Christophe Claret has extended its Traditional collection with the launch of a new haute complication called Maestro.

Offering a new perspective on mechanical art, the watch’s name is inspired by the excellence of the master-watchmaker and its sleek style epitomises mechanical power. 

The new Maestro showcases an original take on the horological creativity of Christophe Claret. Its glass dome provides a striking, almost dizzying view of the movement architecture and the famous Charles X bridges. 

Endowed with a seven-day power reserve, a cone-shaped large date display and a 3D Memo function, Maestro asserts itself as the first haute complication watch by Christophe Claret with a CHF68,000 ($67,700) price tag. 

Maestro’s 42mm case – the smallest diameter in the Christophe Claret collections – comes in grade 5 titanium or 5N pink gold. The choice of a glass dome to serve as a bezel provides a whole new perspective on the movement. 

In line with previous models in the Traditional collection, the Swiss brand has lavished great care on every detail and focused on ensuring an ideal match between technical and aesthetic aspects. The visual journey begins with the famous Charles X style stepped and skeletonized bridges that have become a signature of the maison. The skeleton-working of the bridge supporting the escapement represents a clever blend of classicism and modernity that affords a chance to appreciate all its subtle features. The balance-wheel with countersunk screws has been entirely developed and produced in-house. A natural ruby or a natural sapphire, depending on the version, adorns this assembly in order to conceal the shock-absorbing system. 

A large date has been placed at 5 o’clock. Composed of two cone-shaped aluminum disks, one for the tens on the upper part and the second for the units, this large date display performs a semi-instantaneous jump between midnight and twenty past midnight. Lending the perfect finishing touch, its top is set with a natural ruby or a natural sapphire.

As if to echo the 3D effect of this date display, another cone shape – also topped with a sapphire or ruby – draws the gaze to the space between 3 and 4 o’clock. Inspired by the expression “tie a knot in your handkerchief” to help one remember something important, Memo is an ingenious mechanical reminder intended for absent-minded individuals as well as fans of technical gadgets. Whether it’s a cue to pay a daily compliment to a loved one, to meditate for ten minutes a day, the Memo is there to remind him of his commitment. Once the objective has been met, a simple press on the pusher pivots the Memo function, which will return to its initial position each night in a twenty-minute process driven by a semi-instantaneous jump system. 

Hand-finished according to the noblest haute horlogerie traditions, the Maestro reveals a level of finishing that few watch manufacturers can claim to master, such as the stepped Charles X style bridges featuring 26 interior angles. A sapphire crystal pane fitted on the back of the watch provides a chance to admire the meticulous movement decorations. 

Maestro is available in 5N pink gold or grade 5 titanium and both versions are issued in 88-piece limited editions.