BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
The young and gifted independent watchmaker from Geneva, Rexhep Rexhepi, has unveiled the Chronomètre Antimagnétique for Only Watch 2023. This watch pays homage to vintage precision wristwatch chronometers with a contemporary twist: a Faraday cage surrounds the hand-finished movement to shield it from the negative effects of magnetism.
The stainless steel case measures 38mm x 9.90mm (without glass), and the screw-down case back can be unscrewed to reveal a second sapphire case back. The double case back structure shields the movement from magnetic fields while still allowing it to be admired.
With its black lacquered base, white printed numerals and indexes, and blued steel hands, the dial is inspired by the “scientific” dials of historical chronometers. A subtle nod to the watch’s function are the alternating blocks along the hour scale, an abstract representation of the opposite polarities of a magnetic field.
The original movement of the watch has a differential connecting two barrels at 12 o’clock and two escapements at 6 o’clock, while a constant-force device ensures consistent energy delivery to the escapements. The movement has chamfered and polished edges, Côtes de Genève, perlage, and circular graining.
The watch has a ripstop fabric strap and a steel pin buckle engraved with the Rexhep Rexhepi logo. A private guided walking tour of Geneva’s Old Town with a specialist historian will be included, as will a discovery of the ATELIER AKRIVIA and a fine Genevan lunch with Rexhep.
