BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
When you think of watches, Belgium perhaps isn’t the first country that comes to mind, but then there’s the upstart Méraud Watch Co. The brand from Belgium introduced its inaugural timepiece “Bonaire” back in 2018 when the brand was first officially launched. Bonaire enjoyed a resounding success and ovation from watch aficionados worldwide. Following the brand’s successful initial launch, Méraud founder and designer Stijn Busschaert had already started envisioning the next watch with the idea for a manual chronograph movement as part of the vision. Additionally, One of the things he wanted to do for the second watch was to use an even better Swiss calibre than used in Bonaire. Thus the hunt for the movement began and in Busschaert’s own words:
“Any watch collector knows about the thrill of the chase,” says Busschaert. “This watch represents a historical movement in the watch world, as well as my connection to the coast and eternal love for the open sea.”
The quest for the right movement turned into a two-year hunt through Switzerland and ended on a gorgeous Swiss-Made manual chronograph watch with a NOS (New Old Stock) Caliber, the Landeron 248. The watch that would incorporate that calibre is the newest watch from Méraud, the Antigua. The Antigua is named after the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, one of the most prestigious classic races in the world, which takes place in the Caribbean.
Antigua is the fruit of three years of work. The physical characteristics of Antigua include a slim and sleek profile, with a case height of 13.50mm (including both crystals) and a compact 39mm diameter at the case; whereas at the bezel, the diameter is 40mm. A combination of linear, circular, high-polished, and brushed finishes on the 316L stainless steel case add charm and sophistication to the timepiece. It has brushed sides, lug holes for easy strap changes, and circular brushed lugs with polished bevels. The scratch-resistant Sapphire “Bakelite” insert mimics the appearance of vintage bakelite bezels with luminous numerals and indicators. The chamfered uni-directional lumed rotating bezel of the Antigua sits atop it. Both the caseback and the outside bezel of the case are polished. The crystals on the front and back are made out of sapphire and treated with a colorless double anti-reflective coating. The watch is fashionable yet practical; it is water resistant up to 10 atm/100 m.
On the dial side, there’s a choice of two variants, deep Miho Black and cream Soft Sand. The pastel colors have a calming, serene effect. The subdials stand out by providing a nice contrast despite having a gentle impression that is soothing and easier on the eyes. The dial has “Old Radium” Swiss Super-LumiNova®, applied indexes, and faceted, polished Lume dots. Swiss Super-LumiNova® is used in addition to the large dauphine minute and hour hands and an orange “lollipop” seconds hand. A running seconds hand in pastel colors, designed to resemble a nautical compass, is located at nine o’clock. For easier reading, the minute hand is either white or black at the third hour. The 45-minute subdial’s “big-eye” tachymeter is on the outer step and has Art Deco numerals.
The movement as mentioned earlier is the Swiss-Made manual wound chronograph with a NOS (New Old Stock) Calibre, the Landeron 248. A see-through caseback makes it possible to truly appreciate each movement’s distinctive “Méraud” engraving on the bridge. It offers a 41h power reserve.
The Antigua is showcased with a premium top-grain buffed French nubuck strap that was created in association with Molequin, a Belgian watch strap manufacturer renowned for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and “less is more” philosophy. There is a second tropical rubber strap available, and Méraud also offers a riveted stainless steel bracelet as an option that can be switched out with ease thanks to drilled lug holes. With “Miho Black” and “Soft Sand” each having a 100-piece limit, Méraud Watch Co.’s Antigua is available in a limited edition of 200 pieces. The retail price is EUR 1.750 (excluding VAT).
