Schwarz Etienne GEOMETRY

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Schwarz Etienne is pleased to unveil its latest model, the GEOMETRY.
Masterminded by acclaimed designer, Eric Giroud, the dial is divided into quadrants and encompasses an array of finishes. Using geometric patterns, the dial conveys the idea of shifting from one course to another. The model is equipped with a Manufacture automatic movement, the calibre ASE 200.02, incorporating a micro-rotor.

Geometry is a branch of mathematics that relates to angles, dimensions, proportions, shapes and surfaces. This field of study often involves the precise arrangement of lines and arcs. The dial of the new Schwarz Etienne GEOMETRY is endued with concentric arcs and straight ridges.

Divided into quadrants, the dial is adorned with an array of finishes, including fluted lines, azuré, clous de Paris and fine sandblasted sections. Like a metaphor for life itself, the dial artistically depicts arcs and ridges shifting from one course to another, a scenario that can prove surprising and thrilling. This ‘deconstructed’ dial motif, comprised of various geometric forms, was masterminded by the acclaimed designer, Éric Giroud.

Lancine-style hour and minute hands float above a tapestry of intricately textured motifs, applied using hand-guilloché. A small seconds display, again featuring a lancine-style hand, is positioned at 6 o’clock. Formed of gold 18ct, the dial is offered in a choice of two colours: silver and salmon.

Measuring 39mm in diameter, the polished stainless steel case features numerous contours that freely engage with light, producing pockets of brilliance and shade. An exhibition case back grants sight of the Manufacture automatic movement, the calibre ASE 200.02. Each dial variant is complemented with a colour-coordinated strap fitted with a stainless steel folding buckle.

The calibre ASE 200.02 is equipped with a micro-rotor, providing the convenience of automatic winding. Furthermore, the specification delivers unimpeded views of the beautifully finished bridges. The main plate is presented in grey brass with a fine sandblasted finish, while the ratchet wheel is embellished with diamond drops and snailing. The bridges, again featuring a fine sandblasted finish, are dressed in grey PVD and incorporate polished bevels angles and tone-on-tone engraving. Assuming the mainspring is fully tensioned, the GEOMETRY will run autonomously for 86 hours.

Since it was founded in 1902, Schwarz Etienne has repeatedly conceived highly original timepieces imbued with technical virtue; the GEOMETRY proves no exception.

Schwarz Etienne GEOMETRY Technical Specification

Reference

• WRO23MA08SSVEBCLTD – Limited edition 100 pieces
• WRO23MA14SSVEBCLT – Limited edition 100 pieces

Functions

• Hours, minutes
• Small seconds at 6 o’clock

Movement

• Manufacture automatic movement with micro-rotor ASE 200.02
• Components: 198
• Jewels: 33
• Decoration:
  • Maine plate : sandblasted (fine), in grey brass
  • Diamond drops and snailing on the ratchet wheel
  • Bridges: fine sandblasted in grey PVD, rhodium-plated angles, tone-on-tone engraving.
  • Wheels: circular-grained
• Power reserve: 86 hours
• Frequency: 3 HZ (21’600 Alt/h)

Case

• Stainless steel (39 mm)
• Height:  11.00  mm
• Water resistance: 5 ATM / 50 m

Dial

• Made from gold 18ct, salmon colour/silver colour
• Hand guilloché in four destructured dial motifs
• Decoration :
  • Fluted sections / Azuré sections / Clous de Paris sections / Minuterie sections (fine sandblasted)
  • Silver transfers, Schwarz Etienne logo, minuterie & small second (fine sandblasted) anthracite
• Hands:
  • Rhodium-treated brass
  • Lancine-style hour and minute hands

Strap & buckle

• Anthracite leather strap with brown leather lining
• Folding buckle in stainless steel with Schwarz Etienne logo

Schwarz Etienne
In 1902, Paul Arthur Schwarz and his wife Olga Etienne founded Schwarz Etienne. The company name is an amalgam of the founders’ surnames. This family business, founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in the canton of Neuchâtel, began life as a manufacturer of mechanical movements that were subsequently housed in watches bearing the names Alpha, Astin, Sultana Le Phare and Venus.
The reputation of Schwarz Etienne grew and the company went on to form partnerships with several illustrious names, including Caran d’Ache, Chanel, Dunhill and Mauboussin. Schwarz Etienne gained respect for its expertise and, most notably, the quality and reliability of its products. Indeed, the company set the benchmark for manufacturing mechanical movements.
The founders’ sons eventually assumed control of the company in 1940. Always a dynamic and innovative company, Schwarz Etienne expanded its activities into Europe and commenced trading in Asia and the Middle East. During the mid-1960s, the firm enjoyed incredible success with prominent clients, including the Vatican and Leonid Brezhnev (then President of the Soviet Union).
In the 1970s and 1980s, Schwarz Etienne diversified, partly in response to the so-called ‘quartz crisis’ engulfing the watch industry at the time. In 1985, the company took the decision to return to its founding principles and focus primarily on making movements and timepieces. During this era, Schwarz Etienne developed its own brand and range of models, before eventually becoming a fully-fledged Manufacture, known for its creativity, innovative spirit and watchmaking expertise.
In 2007, Raffaello Radicchi, a local entrepreneur with a passion for watchmaking, acquired Schwarz Etienne. His arrival signalled the dawn of a new era with the company focussing its efforts on making exceptional watches as well as movements.
Today, working in collaboration with the Radicchi Group, Schwarz Etienne concentrates on making distinctive, high-quality products that perpetuate the company’s long-standing and esteemed reputation.
The Manufacture’s portfolio of exclusive timepieces unites tradition and modernity. Each creation harnesses Schwarz Etienne’s vast expertise and rigorous process controls.