Charmex of Switzerland™ MURENBERG Commemorative Collection

October 3, 2019July 20, 2021 MasterHorologerLeave a comment

Charmex of Switzerland™ presents an exquisite collection of high-end mechanical watches to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the brand’s entry in the US. This commemorative collection was launched on kickstarter.com in September 2019.

The three MURENBERG models are a tribute to the brand’s loyal clients as well as to the founder of Montres Charmex SA, Max Bürgin. His passion was divided between his business and his kennel of rough-coated Foxterriers – the Murenberg Kennel.

All three watch models are named after Max Bürgin’s founder’s favorite dogs and share the same case but use different Swiss Made mechanical movements. Befitting the 30th Anniversary all three models come with a 30 year international warranty.

Murenberg’s CAPRICE

With this timepiece, Charmex of Switzerland™ reveals their first in-house caliber, the CX calibre no. 1, a bespoke automatic movement with a small second at six o’clock as well as a date display.

Beautifully decorated and with our brand colors and logo on the rotor the CX calibre no. 1 is clearly visible through the sapphire crystal caseback.

The paved and curved silver dial tastefully reflects the timelessness of Murenberg’s CAPRICE and is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

Available in stainless steel or in rose-gold plating the CAPRICE comes in a highly decorative wooden gift box. Kickstarter prices starting at $365 incl. shipping. MSRP starting at $1850. Case – diameter 42.0mm, thickness 12.8mm.

Murenberg’s YOLA

the elaborately decorated ETA cal. 7750 Valjouxélaboré automatic movement may be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback while the gently curved dial, combining a classic appeal with a retro sport chic is protected by the anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

Available in stainless steel or in rosegold plating the YOLA also comes in a highly decorative wooden gift box.

Kickstarter prices starting at $695 incl. shipping. MSRP starting at $3140. Case – diameter 42.0mm, thickness 15.4mm.

Murenberg’s JIMMY

The flagship of this unique collection, equipped with the decorated skeleton hand-winding Unitas cal. 6497, a movement originally designed for pocket watches. Given its dimensions the Unitas allows the wearer to see all its intricate details through the anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

Available in stainless steel (rhodinized movement) or in yellow gold plating (gold plated movement).

Kickstarter prices starting at $785 incl. shipping. MSRP starting at $4015. Case – diameter 45.0mm, thickness 12.5mm

Please visit Charmex of Switzerland™ Kickstarter Campaign for more details.

Status of funding as on 30 Oct 2019: Unsuccessful

CHARMEX

July 3, 2018July 24, 2021 MasterHorologer5 Comments

Montres Charmex’s history began in 1926 when Max Bürgin, the grandfather of the current director Frank M. Bürgin, started his apprenticeship as a watchmaker in the Swiss village of Bubendorf.

The history of Montres Charmex SA goes as far back as 1926. This was the year when Max Bürgin, started his apprenticeship in one of the leading watch factories near Basel, Switzerland. His exceptional talents soon caught the attention of the management – he was promoted and eventually made head of the technical department. What he really wanted though was to have his own watch business, pursuing the traditional art of manufacturing state-of-the-art timepieces.

His dream finally came true and in 1989 his son Manfred Bürgin together with his wife Kathleen joined the by then prospering company.

In 1999 their son Frank M. Bürgin followed and thus continued the family’s tradition. Manufacturing bespoke timepieces using but choice materials of the highest quality remains the credo of Montres Charmex SA to this very day.

Today, Montres Charmex SA is still owned and run by the Bürgin family.

Montres Charmex SA focuses on three Strategic Business Units:

Production of mechanical and quartz SWISS MADE® wrist watches under the brand name CHARMEX OF SWITZERLAND™. High quality men’s and ladies’ classic/elegant watches of distinctive design with target retail prices varying between CHF 500 and CHF 1’500 (some high end models up to CHF 5’000).
Production of mechanical and quartz SWISS MADE® wrist watches under the brand name CX SWISS MILITARY WATCH™. High quality men’s military & sports watches with a cutting-edge functionality. Target retail prices varying between CHF 500 and CHF 1’500 (some high end models up to CHF 10’000).
Production of mechanical and quartz SWISS MADE® wrist watches under private label brand names.

Contact details
Montres Charmex SA
PO Box
CH-4416 Bubendorf/Switzerland
Official website: http://www.charmex.ch

Charmex of Switzerland™ La Tremola

April 4, 2015August 12, 2022 MasterHorologerLeave a comment

For centuries the St. Gotthard pass in Switzerland was the main route from central Europe into Italy. Originally a mere mule track this pass was widened to allow for a regular stage coach service as depicted in this 1873 painting of Roland Koller’s.

In the early 20th century the well over a dozen hairpin bends were paved with cobblestones and the road was henceforth known as LA TREMOLA – the “trembling one”. Whether this refers to the shaking of the vehicles on the cobblestones or rather the mental state of the drivers is no longer known.

The new automatic model LA TREMOLA by Swiss watch brand Charmex was created as an homage to the original cobblestone road which still exists today: the paved structure of the dial resembles the original cobblestone and the classical case with its art déco like curvature and engraving is reminiscent of the early 20th century.

LA TREMOLA is manufactured in a limited edition of 400 timepieces only and available in three dial colors: silver, black and tobacco.

The LA TREMOLA is sold in a luxurious wooden gift box.

Technical details

Model: LA TREMOLA

Movement
Swiss Made® automatic ETA cal. 2824 élaboré

Functions
Hour; minute; central second
Date at 3h

Case/strap
Stainless steel case Ø 40.0mm, thickness 11.0mm. Also in 4N IP plating
Sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating
Screwed sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistant to 50 meters

Dials
Silver, black or tobacco
Luminous indices
Hands: h/m with luminous coating C1

Strap
Genuine leather strap with double-pusher butterfly buckle

Price
RRP Switzerland excl. VAT: CHF 1’495 / CHF 1’595

Charmex JUBILÉ 1926-2006 Collection -The Réserve De Marche

September 9, 2008August 12, 2022 MasterHorologerLeave a comment

In 2006, Swiss watch maker Montres Charmex SA celebrated its 80th anniversary. To commemorate this anniversary, the Swiss watch brand has launched the special limited edition JUBILÉ 1926 – 2006 collection.

The first model of Charmex JUBILÉ 1926 – 2006 Collection is a Réserve De Marche (with power reserve indicator) version that was launched at Basel world 2007.

Montres Charmex’s history began in 1926 when Max Bürgin, the grandfather of the current director Frank M. Bürgin, started his apprenticeship as a watchmaker in the Swiss village of Bubendorf. At that time, the watch sector was still untouched by mass production and everything depended on quality. A watch was not an accessory, but an object of a lifetime, and manufacturers proudly displayed their skills and craftsmanship.

The JUBILÉ 1926 – 2006 collection comprises five exceptional mechanical timepieces. While housing different complications, they have the same extremely elegant case. Each model will be manufactured in a limited edition of 200. One new model will be presented each year and, in 2011, Charmex will offer a finely-crafted box with the fifth timepiece to house the entire collection.

It took Charmex’s watchmakers more than a year to design and produce the first model for the JUBILÉ 1926 – 2006 collection.

The case comprises four separate pieces, each with a tolerance of less than 1/10 mm. The conical shape of the threads for the screws guarantees that the case is not scratched when the screws are turned.

The blue screws harmonise with the blued, polished hands, as well as the blue of the power reserve indicator. This play of colours is repeated on the plate, which has “Limited Edition” engraved on it. The chamfered attachments bring an air of fantasy to the case’s refined lines.

The RÉSERVE DE MARCHE movement is manufactured with traditional craftsmanship by Dubois-Dépraz, a movement manufacturer nestled in the heart of the Joux Valley, in Switzerland. The rotor is rhodium-plated and snailed and has a Côtes de Genève decoration.

The blue logo has been engraved with meticulous care. The bridge is circular-grained and the edges fluted.

Technical details

Model: Charmex JUBILÉ 1926-2006 Réserve De Marche

Movement
Automatic Dubois Dépraz Cal. 7000, 21 rubies
Rhodium-plated, snailed rotor, with Côtes de Genève decoration
Blue engraved logo, blued screws, circular-grained bridge
44-hour power reserve

Functions
Hours, minutes, date, mechanical power reserve indicator

Case
10 micron rose-gold plated stainless steel, ∅42.5 mm, fluted edges, chamfered attachments
Anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
Sapphire back, 6 blued screws, conical threads
Water-resistant to 50 metres

Dial
Silver
Polished, blued steel hands

Strap
Black leather
Double folding clasp, engraved logo

Other version
10-micron yellow-gold-plated or stainless steel case
Champagne-coloured dial

Edition
Edition limited to 200 pieces

Price
Retail price without VAT CHF 3’240.- (stainless steel) / CHF 3’710.- (gold plated)

Charmex JUBILÉ 1926-2006 Chronograph Limited Edition

August 19, 2008August 12, 2022 MasterHorologerLeave a comment

In 2006, Montres Charmex was celebrating 80 years of activity, 80 years of quality, 80 years of meticulous work and precision at the service of exceptional timepieces. To commemorate this anniversary, Montres Charmex brought out the new JUBILÉ 1926 – 2006 collection in 2007.

The first model unveiled was the RÉSERVE DE MARCHE, now followed by the CHRONOGRAPH.

Charmex JUBILÉ 1926-2006 Chronograph Limited Edition

The JUBILÉ 1926 – 2006 collection encapsulates this confidence and hope. It comprises five new models to be introduced over the next five years, starting in 2007.

A blend of tradition and innovation, the collection draws on Charmex’ long experience in manufacturing quality watches. Not only does it highlight the heritage of watchmaking savoir-faire, it also finds unique expression through the tireless attention paid to its design and technique.

The JUBILÉ 1926 – 2006 collection comprises five exceptional mechanical timepieces. While housing different complications, they have the same extremely elegant case.

Each model will be manufactured in a limited edition of 200. Avid collectors can buy the complete JUBILÉ 1926- 2006 collection. One new model will be presented each year and, in 2011, Charmex will offer a finely-crafted box with the fifth timepiece to house the entire collection.

The blue screws harmonise with the blued, polished hands. This play of colours is repeated on the plate, which has “Limited Edition” engraved on it. The chamfered attachments bring an air of fantasy to the case’s refined lines.

The CHRONOGRAPH movement is manufactured with traditional craftsmanship by DuboisDépraz, a movement manufacturer nestled in the heart of the Vallée de Joux, in Switzerland. The rotor is rhodium-plated and snailed and has a Côtes de Genève decoration. The blue logo has been engraved with meticulous care. The bridge is circular-grained and the edges fluted.

Technical details

Model: Charmex JUBILÉ 1926-2006 Chronograph (reference 2120)

Movement
Automatic Dubois Dépraz cal. 2025 luxe, 47 rubies
Rhodium-plated, snailed rotor, with Côtes de Genève decoration
Blue engraved logo, blued screws, circular-grained bridge
44-hour power reserve

Functions
Hours, minutes, date, chronograph with central second, 30 minute and 12 hour counter

Case
Stainless steel, ∅42.5 mm, fluted edges, chamfered attachments
Anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
Sapphire back, 6 blued screws, conical threads
Water-resistant to 50 metres

Dial
Silver
Polished, blued steel hands

Strap
Black leather
Double folding clasp, engraved logo

Other versions
Ref. 2121: Yellow gold-plated steel case and silver dial
Ref. 2122: Yellow gold-plated steel case and champagne dial
Ref. 2123: Rose gold-plated steel case and silver dial

Edition
Edition limited to 200 pieces

Price
Retail price without VAT CHF 4’190.- (stainless steel) / CHF 4’690.- (gold plated)

Charmex Stingray

July 10, 2008August 12, 2022 MasterHorologerLeave a comment

Presented in 2008, Stingray, a new member to Charmex urban chic range, features sophisticated design and meticulous finishing. This timepiece remains faithful to the reputation for elegance that the traditional Swiss watch brand has enjoyed for over eighty years. This timepiece is dedicated for the man with classic tastes.

Created by Charmex’s master craftsmen, Stingray showcases the quality of the brand’s watchmaking savoir-faire. The extremely comfortable, utra-thin case, which measures only 5mm thickness, houses a 0.98mm quartz movement.

Boasting a minimalist, clutter free dial and powered with a high-precision quartz movement, the Stingray comes in several versions.

The case, hands and hour-markers are offered in stainless steel or warm plated pink gold. Dial colours available are silvered, grey, white or anthracite. Each timepiece is secured with a genuine leather strap. Price starts from 955 Euros.

Technical details

Model: Charmex Stingray

Movement
Quartz, cal. ETA 210.001 (9’’’), 0.98 mm.

Functions
Hours, minutes.

Case
316L stainless steel or 10-micron plated pink gold, diameter 40 mm, height 5 mm
Anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, screw-down back
Water-resistant: 3 ATM

Dial
Silvered, grey, white or anthracite. Matching hour markers and hands

Strap
Brown or black genuine leather, folding clasp with double safety push-pieces

Recommended price (VAT included)
955 Euros / 1575 CHF

MasterHorologer

Tag: CHARMEX