In 2010, by introducing a world premiere timepiece (model V1) equipped with a circular shutter system hidden under the bezel, Swiss luxury watch brand Valbray sparked the interest of the watchmaking world.
This year, with the 5 new models of the Oculus V.02 Grand date Collection, Valbray further enhances the interactivity of its watches through a circular unveiling function of the dial.
The diaphragm system, further developed, is even smaller (with a diameter of 43mm) and allows intermediate openings in its course, thus permitting a step by step reading of time. The VALBRAY V.02 timepiece becomes therefore the first in which a different function is displayed at each circular opening phase, with the obturator acting as a cursor to the underlying dial.
With its shutter closed, the watch is a sophisticated two-hand one. At the first step at 30o, a delicate “petite seconde” (Small seconds) wheel appears.
At the second step at 60o, an imposing “grand date” comes. At the third and final step at 90o, the “petite seconde” and the “grande date” merge gloriously with the hours’ indicators and the minutes’ path.
The “turning” effect is accentuated by the engravings on the bezel that follow the shape and the position of the shutter’s blades.
The sensual ovoid shape of the case is emphasized by the chamfers all along its pure side lines. A small touch of impertinence is present on the dial with the use of half hours at 3.5 and 8.5, while the refined design of the multilayered dial and the path of the hours testify to the meticulous style of the Valbray watches.
The VALBRAY Oculus V.02 Grand date collection is a nod to the symbolism and balance of the circle, a shape apparent constantly on the watch: from the wheels of date and seconds to the “ring” of the bezel and the flange, circularity imbues the timepieces with its allure.
The engraved phrase “La vérité d’un homme c’est d’ abord ce qu’il cache” at the case back reminds that to truly understand a man you need to slowly discover his secrets, like every small detail of these unique watches.
The Oculus V.02 Grand date collection offers five diverse and distinct models: the Gold Tie, the Cool Blue, The Safari, The Nautic, and The Road 66.
Each one is based on a defined atmosphere that is transmitted in the color and material codes and described a typology of contemporary lifestyle.
Models
VALBRAY Oculus V.02 Grand Dateur – Gold Tie
- Case and 43 mm bezel on polished and brushed 18kt Red Gold
- Multi layered Dial
- Water resistance 5ATM
- Alligator strap
- Limited and numbered edition of 250 pieces
VALBRAY Oculus V.02 Grand Dateur – Cool
- Case on polished and brushed stainless steel and 43 mm bezel gray PVD treated
- Multi layered Dial
- Water resistance 5ATM
- Alligator strap with blue stitching
- Limited and numbered edition of 500 pieces
VALBRAY Oculus V.02 Grand Dateur – Safari
- Case and 43 mm bezel on sandblasted stainless steel
- Multi layered Dial
- Water resistance 5ATM
- Brown Calfskin strap with raw stitching
- Limited and numbered edition of 250 pieces
VALBRAY Oculus V.02 Grand Dateur – Nautic
- Case and 43 mm bezel on polished stainless steel
- Multi layered Dial
- Water resistance 5ATM
- Technical white cloth strap with blue stitching
- Limited and numbered edition of 500 pieces
VALBRAY Oculus V.02 Grand Dateur – Road 66
- Case on polished and brushed stainless steel and 43 mm bezel black PVD treated
- Multi layered Dial
- Water resistance: 5 ATM
- Black lamb micro perforated strap with orange stitching
- Limited and numbered edition of 66 pieces
Technical details
Patent
Circular opening diaphragm, composed of 16 extra thin blades, activated manually by a 90° rotation of the bezel
Functions
Progressive display: hours, minutes / big date / little seconds
Movement
Reference: V.CA2
Mechanical automatic Swiss movement
Hand decoration and finishing
Frequency: 28’800 alt/h (4Hz)
26 functional jewels
44 hours of power reserve
Diaphragm
16 extra thin blades with a black multilayer treatment
Dial
Multilayered dial
Sapphire Crystal
Bezel: double side hard antireflective coating