Laventure, the Neuchâtel-based micro-brand known for its retro-themed watches, has just unveiled its first GMT model, the Transatlantique GMT. Available in two colorways, both versions are limited to just 50 pieces each.
Founder Clement Gaud - who designed watches for Audemars Piguet, HYT, Hautlence, H. Moser&Cie, Christophe Claret, Tissot, and Hamilton among others - looks at tool watches made in the 1950’s and 60’s for creative inspiration, as evident in his first offering, the Laventure Marine. The second watch, the Sous Marine, was featured in our Micro-Brand Recco earlier this year.
The Transatlantique GMT does not stray too much from the design language of its predecessor models. This is very much a watch that gives the impression it time traveled from a bygone era. The watch uses a 40.5 mm wide 316L stainless steel case that has a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The case is slim enough to slip under your shirt cuff at 10.30 mm and is fitted with a Plexiglas “superdome” crystal that’s reminiscent of watches made in 1950’s and 60’s.
While most modern watch cases are fitted with sapphire crystal; some prefer acrylic (Plexiglas is a brand name) crystals because they do not reflect as much, are lighter, and easier to polish. In addition, it is a lot easier to machine acrylic in to highly domed crystals for a more vintage feel. The domed crystal and the use of a Plexiglas bezel insert with luminous markings give the watch a real period-correct feel. The bidirectional steel bezel can complete one full turn in 24 increments.
There two dial options here – a vignette lacquer green or a cream lacquer dial. It features the same sandwich dial construction seen on the previous two models. A sandwich dial, for those who don’t know, is composed of two superimposed plates with the indexes on the upper part cut out to reveal the photo-luminescent coating that covers the bottom plate. The gorgeous vignette dial, the gilt hour markers and the beige luminescence give the watch a real vintage feel. A fourth GMT hand with a lume tip indicates a second time zone.
The top-of-the-range (Elabore) ETA 2893-2 movement powers this watch. A self-winding caliber, it has a power reserve of 42 hours and has been used by the likes of Breitling, Panerai, Hamilton, Ball, Sinn among others. The movement is hidden by an engraving caseback, which also has the limited edition number.
The watch is presented with the brand’s first integrated steel bracelet. The 316L stainless steel bracelet has brushed outer links and polished central links. The watch is also offered with the leather or rubber straps seen on previous models. Laventure claims to be entirely Swiss-Made and hopes to start shipping these watches in November this year. As mentioned earlier, the two options are presented in limited editions of 50 and are available from the brand’s website at CHF3,350 (Approx. $3,543 or AED13,000).
