Jordi Icon of the World “Genève” Pièce Unique

Swiss luxury watch brand Jordi immortalises Geneva as the latest in the legendary Icons of the World collection of unique timepieces.

An unparalleled view over the Alps and the Mont Blanc; the sight of the Jet d’eau blowing gently in the breeze like some sort of ephemeral sail; the cobbled streets of the old town and St. Peter’s Cathedral, the centre of the Reformation movement with its 157 steps leading to the top of its tower; the Palais des Nations, symbol of Geneva, capital of peace; the birthplace of Fine Watchmaking from the Flower Clock to the watchmakers’ boutiques – all of these are part of the innumerable things that will make Geneva stay in your heart forever.

In 2014, Michel Jordi captures the essence of the City of Calvin with the latest in his Icons of the World collection of unique timepieces in which the Swiss watchmaker pays homage, through beautiful designs and watchmaking complications, to some of the world’s most legendary places.

An original and innovative complication model is introduced annually to the collection, each issued in a limited edition of three, and in which the day/night display at 10 o’clock creates a surprise by revealing the places or monuments that gives a country iconic stature.

The models released to date feature the Great Wall of China, Japan with Mount Fuji, the Kremlin in Moscow, the USA with the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York, London by its Tower Bridge and the “Gherkin” skyscraper, and Dubai with Jordi’s exquisite representation of the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab landmarks.

Here, presided over by a welcoming sun and attendant star, the gleaming snowy peaks of the Mont Blanc range tower behind St Peter’s Cathedral, overlooking Geneva’s chic shopping streets, as well as the homes of the town’s legendary watchmaking and other craftsmen known as the cabinotiers. A timeless cityscape set against the banks of a deep blue lake.

In the foreground, gracing the Bay of Geneva, is the force of the mighty Jet d’eau, one of the highest fountains in the world, pumping 500 litres of water per second to a height of 140 metres, a symbol of Geneva and Switzerland’s strength, ambition and vitality.

This delightful representation of Geneva reflects the key identity codes of the JORDI Swiss Icon collection. The ergonomic design evokes the shape of an Alpine river pebble, the source of inspiration for the collection.

The traditional Swiss art of paper-cut design – subtly revived and updated – lends a subtle touch to the dial while making a powerful match for the resolutely contemporary design. Meanwhile, the combination of titanium and 18K red gold for the case accentuates the unmistakable strength of character of this masterpiece, which is fitted with a dedicated “Icons of the World” genuine leather strap in black and brown.

In cooperation with Jean-François Mojon – winner of the Best Watchmaker award at the 2010 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix –Michel Jordi has created a very original gong-striking mechanism, which contributes to the overall rarity and uniqueness of this limited series.

Instead of the usual vibrations of the case back, a hammer strikes the gong at a low frequency of 2Hz, reminiscent of the cadence of the ringing of a mountain chapel bell. The monobloc hammer is crafted from one rectangular piece, resulting in a better sound amplification.

It can be admired through an opening on the dial. This finely crafted hand-wound movement with double barrels guarantees a 72-hour power reserve and ensures the complication will not disrupt the movement’s timekeeping.

Technical details

Movement
Calibre MJ 1948.10
Hand wound, double barrel, one reserved for the gong-striking mechanism, 28’800 vib/h, 45 jewels, 340 components, 72h power reserve.

Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, day/night indicator and 24 hour alarm on/off indicators.

Case
Titanium and 18K red gold twin bezels, Ø 46mm, domed sapphire crystals, antireflective coating, water resistant to 100m.

Dial
Hours, minutes and seconds on an open worked and off-centered dial
Standard time day/night indicator at 10 o’clock
Iconic place or landmark at 10 o’clock
Alarm hour and minute counters at 4 o’clock
On/off indicator at 6 o’clock

Strap
Special “Icons of the World” edition in black and brown genuine leather. Stainless steel black PVD folding clasp.

Price
Swiss retail price: CHF 53’800