Ebel BELUGA, Edition 2008

When first presented in 1985 and for the next thirteen years, the exclusively feminine Beluga® was crafted from gold and gold alone, giving women a definite sense of belonging to a very special circle of initiates. 1998 witnessed the introduction of a steel version, either all-polished or set with diamonds, thereby rendering the Beluga accessible to a broader audience. Now in 2008, loyal to the fundamental Beluga values, Ebel has redesigned its legendary jewelry watch in a diamond-set-only interpretation that revives the “exclusive club” spirit so intimately entwined with the history of the line.

The new Beluga sparkles and shines with a full-set case and full-polished bracelet in a choice of gold or steel, modern and yet more distinctively upscale than ever. Endowed with an immediately recognizable and yet clearly updated design, these stunning timepieces freely interpret the essence of a timeless line while proudly affirming a status that goes well beyond that of watches to become jewelry creations in their own right.

The first thing that strikes the attentive observer when picking up the new Beluga is that its silky-smooth feel is as sensually pleasing as ever. And this despite the fact that the Architects of Time have profoundly redesigned the Beluga, imbuing this decidedly contemporary interpretation with a fresh and unequivocally youthful appeal. Ebel has adopted a distinctly more sculptural and decidedly modern approach based on multiple levels to generate an impression of depth and relief.

The triple-row bracelet now features more expressive central links that enhance the visual fascination and accentuate the contrast with the horizontal elements on either side, while the caseband is beveled to create a tauter, more generous curve. Instead of applied round dots and numerals, square diamond hour-markers light up the dial to produce a striking effect.

Redesigning Beluga, the Architects of Time have lent a distinctive signature touch by creating a “progressive” gem-setting suffused with a personality all its own. Vividly conveying Ebel’s consistent concern for details and adding to the complexity of the refined craftsmanship involved, this skillfully graded gem-setting is performed with several sizes of diamonds that gently yet forcefully accentuate the curvaceous feminine outlines. Such a sophisticated approach calls for special preparation and is a complex task involving particularly precise and meticulous craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the integrated crown has been retained, ensuring the smooth touch and purity of line that are an integral part of the Beluga charm.

The new Beluga comes in a variety of shades from the shimmering iridescence of pink or white mother-of-pearl, to silver-colored or black enhanced by a subtle striped pattern. Fully in touch with the needs of today’s urban, independent and active woman, the Architects of Time have also now chosen to guarantee readability by protecting the dial of the new Beluga with a crystal that is glare-resistant on both sides.

The Beluga timeline

• 1985 – Launch of Beluga, exclusively in gold all-polished or diamond-set versions
• 1998 – Launch of Beluga in steel all-polished or diamond-set versions
• 2008 – Launch of the new Beluga in steel or in gold, exclusively diamond-set, in April 2008 with a new ad campaign featuring the glamorous face of Ebel, Gisele.

Technical details

Beluga Lady Collection (6 models)
Diameter of the case: 26 mm
Movement: Swiss quartz movement
Water resistance: 5 atm
– Steel versions (5 models): Polished stainless steel case set with 46 VVS-IF Top Wesselton diamonds (6 different sizes for a total of 0.33 ct), silver, slate grey, white or pink mother-of-pearl dial with 12 diamonds and polished stainless steel bracelet
– Yellow gold version (1 model): Polished 18K-750 yellow gold case set with 46 VVS-IF Top Wesselton diamonds (6 different sizes for a total of 0.33 ct), white mother-of-pearl dial with 12 diamonds and polished 18K-750 yellow gold bracelet.

Beluga Medium Collection (6 models)
Diameter of the case: 30.5 mm
Movement: Swiss quartz movement
Water resistance: 5 atm
– Steel versions (5 models): Polished stainless steel case set with 48 VVS-IF Top Wesselton diamonds (6 different sizes for a total of 0.54 ct), silver, slate grey, white or pink mother-of-pearl dial with 12 diamonds and polished stainless steel bracelet.
– Yellow gold version (1 model): Polished 18K-750 yellow gold case set with 48 VVS-IF Top Wesselton diamonds (6 different sizes for a total of 0.54 ct), white mother-of-pearl dial with 12 diamonds and polished 18K-750 yellow gold bracelet.