Watchtik.com reports that for the 100 year anniversary of Leica Camera, the Swiss manufacturer Valbray will unveil a new limited edition chronograph watch. The official announcement will be at Baselworld next week. The watch will start shipping in May during the opening of the new Leica headquarters (Leitz Park) in Wetzlar, Germany. Some of their models show what may be in store for us! The new watch will be available for sale in Leica stores worldwide. From their website:
What does the diaphragm hide this year? Valbray will have the pleasure to reveal a new and really exciting project…Come to discover it at the Palace Watch Gallery, Booth 23, from the 26th March to the 3rd April!
Update (3/26/14): It launches on May 23, 2014 for the opening of Leitz Park and available for sale in Leica stores worldwide and at Chronopassion Paris! It's called the "EL1 Chrono" and limited to 100 pieces.
Update (4/20/14): Additional details of the design have been posted below... Won't be long now!
Update (4/22/14): The watch has launched and costs €17,990 ($24,599 USD)! More details from Leica Camera and Valbray.
Update (4/23/14): Alfred Schopf discusses Valbray and the EL1 Chronograph
Product Name | Valbray EL1 – Chrono (The name was chosen as a tribute to Ernst Leitz) |
Material | Titanium grade 5 |
Diameter | 46mm |
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 | 5 ATM |
Sapphire glass | Cover and case back |
Limited edition | 100 numbered pieces (50 for Titanium/50 for Black) |
Here's what some of their other models look like, all of which feature an opening aperture, revealing the face:
And a video that shows how the aperture works: