HISTORYMarchand Watches is proud to carry the legacy of Adamir Marchand to who is the Great Grandfather to brand owner Daniel. Adamir was a Swiss watch/clock maker and inventor in the early 1900s for the prestige watch brand Benrus. Daniel started the Marchand brand to share his Swiss heritage and passion/experience with motor racing to bring to life the UK's newest motoring watch brand. Adamir Marchand Below is just one of Adamir's inventions from 1949 which is his design of a calendar timepiece which was later patented by him in 1952. It's just awesomely inspirational for the company to read back on the work of Adamir and start the new brand under his name in his honour.
BRAND AMBASSADORSConsisting of four talented, upcoming Racing Drivers we’ve formed a driver supporting platform known as The Marchand Racing Scheme. (Our scheme offers our selected drivers extra exposure that helps boost opportunities to showcase their skills to a new market audience, while building on the loyalty and trust of their sponsors) this scheme aims to offer our selected drivers boosted opportunities to entice new sponsors, while growing the loyalty of their current ones. The Marchand Racing Scheme supports our drivers in a variety of ways from the gifting of watches for sponsoring opportunities to social media support. Our support within Motorsport is international, with our drivers competing in United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and Australia! ‘Sponsorship in Motorsport is incredibly difficult to gain, which is why we at Marchand Watch Co. want to support talented, upcoming drivers to give them a greater foundation to keep the pedal to the metal with pursuing their racing dreams.’ - Daniel Brigham.
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Basel 2019 saw the launch of the latest masterpiece from Maison Franco-Swiss RALF TECH, here is the full story WRV: The WRV is the second model launched by RALF TECH in 2013. Whether Hybrid or Automatic, to the highly sought-after 1977 series issued in only 77 units, in just a few years the WRV has become an iconic timepiece in the RALF TECH collection. Chronograph: A chronograph, in the modern sense of the term, is a watch movement equipped with an independent hand that can start, stop, and reset, to measure the time elapsed. Automatic: A self-winding timepiece is equipped with a mechanical movement whose winding is done through a mechanism that allows to reset the spring barrel while the watch is being worn. The energy of the movement of the wrist is then stored to power the timepiece. Tachometer: A tachometer is a measuring instrument for determining the speed of an object in motion. On a timepiece, it computes time and distance to show the speed usually indicated in kilometres per hour. All the above given, you have all the pieces of the puzzle in your hands… almost! You are still missing an essential piece: RALF TECH is proud to present its new model, the WRV Chronographe Automatique Tachymètre. The year 2019 marks a new turning point for RALF TECH with the arrival of the brand new WRV Automatic Chronograph « Tachymètre » in its collection. Very much inspired by the 1970s, the WRV is a link between two eras. At the same time vintage and modern, it combines with ease the best of both those worlds through complex and elegant curves that pay homage to the visual codes of the seventies while using the technologies of today. Mimicking the lines and design clues of the WRV, the newcomer does not share any parts with its siblings. It was in fact a 100% brand new model that was presented in Basel last March. A new case: 43.9mm is the diameter of the new WRV chronograph. Alternating polished and brushed surfaces, the case sports a screw-down crown back in the traditional 3 o’clock position (it is decentred to 4 o’clock on the automatic WRV) and two pushers, also screw-down, at 2 and 4 o’clock to operate the chrono. The crystal is 3.5mm thick, one of the thickest in current production, which gives an exceptional seal, water resistance and robustness. A new movement: Made in Japan, the new RT002® movement is a watchmaking masterpiece. This automatic chronograph movement, has 292 pieces and 34 rubies perfectly combining the mechanical watchmaking tradition and the highly precise chronograph function. Most importantly, the chronograph activation mechanism uses a column wheel. Considered by the industry and by collectors as the most coveted chronograph mechanism, the column wheel offers a very soft tactile feel thanks to its vertical clutch, which makes it much more comfortable to use than chronograph systems using a horizontal lever cam as used in traditional Swiss movements. A new face: Panda ... This design is well-known to savvy collectors, similarly to panda bears which have black eyes and tufts of hair standing out on their white fur, the face of the new WRV Automatic Chronograph is white with black sub dials or - and we can talk about “Inverted Panda” - black with white sub dials. Inspired by the automobile counters of the 60s and by the chronographs of that time, the WRV Automatic Chronograph « Tachymètre » brings us back with delight to that bygone era where everything was allowed. A new bezel: Calibrated up to 400 km per hour, the tachometer bezel of the new WRV can measure the speed of a moving object, usually a car ... a very fast and powerful Sports CAR in particular! A new bracelet: Mounted on a quilted anthracite grey nubuck strap with a diamond pattern, the new WRV showcases the expertise of French craftsmen with this hand-stitched piece manufactured in the Jura. A new workshop: Once again, RALF TECH, a French company, is working to make French artisans work. The new WRV Automatic Chronograph is therefore assembled in France and in particular, in Paris. Even more than all the technical innovations, a new and more important aura surrounds the launch of this new WRV Automatic Chronograph « Tachymètre »: it was inspired by the world of automobile racing and the French racing driver Nelson Panciatici was the tester of the first prototypes. Nelson Panciatici has an impressive palmares as world class racing driver: 61 wins, 81 podiums, 38 pole positions & 46 lap records, twice ELMS European champion, two podium finishes for ALPINE and the development of the WRV Automatic Chronograph « Tachymètre » and its Nubuck bracelet! The WRV Chronographe Automatique « Tachymètre » is issued in 3 different versions, 1 with Panda face and two with the inverted Panda face. The case again is offered in 2 versions of surgical steel 316L polished and brushed, and one with Black PVD finish. And, as always, each RALF TECH includes a second strap that can withstand extreme use of the timepiece under water. 3 VariantsTech SpecsTechnical Features of the WRV Chronographe Automatique Tachymètre:
> Movement mechanical automatic RTAC002®. > Vertical column wheel chronograph trigger and clutch. > Power reserve over 45 hours. > Tested water resistant up to 200M / 660FT. > Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph and tachometer functions. > Brushed and polished case in 316L surgical steel diameter 43.9 mm (without crown and pushers) and satin case in 316L surgical steel treated with black PVD (Black versions). > Screw down crown and pushers. > Domed antiglare sapphire crystal 3.5 mm thick. > Screw down case back engraved with individual serial number. > Strap in grey anthracite Nubuck Matelassé (quilted) stitched by hand with a diamond motif, plus professional strap in black silicone for scuba diving. > Made in France
Every Meccaniche Veneziane product is assembled in Basel (Switzerland) and subject to the strictest quality controls, applied both to raw materials and their sources, as well as to the processes used by the Maison. This approach is an essential component of the Swiss Made quality label and the control system in place ensures compliance with the strictest criteria and standards. The “Swiss Made” trademark is an indication for precision recognized world-wide that implies a technically perfect watch, assembled with the most demanding standards. The Quality Control team inspects all the watches for any aesthetic issue and all components showing even small defects are removed and replaced. Then, all timepieces are subjected to a 48-hour test for good working. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PACKAGING
The case is handmade in Italy, individually crafted wooden cases are unique and unrepeatable WHY WOOD We believe that every detail is important in order to fully satisfy our customers and the package plays an important role as well. The long expertise of local artisans has led to the creation of boxes made of solid walnut wood destined to last. It is not just a container but an object recalling the long artisan tradition of Friuli Venezia Giulia, one of the districts associated with the excellence of “Made in Italy”.
This new version of the 1977 series, still produced in Limited Edition of only 77 pieces, is recognizable by its lacquered navy blue dial dressed with gold indexes «2N18»,an alloy composed of yellow gold, silver and copper, the design recalling the blue fabric and the stripes and buttons of ceremonial uniforms of French military sailors.
The 1977 WRV « V » Automatique « Royale » maintains the crown at 4 o'clock. This feature allows to protect the crown from shocks without overloading the case with a protective guard; it also greatly enhances comfort as the crown does not burrow in the wrist when moving. This watch also retains a sapphire crystal with a thickness of 3.5mm, a feature usually reserved for timepieces designed to descend to great depths, ensuring the reliability of this model. Completed by a black Barénia calfskin strap, hand-stitched in the French Jura, the elegance of the WRV « V » Automatique « Royale » is indisputable and goes perfectly with the uniforms of the officers of the Royale. Comfortable in the corridors of rue Royale as anywhere else, this new 1977 WRV Automatique 1977 is synonymous with tradition and elegance. WRLimited edition watches stands in good stead for anyone who believes in exclusivity. More and more men buy limited edition Swiss watches based on what they know and love. As times change, and markets fluctuate, this would seem like a good move, but you have to know what you're looking for. Many watch manufacturers claim to be 'limited edition' but this title can be conferred only to those timepieces which are highly desirable by a selected few. Keeping this in mind, we've carefully curated three great buys for all the timepiece connoisseurs. The Breitling Super Avenger "Edition Limitéd" This ultra-masculine watch is only available at one of the 60 Breitling boutiques worldwide and is often referred to as the Boutique Edition. You can't buy it online, and that's what makes it a real limited edition. Prepared with the brand's own Calibre 01, this watch is toned black and features the familiar three-register design, with subdials at 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock. The hour and minute hands are oversized and coated with a luminescent finish, so there's no squinting in the dark. But as this limited edition is just 100 pieces, don't ask us what it costs. You'll find out that information once you've committed to purchase. Omega "Class of '57" Railmaster Omega has been reintroduced with three of its masterpieces in the limited edition market this year. The Seamaster, Speedmaster, and Railmaster are all distinctive and desirable collectors’ pieces, which can be worn for any occasion. However, to our eye, the Railmaster exceeds its classmates in appearance. This anti-magnetic watch has a magnetic resistance of 1,000 gausses, ideal for when you're taking your steam engine out for a spin. The copper-finished movement provides the resistance, but also the charm which is complemented by a double case, stylish dial, and rugged iron look. This watch was originally released in 1957 and produced until 1963 and since then on limited edition a handful of times. This year's limited edition marks the watch's 60th anniversary, giving you yet another reason to treat yourself with the grandeur you deserve. RALF TECH WRV Diplomate 1977 Automatic Inspired by the seventies, the WRV Automatic « Diplomate » is a representative link between two periods. At once vintage and modern, its complex and stylish curves are paying tributes to the visual code from the seventies. This new version, as always produced in a Limited Edition of 77 pieces, is characterized by its black glossy dial clad with «Alpaca» indexes, an alloy of zinc, nickel and copper. So whether you're buying for yourself or someone else, this is the time to add to the 2017 limited edition timepiece collection. With several styles to suit all personalities and budgets, 2017 is the year of the limited editions. But as the name suggests, they are limited, so secure your timepiece when the ‘time’ is right. Swiss horological instruments are celebrated for their pedigree and precision and are often considered as the ultimate icon of luxury. As Germany is renowned for manufacturing the best cars, Switzerland holds all the aces for producing the best-in-class timepieces.
Handcrafted to perfection, Swiss watches always make it to the list of luxury artefact collectors. So next time you think of buying a luxury timepiece to suit your refined self, you know what will be your first choice. The History of the Swiss Watch Dated back in 1530, the first miniaturised watches were invented in Germany. At around three inches in size, they were the first watches that were minuscule and portable. However, as they were extremely expensive and rare, only nobility could own them. The Swiss watch industry was launched shortly afterwards as an influx of skilled French refugees entered Switzerland to escape religious persecution in France. This flow of clock-making workers helped transform Geneva into a city renowned for its adroit watchmaking skills. The Protestant revolution in Geneva in the 16th century outlawed dressing with jewellery, thus making way for an environment perfect for developing clocks and watches. The enamellers and goldsmiths, whose businesses were destroyed, steadily turned their expertise to watchmaking. When the regulations were relaxed at the end of the 17th century, Geneva was finally acclaimed for its watchmaking ingenuity. The Swiss watch became held in high esteem for its quality and skilled construction, as well as its beauty. The Swiss Watch The Swiss timepieces were developed in a way much different to those produced by the rest of Europe. Swiss manufacturers created a watchmaking system called etablissage, which allows watches to be developed much faster than any of their rivals. Etablissage is a process for manufacturing the watch and movement by assembling all the components following fitting, casing and inspection operations before the watch is ready for dispatch. This means that the different parts of the watch are manufactured at various locations and then assembled by the manufacturers to create the finished watch, a process that is still used by some Swiss manufacturers today. From the 1800s, Swiss manufacturers bought their manufacturing in-house, keeping production numbers high and retaining a reputation for quality. Georges-Auguste Leschot and Pierre-Frederic IngoldThe Swiss watch industry would not be where it is today without Leschot and Ingold. Georges-Auguste Leschot invented the machine to manufacture the various parts of a watch with the aim of creating interchangeable parts. Pierre-Frederic Ingold developed machinery to mass-produce watches. Many of his techniques and inventions were implemented and proved vital to the Swiss watch industry, extending its supremacy in the wristwatch industry. Contemporary Swiss Watches Swiss manufacturers continued to innovate into the 20th century, developing the first electronic quartz variations in the 1960s. Swiss law decrees that Swiss watches must meet specific standards to maintain Switzerland's pre-eminence in watch production. These standards ensure Swiss timepieces are world renown for their exceptional characteristics of reliability, robustness, mechanical complication, style and exceptional design. In the last 300 years Switzerland has given birth to innumerable exceptional and iconic collections of mechanical marvels, and will continue to do so going from strength to strength. Sincrono is proud to be able to make these rare creations easily accessible to the world through its distribution channels. It all started with a cheeky email to the UK distributor for Montres RALF TECH... by Simon F.30/11/2017 I sent such email a while ago and I asked point blank: "I have a brand new leather Ralf Tech strap that’s too small for my WRX Sunset Cruiser and was wondering if you'd like to swap it for a silicone Ralf Tech one" Not expecting to hear anything back I left it at that and carried on my daily routine, Low and behold! Within an hour I received an email back from Managing Director Cris Coppola saying “we can accommodate your request, please send me some details”. After reading that email I jumped for joy and probably high fived myself (it’s practically unheard off for anything to happen even if you went directly to the shop or manufacturers themselves let alone a cheeky email) ... So I took photos of my Ralf Tech Strap and Cris and myself started talking via email and Facebook, as it turned out the strap I had was from a WRK model and Cris knows everything about it since he has been a massive fan of Ralf Tech since the beginning and has quite a collection himself of various models throughout the range past and present, Now Sincrono Ltd are also official distributors for Gevril, GV2 and Perseo timepieces as well as accessories for the various brands, but that’s not all, my strap arrived within two days by Royal Mail first class mail. I set about changing my old strap and buckle that was currently on my WRX as it’s very simple to do (and we've probably all tried it at some point) then PING! As I've opened my buckle spring bar it shot flying across the room (I'm sure I have heard it hit a carrier bag about 8 ft away)
I got down and looked for it....well I looked for a good 30 mins on my hands and knees to no avail..... Anyway I contacted Cris asking if they sold replacement pins I could buy.... Unfortunately they didn't but recommend somewhere that did (not many companies do that either) and what size of spring bars to order. Three days later the spring bars arrived and I duly fitted them to my RALF TECH WRX giving it a totally new look, all thanks To Sincrono.co.uk as any other company would've just ignored my first Email in the first place, so a heartfelt thanks to everyone from Sincrono ltd and Cris, you've got a new customer that will come back time and time again because you replied to one random email and RALF TECH, Gevril, and Perseo wearers worldwide should hear of you!
Fans of extreme sports might also opt for action watches like the Casio G-Shock or Suunto that combine time-telling with other features, such as a stopwatch, and will add an element of glamour, although they cannot be really considered luxury offerings. Dress watches add style to functionality mutating the watch in a precious statement almost a piece of jewellery, although playing down the bling is often key to highlight elegance. Brands such Patek Philippe, A. Lange & Söhne, Jaeger-LeCoultre constitute the pinnacle of elegance, complication and technology. With an understated and elegant face,often married to a leather strap, dress watches are designed to fit neatly under a cuff. If the precious metalsare too much fuss, go for a minimalist design: think Bauhaus or 1920s California, perhaps powered by an automatic Swiss Made movement powered by your wrist. Choosing luxury timepieces Once you have narrowed it down to the style, you will need to consider your budget. There is plenty of choice in the market from few hundred pounds for quartz movements to several thousand for finely crafted automatic masterpieces of engineering and design, and everything in between. Pricing is worked out not only based on the materials used but also on how complicate the movement and the case embellishments are, how technologically advanced the construction is and the heritage of the brand. If there are 'complications' (additional functions the watch can perform), such as a chronograph to enable stopwatch functionality, the price will be higher. You might argue that our phones can do all the 'extras' these days and even tell the time, but this is not the only reason for having a watch. An ornate, unique and exclusive piece of machinery at your wrist is a statement of your passion for mechanicals, for adventure; it makes your pulse race when you look at it, it makes you feel the connection with all the other passionate connoisseurs around the world that choose that (and only that) marvel of engineering. Size, straps and bracelets
With all straps being adjustable, the size of the watch has a limited impact on wearability and comfort; however, it is worth considering scale. If you have very slim wrists, a large watch case might look out of place; conversely, a small case might look out of place on a larger wrist. Also bear in mind the shape of the case and especially the location of the crown. The strap can make a huge difference to the overall look and functionality of the timepiece, with opinion divided on the fact a metal strap looks more masculine. If you plan to use the watch doing sports is worth considering adding a NATO/ ZULU (fabric/ canvas) or Silicone (rubber) strap to your watch so versatility is increased. Considered a no-no a few years ago, nowadays buying luxury products online is commonplace. Do your research first and you will know what you are looking for when you come to buy online. With many extremely professionally looking websites available, which one you choose is down to your personal preference about aftermarket level of service (prefer brands with UK based repair laboratories, since it could be a pain to send your precious back to a manufacturer overseas) and to price. Buy from reputable retailers in the UK or EIREand consider researching their credentials in addition to those of their watches; most retailers online now offer 14 days no question asked returns, this allows you to try the watch and to see it in the metal before you make your choice. Ultimately, a watch is a personal choice and a reflection of own personality. It will make a statement about you, and people will take notice, so make sure it is saying the right thing.
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Distributor of fine timepieces and luxury accessories since 2011. RALF TECH, Strond, BVOR Perseo and more. Archives
April 2024
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