Christophe Claret Kantharos Chronograph BaselWorld 2013

BaselWorld 2013 : Christophe Claret

This year Christophe Claret presented the new chronograph with constant force escapement the Kantharos.

What, you say, a Christophe Claret without a tourbillon? 
Well yes and why not?

We all know that Mr. Claret can make tourbillons, he doesn't need to prove it any longer.  As a means of improving the chronometric capabilities of a timekeeper the constant force escapement is arguably a better means of improvement than the tourbillon ever could be.  The constant force mechanism is placed under a sapphire bridge where it can be seen and studied under the dial between the chrono subdials. 

The Kantharos is a monopusher chrono with a gong that sounds at each activation of the pusher.  The movement of the hammer can also be seen in a window in the dial.  Of course the marketing refers to the sounding of a gong or the shot of the starting gun at the beginning of a sporting event to justify this complication.  Of course at the level of volume of the gong in a wristwatch this is really streaching the comparison, but why not.  Let's say that the volume is not enough that it could bother anyone.

The Kantharos has a bi-metal case, the main case band is titanium while the back and bezel are in either white or red gold.  This makes the watch relatively light and effectively helps in reducing the price.

See this Christophe Claret press release posted by Kong for more info on how the constant force mechanism works.

I also saw again the new models from last year, the Soprano and the X-trem-1.
Somehow I missed the Soprano last year or at least I didn't realise it.  I would say it is the most spectacular minute repeater that I know.  It has an amaising depth and design clarity.  The tourbillon with the going train is seen on the dial side held as it is by 3 cocks.  It shares the space with the hammers and speed regulator for the minute repetition function.  The rest of the repetition mechanism can be seen from the back of the movement.

This message has been edited by DonCorson on 2013-05-26 03:35:59