworked ratchet cover which is hand crafted from german silver with a rhodium plating. Here, too a compendium of fine finishing techniques have been employed to add detail and texture. As a final flourish, a stylised letter “N” is carved into its centre, while an engraving of “Narbel” denoting the provenance of the piece is accompanied by the name “L’Abbaye” in honour of the beautiful village in Switzerland’s Valleé du Joux where the maker’s atelier is located. Beating at 21’600 vib/hr the fully wound barrel spring delivers a 42 hour power reserve.

A stunning piece of contemporary watchmaking art, the SKEL-1 Bicolour by Narbel & Co is presented on a choice of colours and types of leather strap, which are secured with a pin buckle, and with further customisation options at the behest of the client.