The new RESERVOIR BLACK SPARROW watch collection takes inspiration from the simple looking yet complex instruments from the first air fighter’s cockpits. Moreover, this series pays tribute to the heroic journey of Eugene Bullard, who was the first African American combat pilot enlisted during WWI in the French aviation army.
The RESERVOIR BLACK SPARROW watches come with a new steel or black PVD case, black or sand dial with Art Nouveau-inspired luminescent numerals, mounted on a black or brown Barenia leather strap. The signature retrograde minute and jumping hour indications are powered by the new RESERVOIR RSV-240 caliber.
A Knight of the Legion of Honor, an African-American born in Georgia, USA in 1895, Eugène James Bullard was described as a “true French hero” by Général de Gaulle himself and through his bravery, earned the nickname, The Black Sparrow of Death.
Watches inspired from the beautiful technicalities of the first aircraft are back in this new RESERVOIR collection. This collection centres itself on the black, metal and silvery shine of the on-board flight. On these new models, one can clearly distinguish a famous symbol among firefighters : the propeller and the wings.
The Air Force has a strong identity with symbols like the Prop and Wings born from the First World War. These symbols now represent a whole symbolism of military aeronautics and mark the link between the pioneers of the Great War and the airmen of today.
The operational need to identify aircrafts led to marking unit insignias, soon adopted by the airmen themselves, each squadron became recognised by a figure it had chosen and that figure soon became its emblem. Thus, The Prop and Wings is a popular military insignia used to identify various aviation-related military units especially the French Aeronautique Militaire.
In 1912 aviation officers and non-commissioned officers wore these insignias on an armband which, was often attached directly on the arm of their tunic or blouse. The use of insignias was limited, in 1915, to flying personnel only and in America it is now a symbol of cadets. On this RESERVOIR timepiece, the insignia can be seen proudly standing behind the lines of the minute hand.
Technical details
Model: RESERVOIR BLACK SPARROW
Versions
RSV02.PL/135BL: Black & Black
RSV02.PL/135WH: Sand & Steel
RSV02.PL/135SB: Black & Steel
Case
42mm, 316L stainless steel case with satin finish or black PVD 316L stainless steel case with brushed finish
Watch case inspired from cockpit measurement instruments and its fixation with screws and bolts
Onion screw-down crown, water-resistant 5ATM
Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Opened Case-Back at 360°
Dial
Black or sand dial
Cathedral hands with RESERVOIR Logo, Art Nouveau-inspired luminescent numerals (Superluminova)
Movement
Calibre RSV-240
Manufacture self-winding mechanical movement with patented proprietary 113-pieces module (LJP G100 base)
56-Hour Power Reserve
28,800 alt./h
Swiss Made
Functions
Retrograde Minute, Jumping Hour
Strap
Black or Brown Barénia leather strap with white stitching, 20 mm width, steel pin buckle
Additional leather NATO strap provided with quick release spring bars for easy changing of strap
Box
Prestigious Wooden Box
Availability
Available to order online and through a prestigious network of 80+ high-end stores and specialist retailers in 20+ countries
Delivery in Q3 2023
Price
3’800 €TTC, 3’300 £ incl taxes, 3’800 $ w/o taxes MSRP, 3’800 CHF incl taxes
