Claude Meylan Tortue Lady is a special collection of the independent Vallée de Joux brand. The brand created it exclusively for ladies and, only recently, due to the public’s request, gentlemen’s versions were added. This year, the collection was enriched with an extraordinary piece – the Claude Meylan Tortue Lady La Point de Sable. A beautiful lady watch that has an equally beautiful story. This is my take on this piece.
Claude Meylan Tortue Lady La Point de Sable
For those unfamiliar with the brand, Claude Mylan is one of the prominent names from the heart of Jura Switzerland. And watchmaking! The Meylan family is one of the four historical families founding fine watchmaking. For more information, you can check the Claude Meylan history.
Coming back to the reviewed piece, I had the pleasure to see it during the Baselworld fair. It was instant love. A collection that I always enjoyed, the Tortue Lady, received a new watch – La Point de Sable.
When a watchmaker loves
The story of Claude Meylan Tortue Lady La Point de Sable is simple. It is a sweet story that was, is and will it always be present in various forms in watchmaking.
During the last years Salon QP, my friend Pia (from Claude Meylan) met Philippe Narbel, a talented watchmaker. He was curious about the Tortue Collection. Since he fell in love with the little turtle (the French tortue), he wanted to o buy one of the pieces for his wife. He was intrigued by the watch’s construction. Philippe Narbel is an “angleur”, a watchmaker specialised in anglage (hand beveling / chamfering) and he expressed the desire to bring a personal touch to the watch he would like to buy.
Pia insisted that Phillippe should meet with the Claude Meylan brand’s owner, Philippe Belais. Who would have guessed that Philippe’s Narbel atelier is just 40 meters away from Claude Meylan Atelier in Vallée de Joux. When passionate people meet, it is hard to keep ideas away. So, Philippe Belais (CEO and owner of Claude Meylan) gave a calibre to the Philippe Narbel and a free hand. The imagination of Philippe and his expertise led to what is now the La Pointe de Sable watch.
When the outside elegance hides a beauty like no other
The three-part construction case is manufactured in 316L stainless steel. The turtle case has a polished finish on all surfaces. The short, massive lugs contribute to the “turtle” appearance. The watch might look gargantuan. But is just an optic effect on the images. The case is actually 31 mm at mid horizontal axe. Considering the automatic movement inside, the dimensions are more than ok.
The angled raised bezel keeps a tall sapphire crystal that increases the watch depth effect. The see-through caseback is fixed on the case with screws. The watch has a water resistance of 30m.
When you got everything there
Tortue Lady La Point de Sable is one of those watches that have on the front side everything that a watch lover can desire: the dial with the time display and the important elements of the movement, respectively the balance wheel and the micro-rotor.
The typical construction of the brand met the talent of Philippe Narbel. As a result, the usual mechanical interesting watch received an extra detailed decoration. On the movement itself and also on the dial.
The engravings are well executed. The whole scene captured the romanticism of a Swiss lake surrounded by woods and mountains. The scenery brings the quiet and calm specific to many small Swiss lakes.
The waves and the depth of the lake are exceptional caught, as well as the sand and the surroundings. You can almost see and feel the gentle wind, hear and see the lazy boat’s movement.
The micro-rotor also received a carefully hand made decoration. The combination of brushing, engraving and hand-hammering looks nice. And it brings to me, an accentuation of the above waves. Lovely decoration!
The movement: on front, on the back, overall…
As stated above, the movement’s main elements are brought on the dial side. The elements are well decorated by hand.
The cocks are open-worked. While the anglage is not super technic, you are able to observe the filing and polishing. The decorations keens on the artistic side, rather than on technicality. That is the beauty of the hand made work.
The watch is powered by the 4Hz (28.200 vph) calibre 7.75CM17. The movement has a power reserve of 38 hours. Enough to be let aside for a day, when a lady wishes to wear another timepiece.
To make everything more interesting, the Claude Meylan Tortue Lady La Point de Sable was fitted with a bracelet with printed technological satin and a delicate steel pin buckle. Great looking combo.
Personal impressions and final considerations
When it comes to ladies watches, the market has big holes and missings. I often met ladies that desire a nice mechanical timepiece, designed for ladies without the usual typicalities. Often, the ladies watches come in precious metals and with/or diamonds. Or simply too flashy. My significant one is in the same situation. She wears often small mechanical men pieces. And here is where Claude Maylan is fitting well in the market. The entire Tortua Collection is lovely, even the added men pieces.
Tortue Lady La Point de Sable, in particular, is a fabulous watch. The love for its wife, combined with its talent, made Philippe Narbel to create a new face for this watch. A new horizon, you might say.
I salute Philippe Belais for allowing this to be possible and Philippe Narbel for the result. Enjoy all the above pictures and many others at the end of the article.
Claude Meylan Tortue Lady La Point de Sable Technical Specifications
Movement:
- Self-winding by rotor on ball barrels
Functions:
- Hours, Minutes, seconds
Decorations:
- Fine finishes, decorated open work
Movement:
- Calibre 7.75CM17 ; 28’800 A/h ; 4 Hz ; 25 rubis
Autonomy:
- 38 hours
Case:
- Stainless steel 316L, see-through back, sapphire crystals
Dimension:
- 31 mm at mid horizontal axe
Waterproof:
- 30 m
Bracelet:
- Printed technological satin
Buckle:
- Stainless steel 316L with pin
The price tag is 15.000 CHF. For more information, please visit the Claude Meylan Website.