Countless… These expressions are intimately linked to a world of its own and are innumerable: “Til the cows come home! “, “have a cow”, “Cash cow”, and of course “Holy cow”. Funny enough, there are as many expressions in French and in English, no doubt it is totally international! – Claude Meylan Holy Cow!
No one really knows where they come from. They probably reflect our attachment to this animal that has shared our daily lives since the dawn of time. It is part of our lives and part of the landscape – and particularly of the Swiss alpine pastures. In Valais, some cows are even promoted to the rank of Queen!
This year, Claude Meylan pays tribute to this so symbolic animal. The brand, 100% independent, claims its rural roots, its heritage and its attachments to its fields. Located in L’Abbaye, it remains in direct contact with the popular imagery of the cow. Popular? The word is sometimes unwelcome in watchmaking, requalified Haute Horlogerie. For Claude Meylan, however, it would be a misinterpretation to disconnect watchmaking from its terroir, its mountain pastures, its roots.
The first watchmakers were no other than honest peasants spending their long winter evenings making watch components. We were not yet at the time of manufactures, but of establishment. At that time, the peasant-watchmaker was the first craftsman in a long chain that culminated in the creation of Jura timepieces, where Claude Meylan is still established.
But respect for history is one thing, its reverence is another. And Claude Meylan has always asserted his creative freedom! The proof lies in its new creation. This cow, which takes up most of the dial, has a mischievous eye. On her hooves, a ladybug is playing in the wild grass of her meadow. As a backdrop, the Alps. A rural sketch, authentic and playful, but no less technical. All the decoration is sculpted in relief, then painted in bright colours. Here, no reminder of an outdated sepia postcard: it’s a modern and cheerful picturesque shot!
At 3 o’clock, a Swiss Made automatic mechanical movement. It recalls this long history of the peasant watchmaker, of which Claude Meylan himself was a part. Two centuries later, we find the same cogs, the same know-how, the same passion for beautiful mechanics. These yesteryears precursors of have now disappeared. But Claude Meylan is still there. His cow too!
Claude Meylan Holy Cow! Technical Specifications
- Movement Self winding
- Functions Hours, Minutes, date
- Decorations Fine finish
- Caliber ETA 2671; 28,800 A /h; 25 jewels
- Autonomy 44 hours
- Case 316L stainless steel, transparent back, sapphire crystal
- Dimension Diameter 42 mm
- Water resistancy 3 atm
- Bracelet Leather strap made in Geneva
- Buckle 316L Steel Pin
