A superb example of contemporary independent watchmaking, Les Matinaux Sunray Silver Rose Gold by Trilobe is a watch which captures the imagination. Styled to evoke the precious nature of each and every moment in time, the piece is equipped with an alluring time indication, enabled without the use of traditional hands. An aesthetically eye-pleasing timepiece, the model also enjoys the sophistication of a technically challenging and innovative mechanical movement.

Although a youthful independent watchmaking company, Trilobe which launched its first timepiece in 2018, has garnered a niche following of discerning collectors throughout the world. The brainchild of Frenchman Gautier Massonneau, the company has a small portfolio of watches each characterised by a panache for original design.  Exhibiting nuances of French flair, and powered by complex micro-mechanics, Les Matinaux Sunray Silver Rose Gold model is a superbly executed and expressive piece.

The watch carries a precious case crafted from 18ct rose gold which has been enhanced with contrasting satin-brushed and mirror-polished elements. With neatly curved lugs, it has an air of elegance on the wrist. A trim, domed bezel provides a perfectly discreet frame for the mesmerising dial architecture laid out beneath the sapphire crystal.

Immediately one is confronted by a fascinating façade which is entirely bereft of hands. Instead, arranged upon a flawless expanse of silver sunray décor, a trio of discs, each paired with a splendid little trefoil emblem, form an affinity to liberate the wearer from the constraints of traditional time-telling methods.  The disc on the outer dial displays the hours, with the minutes disc asymmetrically placed on the inner dial. Finally, the disc for the seconds has an open worked section which recalls the exquisite form of the Rosace stained glass window found within the gothic-style Sainte-Chapelle chapel in Paris and which allows for a glimpse of the mechanisms beneath. Seemingly placed at random, the trefoil emblems remain static while each disc rotates in the counter-clockwise direction, enabling intuitive time reading while also creating a quietly beautiful and captivating spectacle.

Revealed through the rear sapphire crystal, the company’s technically masterful self-winding Calibre X-centric proprietary mechanism is revealed. Following the  style language of the watch, the movement exhibits a contemporary   architecture and has the refinement of flawless high-end finishing throughout.  Beating at 28’800 vib/h, it is equipped with a power reserve of 48 hours via a micro-rotor, thus the wearer can enjoy an uninterrupted view of its arrangement.

An intriguing timepiece of distinction and originality, the Trilobe Les Matinaux Sunray Silver Rose Gold model comes presented on a sustainable calfskin leather strap secured to the wrist with an 18ct rose gold pin buckle.