Valbray is a Swiss luxury watch brand founded at Lausanne (Switzerland) by a young entrepreneur named Côme de VALBRAY in partnership with jewellery designer OLGA CORSINI.
CÔME DE VALBRAY was born in Paris, France in 1980. From very early age Côme showed a great curiosity for mechanics, cars and planes. Following his scientific baccalaureate in Paris, he moved to Switzerland to undertake his engineering studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne.
Having graduated with a major in Microtechnology, he becomes passionate about modern precise engineering. His interest for designing pieces of high quality stems from the influence and experience he gathered with his first employer: Cartier Horlogerie. During this period, he observed and analysed all the process of watch manufacturing and came up a new manufacturing organisation.
At the end of his mission, he decided to move to the United States to develop his entrepreneurial skills at Harvard University where he started to shape his dream: offer his creativity and his vision of horology with a brand of his own. He has therefore founded Valbray and started a new story.
OLGA CORSINI was born in Florence, Italy, in 1979. Since her childhood, Olga showed to be prone to creativity and design. Following a baccalaureate in literature with a major in jewellery, she focused her talent on the exploration of new shapes. Coupled with her keen interest in jewellery she ended up very quickly in the creative department of Bulgari in Rome. During this experience she created an array of unique pieces and worked on the majority of the best selling pieces of the brand.
After several years spent in Rome she moved to Florence to work for Gucci within the creative department of the jewellery division. In 2006, she was called by Chaumet (LVMH) to work within the luxury brand’s very restricted creative studio of Jewellery and Horology.
On the occasion of the celebration of 100 Years of Leica Photography, Swiss luxury watch brand Valbray presents a special limited edition timepiece: the EL1 Chronograph. This watch is strictly limited to only 100 pieces and is engraved with the Leica logo features on the crown and ‘100 Years of Leica Photography’ engraved on the back.
The EL1 Chronograph is distinguished by the unique Oculus diaphragm system of Valbray that acts as a cover for the face and can be opened and closed by turning the bezel. This mechanism is constructed from 16 single blades integrated on a rotatable bezel of 46mm. When completely open, the blades are hidden and reveal the specially designed chronograph of the watch. The hours, the minutes and the stopwatch function are all also readable when the diaphragm is closed.
Made of titanium grade 5 with sanded finishes, the watch presents four white engravings on its bezel, one each quarters of time. The dials are all stylistic recalls of Leica cameras. The indication of the date (at 3h), the cursor minutes (at noon) and the hours (at 6h) recall the layout settings. The seconds (at 9h) reproduce the design of the isometry button. Finally, the metallic 4.5 applied at 4 hours and half evokes the aperture of the first Leica.
On the back of the watch, the automatic Swiss movement with an open worked rotor is visible through a sapphire glass, darkened in a nod to the black room.
The timepiece will appear in two versions: 50 exemplars in sanded titanium and the remaining 50 with DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating. Each chronograph will be supplied with two different bracelets that can be exchanged with the aid of a special tool provided.
This limited-edition Valbray EL1 Chronograph will be available from Leica Stores and selected Valbray boutiques from June 2014 at a price of 17,999 euros.
Technical details
Model: Valbray EL1 Chrono : The initials of its name are chosen as a tribute to Ernst Leitz, one of the founders of Leica brand, Leica I the contraction of Leitz and camera.
Material: Titanium grade 5
Diameter: 46 mm
Patent: 16-blade diaphragm integrated on a rotating bezel
Movement : Mechanical auto-winding Swiss chronograph movement
Frequency: 28’800 alt/h (4 Hz)
25 functional jewels
44 hours of power reserve
Water resistance: To 5 ATM
Dial: Multi – layered with a honeycomb grid
Sapphire Glass: Cover and case back
Limited edition: 100 numbered pieces (50 for the Titanium reference and 50 for the Black one)
This year, Valbray presents a Grey version of its Oculus Argentique watch. In tribute to the world of photography, from where the innovative Valbray diaphragm opening system comes, this exceptional timepiece offers finishes and colours that recall those of 35mm cameras, like mythical Leica M6 or M7 or Contax.
The ‘’Argentique’’ photography is the technique to fix pictures on paper using the light emitted by an object or a scenery. The term “Argentique” actually refers to silver emulsions used by photographic films, as an opposition to the digital photography.
The beautiful black and white contrast is the leitmotif of the watch. First, it is present between the titanium grade 5 case and the deep black of the pushers and the internal bezel. Then, it is also offered by the dial, where the fine steel honeycomb grid flies over a bright polished black base.
The opposition is also expressed by finishing alternating fine brushed with polished surfaces. The bezel is decorated with white engravings that recall the ones on the lenses of cameras. Following the same spirit, the side of the bezel as well as the buttons have been done with a « clous de Paris » finishing, which intensifies the heritage of the photography universe.
Finally the green colour of the chrono hand and the “V.” on the bezel, remain faithful to the unique colour code of the cameras. The black Argentique reference has the red accents.
Equipped with a meticulously finished Valjoux movement, visible through the back sapphire and a brown alligator strap with white stitches, the VALBRAY Grey Argentique watch is an exclusive and limited edition to 36 pieces.
Technical details
Model: VALBRAY Oculus Chrono Argentique Grey
Reference: VR01 I – G
Case
46 mm bezel diameter
Titanium grade 5 with DLC coating
Water resistant: 5 ATM
Sapphire Crystal Bezel: double side hard antireflective coating
Back: double side hard antireflective coating
Functions
Double display: chronograph / hours, minutes
Patented Diaphragm system of 16 extra thin blades integrated on the bezel
Movement
Mechanical and automatic chronograph
Redesign tri-material rotor winding
Frequency: 28’800 alt/h (4 Hz)
25 functional jewels
44 hours of power reserve
Dial
Multi – layered with a honeycomb grid
Bracelet
Brown alligator with white stitching
Deployant buckle with a thin design
Swiss luxury watch brand Valbray unveils Oculus Minotaurus, an exceptional timepiece inspired by the enigmatic theme of the labyrinth.
According to the legend, the maze of Knossos was built by the King Minos of Crete to imprison the Minotaur, fabulous monster with the body of a man and the head of a bull. Once construction has been completed, the building was such a tangle of streets, theaters and galleries, that even his engineer Daedalus and his son Icarus found themselves prisoners into the inside.
Each year, the city of Athens, under the rules of Minos, had to offer in sacrifice seven Athenians boys and seven girls to the Minotaur, who was eating humans. Until the day Theseus, son of the King of Athens, killed the Minotaur and managed to find the way out of the maze, thanks to the thread given by Arianne, (the daughter of Minos), which he used to scroll along the way.
The circular aperture of the 16 diaphragm’s blades, manually actuated by the rotation of the bezel, reveals a three dimensional adjacent labyrinth and shaped in gold. Ingeniously positioned under a thin sapphire glass, a white steel ball moves free in this sinuous outline.
This is where the game begins: drag the ball among the branches, dead ends and wrong tracks in order to reach the goal, the center. Details of the watch, such as golden parts on sides crown and golden hours on the bezel, exalt technicity and precision of this timepiece.
Finally, a magnificent engraving of the Minotaur appears on the back case. Both classic and impertinent, the Minotaurus is an evocation to the mythology, a nod to a childhood game.
The watch is created in two versions: black PVD steel case and red gold bezel or black PVD steel case and white gold bezel, each one is limited to 77 numbered pieces.
Technical details
Model: VALBRAY Oculus Minotaurus
Reference: VR03 (R ou W)
Case
Stainless steel with PVD coating, 18 kt Red gold 5N (reference R) or white gold (reference W)
Size: 43 mm bezel diameter
Water resistant: 5 ATM
Sapphire Crystal Bezel: double side hard antireflective coating
Back: double side hard antireflective coating
Functions
Hours, minutes and seconds
Patented Diaphragm system of 16 extra thin blades integrated on the bezel
Movement
Mechanical and automatic chronograph
Frequency: 28’800 alt/h (4 Hz)
21 functional jewels
42 hours of power reserve
Dial
Tri dimensional with a free marble
Bracelet
Black alligator
Deployant buckle with 18kt gold
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.
VALBRAY Oculus V.02 Grand Dateur – Road 66
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.
VALBRAY Oculus V.02 Grand Dateur – Safari
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 VALBRAYOculus 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.
VALBRAY Oculus V.02 Grand Dateur – Nautic
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
In 2010, Valbray presented its debut the V1 collection of interactive high-end watches integrating a complex circular shutter system under a rotating bezel.
Thanks to the innovative diaphragm system, the Oculus V.01 Chrono collection offers essentially two watches in one, through a double display. By a simple rotation of the bezel, the timepiece changes from a classic and sophisticated “TWO-HANDS” to a sportive and contemporary CHRONOGRAPH.
VALBRAY Oculus V.01 Chrono Hypnosis Bleu
In line with its interactive and avant-garde timepieces, Valbray could not fail to produce one with a less than intriguing and refined design.
Its ovoid case is easily identifiable by the pulled lines and the shining chamfers. The sculpted edges give it an energetic aspect, as it masterfully nests the chronograph pushers and the crown and completely integrates the watch strap.
Its dial, hand-assembled and meticulously finished, exhibits a multilayered construction and is decorated with the impertinent display of half-hours at 7.5 and 10.5, for the first time on a watch.
VALBRAY Oculus V01 Chrono Titanium Full Black
The V on the dial “cuts” the wheel of seconds, reinforcing the dynamism of the design and underlining the timelessness of the brand. The hands are constructed from one block and open-worked, then facetted and satin-finished for a unique result. On the titanium models, the dial is enhanced with a honeycomb grid giving it a more sportive and racing appearance.
The back of the watch unveils the beautifully finished automatic Swiss mechanism with the redesigned rotor through the transparent sapphire glass, playing on the element of “hiding and revealing”, identifiable throughout the collection.
VALBRAY Oculus V.01 Chrono Hypnosis Orange
The VALBRAY V.01 watch ideally conveys the astonishment triggered by fascinating opposites: energy and sensuality, rigor and audacity, functionality and aesthetics. At the juncture of the open and the close, the traditional and the contemporary the result is equilibrium, richness of content and perfection.
The VALBRAY Oculus V.01 Chrono Collection offers 12 models, each edited in limited and numbered pieces.
1) Oculus V.01 Chrono – Red Gold
Ref: VR01A
Size: 46mm bezel diameter
Materials: 18kt Red Gold – stainless Steel 316 L – PVD coating
Strap: Black alligator – Deployant buckle
Limited to 250 numbered pieces
2) Oculus V.01 Chrono – Race PVD
Ref: VR01B
Size: 46mm bezel diameter
Materials: Stainless Steel 316 L – PVD coating
Strap: Black alligator – Deployant buckle
Limited to 500 numbered pieces
3) Oculus V.01 Chrono – Achromatic Black
Ref: VR01C
Size: 46mm bezel diameter
Materials: Stainless Steel 316 L
Limited to 500 numbered pieces
4) Oculus V.01 Chrono – Achromatic Grey
Ref: VR01D
Size: 46mm bezel diameter
Materials: Stainless Steel 316 L
Strap: Black alligator – Deployant buckle
Limited to 500 numbered pieces
5) Oculus V.01 Chrono – Titanium Red Gold
Ref: VR01E
Size: 46mm bezel diameter
Materials: Titanium grade 5, 18kt red Gold
Strap: Black alligator – Deployant buckle
Limited to 250 numbered pieces
Ref: VR01L
Case: Titanium grade 5, DLC coating
Dial: Multilayered with 3D
Strap: Black alligator – Deployant buckle
Limited to 100 numbered pieces
12) Oculus V.01 Chrono – Hypnosis Orange
Ref: VR01M
Case: Titanium grade 5, DLC coating
Dial: On a superluminova base
Strap: Black alligator – Deployant buckle
Limited to 100 numbered pieces
Technical details
Case
Material: Titanium grade 5
Case diameter: 46mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM; (3ATM for the A,B,C,D references)
Glass: Sapphire crystal glass with double side hard antireflective coating
Case-back: Sapphire crystal glass with double side hard antireflective coating
Patent
Circular opening diaphragm, composed of 16 extra thin blades, activated manually by a 90° rotation of the bezel
Movement
Reference: V.CA1
Mechanical and automatic Swiss chronograph
Hand decoration and finishing
Redesigned tri-material rotor winding with open worked harms
Frequency: 28’800 alt/h (4Hz)
25 functional jewels
44 hours of power reserve
Swiss luxury watch maker Valbray welcomes two new members to its V.01 collection.
Introduced in 2010 by Valbray, the V.01 collection consisted of interactive high-end watches integrating a complex circular shutter system under a rotating bezel.
This year, in addition to the extended collection, Valbray introduces two new playful models dedicated to passionate collectors: Angel & Devil.
VALBRAY V.01 Angel
The V.01 Angel is light weight, made of titanium and hand polished and graced with a luminescent and ethereal appearance.
The concentrically opening diaphragm is again present on this model, but this time the blades are covered with a fine golden powder and the mechanism is hidden under a bezel paved with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds, one for every minute, totaling one and a half carats.
The hands of the hours and minutes take the appearance of the extraordinary wings of an angel cut from the metal, while the back of the watch, its more secret area, allows a peek into the movement through the black sapphire glace on which the word “Angel” is engraved within a halo.
Angel wings are designed on the inside of the strap, angelically beautifying the magnificent white alligator strap. A collectors timepiece, the VALBRAY V.01 Angel is offered in only 25 pieces.
Technical details
Model: VALBRAY V.01 Angel, Reference VR01 H
Case
Material: Titanium grade 5
Water resistant: 5 ATM
Patent Diaphragm system concentric circular opening manually actuated by turning the bezel
Sapphire Crystal Bezel: double side hard antireflective coating
Back: double side hard antireflective coating
Movement
Reference: V.CA1
Mechanical and automatic chronograph
Rotor: Redesign tri-material rotor winding on ceramic ball bearing
Frequency: 28’800 alt/h (4 Hz)
25 functional jewels
44 hours of power reserve
Diaphragm: 16 blades with a “golden powder” multilayer treatment
Bracelet
White gloss alligator with white stitching
Patented deployant buckle with a thin design
Limited Edition
25 numbered pieces
VALBRAY V.01 Devil
Created out of a titanium block, the V.01 Devil gets its colors from the depths of the earth, black like the darkness and red like the flames of lava.
The finely open worked dial with the honeycomb grid and the mix of black and red give it an aggressive, brooding and masculine character. The hand of the seconds, redesigned as the devil’s trident, confirms the character of the watch.
On its back we can still see the devil’s tail disappearing after having engraved its name, “Devil”, on the black sapphire glass with its nails.
This model is completed with a strap in black alligator with red stitching and a deployant buckle. The VALBRAY V.01 Devil watch is available in only 25 pieces.
Technical details
Model: VALBRAY V.01 Devil, Reference VR01 G
Case
Material: Titanium grade 5 with DLC treatment
Water resistant: 5 ATM
Patent Diaphragm system concentric circular opening manually actuated by turning the bezel
Sapphire Crystal Bezel: double side hard antireflective coating
Back: double side hard antireflective coating
Movement
Reference: V.CA1
Mechanical and automatic chronograph
Rotor: Redesign tri-material rotor winding on ceramic ball bearing
Frequency: 28’800 alt/h (4 Hz)
25 functional jewels
44 hours of power reserve
Diaphragm: 16 blades with a black multilayer treatment
Bracelet
Black mat alligator with red stitching
Patented deployant buckle with a thin design
Swiss luxury watch brand VALBRAY introduces a second line of highly innovative timepieces that follows the footsteps of the V.01 Collection.
Launched as a world premier in 2010, the VALBRAY V.01 collection consisted of timepieces with a circular shutter system hidden under the bezel. This shutter mechanism is activated manually by turning the bezel at 90°, moving the 16 extra-thin blades that slide one over the other until they completely disappear, allows to view the underlying dial.
Entirely conceived and developed internally and then patented, it has been designed for superior ergonomics, smooth operation and countless rotation cycles.
The metallic blades undergo a series of specific treatments to ensure their protection from friction and their perennial appearance. Made by more than 88 individual components and completely waterproof, the system is a modern micro-technology masterpiece applied to watchmaking.
High light of the new version V.02 is the re-engineered patented diaphragm system. This new version, even smaller (with a diameter of 43mm), allows intermediate openings in its course, thus permitting a step by step reading of time. The 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.
VALBRAY V.02 Gold Tie: Elegant and classic, it is made of 18 carat satin-finished red gold with its bezel treated with black PVD
With its shutter closed, the watch is an elegant and minimalistic two-hand one. At the first step at 30o, a delicate “petite seconde” 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.
VALBRAY V.02 Red Shadow: Sportive and with a strong personality, it is made of stainless steel with its bezel treated with black PVD. Its dial is multilayered and sand-blasted, with its central plaque finished with cotes de Genève
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 case shape is emphasized by the chamfers all along the pure side line. 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.
VALBRAY V.02 Tangerine: Playful and dazzling, it is made of stainless steel with its bezel treated with black PVD. Its dial is multilayered, with a sunray-brushed central plaque.
The V.02 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 back of the V.02 depicts its intriguing poetry. The engraved phrase “La vérité d’un homme c’est d’ abord ce qu’il cache”1 reminds that to truly understand a man you need to slowly discover his secrets, like every small detail of these unique watches.
VALBRAY V.02 Black Lemon: Intriguing and modern, it is made of stainless steel that has been treated with DLC. Its dial is multilayered with a vertical satin-finished V.
The V.02 collection is composed of five diverse and distinct models: the Gold Tie, the Red Shadow, the Tangerine, the Black Lemon and the Cool Blue.
VALBRAY V.02 Cool Blue: With a very high-tech look, it is made of stainless steel with its bezel treated with graphite grey PVD. Its dial is multilayered and sand-blasted.
These watch models come with a soft hand-made calfskin strap and a pin buckle and are edited in limited and numbered pieces that are ready to find their place in the collection of a confident and stylish 21st century man.
Technical details
Model: VALBRAY V.02
References
VR02 A: Gold Tie
VR02 B: Red Shadow
VR02 C: Tangerine
VR02 D: Black Lemon
VR02 E: Cool Blue
Case
Stainless steel 316 L – PVD coating – DLC coating (on Black Lemon)
18 carat red gold (on Gold Tie)
Bezel diameter 43mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Sapphire Crystal, Double side hard antireflective coating
Patent
Re-engineered circular opening diaphragm
Composed of 16 ultra-thin blades
Actuated manually by rotation of the bezel at 90o with 3 intermediate opening positions
Diaphragm
16 blades with a black multilayer treatment (graphite grey on Cool Blue)
Functions
Double display: hours, minutes / Grand date, small seconds
Movement
Reference: VCA 2
Mechanical with automatic winding
Frequency: 28’800 alt/h (4Hz)
26 functional jewels
44 hours of power reserve
Dial
Multilayered and hand finished
Superluminova-treated hours’ and minutes’ hands
Strap
Soft calfskin with colored lining and stitching
Pin buckle with a thin design
Limited Edition
500 numbered pieces (250 for the Gold Tie and the Black Lemon)
The VALBRAY V.01 collection has been enriched by new titanium models.
The lightness of this new material – and its sanded aspect, due to the smoothness of the satin – emphasize the sporting side of the watch. The waterproofing extends to 5 atmospheres, thanks to its in-depth construction. The technical aspects are enhanced by the hours and minutes path, engraved on the bezel, and by the new multi-layered which is both extremely slim and based upon a honeycomb grid.
The date on the top left completes a dial configuration based on the co-presence of different circles: the hours and minutes chronograph cursors, with a refined linear layout, and the seconds wheel.
The 3h,5 metallic indication is set to the right side of the dial, giving the watch another touch of personality. The black and marine canvas bracelets are water resistant and perfectly embrace the casing thanks to a metallic insert. The V.01 Titanium extension presents two new models: The V.01 Titanium / Red Gold & V.01 Titanium/Full Black
VALBRAY V.01 Titanium / Red Gold
The V.01 Titanium / Red Gold model contra poses the sporting and modern aspects of the titanium with the more classical and elegant aesthetics of the gold. The honeycomb gives a dual color to the dial: according to the positioning of the watch it appears black or metallic. This effect reinforces the watch concept of duality ( chronograph dial / 3 hand dial).
The red gold hands create a striking contrast with the black of the diaphragm blades. The case has red gold inserts, PVD buttons and a red gold and PVD crown.
VALBRAY Titanium/Full Black
Every piece of the V.01 Titanium is given by a black DLC treatment. The different materials and finishing allow the fine details of the watch to appear, depending on the angle of light.
The “hide and reveal” game of the diaphragm blades become the global concept on this V.01 Full Black model; the elements unmask their selves little by little, depending on the angle from which the timepiece is viewed.
Concept
The rotating bezel and its obturation system are a high-precision micro-mechanical masterpiece. Its groundbreaking, sophisticated build is engineered for superior ergonomics, smooth operation and countless rotation cycles.
Valbray tackled several challenges to make it:
– Building the entire mechanical system into a 45-mm-diameter bezel, with 30-mm diameter dial
– Overlaying two dials with different features
– A perfectly round, concentric opening regardless of the watch’s calibre
– The rotating bezel is watertight
The obturator system has several functions:
Esthetic: To hide or reveal one of the two dials and play with the contrast between the classical look, when the obturator is close, and the sportive one, when it’s open.
Functional: The closed position allows a simplified reading of the hour and minute because it hides the chronograph functions.
Fun: The interaction with the bezel and the sensation of touch adds a fun dimension to the watch.
The case is ovoid and identifiable by pulled lines and shinning chamfer. The sculpted edges radiate that energy and nestle the hallmark jutting crown and buttons.
The dial appears little by little according to the bezel rotation. The V of the logo emerges, with the fun 3,5. The dial is in relief. The back honeycomb is a very hard and accurate work. Each surface is divided in distinct pieces which are sculpted in the mass and hand finished. This decomposition allows an infinite variation of colour and finish.
The dial is hand assembled and set, like a puzzle. The machining of these thin pieces requires strong skills and a precision of less than 0,01mm in order to make the assembly with high precision. These effects are not doable with a stamped dial.
The hands of hour and minutes present the originality to be fully machined in one bloc that allows beautiful facets. Energetic and sharp, these hands are the result of more than 20 manufacturing operations. Cast in one piece, sculpted and openwork in the mass, these identifiable hands are hand – faceted, brushed and angled. These delicate operations need the knowhow of very skilled workers.
The rotator is decomposed into 17 parts carefully designed with a particular geometry recalling the hands style. It is provided with ceramic balls bearing that do not require lubrication and with arms that allow radial shock absorption.
The bracelets are in black mat marine canvas, handmade and equipped by a patented deploying buckle extremely thin and reliable. Subdivided in different parts, it has a lot of details and it represents the style of the watch.
Technical details
Model: VALBRAY V.01 Titanium
References
VR01 E (Titanium Red Gold)
VR01 F (Titanium Full Black)
Materials
Titanium grade 5, Red Gold and PVD treatment (Titanium Red Gold)
Titanium grade 5 and DLC treatment
Functions
Chronograph
Double display mechanism ( obturator) actuated manually by turning the bezel
Movement
Reference: V.CA1
Type: Mechanical and automatic chronograph
Finishing: Hand decorated
Rotor: Redesign tri-material rotor winding made in 17 parts ON CERAMIC BALL BEARING
Frequency: 28 800 alt/h (4hz)
25 functional jewels
44 Hours of power reserve
Obturator
Type: 16 blades with a multilayer treatment
Design: Constant circular opening
Color: Black blades / Grey bezel
Dial
Multi –layered based on a honeycomb grid
Sapphire crystal
Bezel: anti reflective coated double side
Back: antireflective coating single side
Strap
Extra-mat black marine canvas, hand made
Patented deployant buckle with a thin design
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