Fiona Krüger Petit Skull Baselworld 2016

It is inside the Palace where we could find one of the most charming and attractive watches unveiled during the 2016 edition of Baselworld. Fiona Krüger is back with the Petit Skull watch (petit means small in French) that can be considered at first glance like a reasonable evolution of the famous S

It is inside the Palace where  we could find one of the most charming and attractive watches unveiled during the  2016 edition of Baselworld. Fiona Krüger is back with the Petit Skull watch (petit means small in French) that can be considered at first glance like a reasonable evolution of the famous Skull. But let us make no mistake! Petit does not mean "tiny" and even less "cheap". The Petit Skull has its own identity that clearly differentiates it from the first piece from Fiona. It is the reason why we must not perceive the Petit Skull as only a smaller version of the Skull but as a different approach of the favorite theme of the young designer.


The Skull played with its shape magnified by the case size, with the relief effects on the dial and with the colors which were setting the watch in very different worlds and atmospheres. The Petit Skull displays more control, more maturity and is definitely more subtle than its predecessor. For example, the guillochage patterns which decorate the dial define its various components. These patterns provide a lot of energy and I especially love the contrast between the eyes areas and the top of the skull of the Petit Skull blue.



In fact, the dial is composed of 9 elements distributed over 3 layers. The first layer is made of the rhodium-plated hands. Fiona didn't only shorten the hands of its first watch. She redesigned them and hollowed their ends. The result is lighter and more refined. The Petit Skull has no second hand but it is hardly a concern because the openings allow the dial to see the movement running and so provides an indication that the watch is working.


The second layer brings together the six parts of the dial that define its particular shape. Two main patterns are used on the Petit Skull blue: le soleil douze division avec traits prononcés (a kind of complex sunrays effect) and écailles de poisson (fish scales). These guilloché parts are then colored with a "Royal Blue" galvanised finish. The layer also includes the teeth of the skull which are rhodiumed and beaded. I must admit that it is the blue version that attracts me the most due to its own guillochage patterns. The contrasts between the parts are clearly visible but they all stay in harmony. And in my point of view, there is no doubt:  the dial of the blue version is the most successful.



The last layer is located on the periphery of the dial. Made of shotblasted brass, the part that creates the link between the case and the dial is also finished with rhodium. It is also used to hold the black stud hour markers which give a slight feeling of relief. These markers are fundamental because due to the shape of the case, the usual markers we use to read the time are troubled. These 12 large points allow to redesign the geometry of the dial (the difference between the markers is not constant) and are essential to get an accurate time legibility. They remain discrete and are integrated with care into the design of the watch.

Further dial developments will be possible:





The openings of the dial were not done randomly and reflect the perfect harmony between the movement and the design of the Petit Skull. The right eye (on the left side of the dial) allows to observe the barrel and the mainspring while the left eye offers a view on the balance and the hairspring. That is why the watch, despite the absence of second hand remains so alive and vibrant. The nose also reveals a part of the mechanism and this effect is reinforced by the see-through effect of the movement.

The steel case is flawless and finished with care. I like the location of the crown at twelve o'clock. I find it aesthetically better integrated than on the Skull and easier to handle.

The blue version:





The movement which powers the Petit Skull is a fully skeletonized Soprod A10 whose winding mass is adapted to the decorative style of the dial. The skeletonized style of the movement makes it very pleasant to look at the back of the watch but it also helps to give more light on the dial side. The use of such a movement is for me very reassuring. This is a reliable caliber with good winding efficiency. These performances are in accordance with those of a ETA2892-A2 of which it is an alternative. Its wide diffusion will make it easily repairable in the long run.

The black version:





The test on the wrist is obviously fundamental for such a watch with a design with a lot of character. The dimensions are considerably reduced compared to the original Skull (48 x 34.5 x 9.8 mm vs 57.4 x 41.3 x 10.9 mm) and it is immediately perceptible when both watches are side by side. But  when considerated on a stand alone basis, the Petit Skull keeps a strong presence on the wrist. Let us not forget that watches with a non-round shape have a perceived size greater than their round equivalents. The position of the lugs on the caseback has several interests. It enhances the visual success of the Petit Skull since once the wrist, only the skull is visible. Then it makes the watch easy to wear for any type of wrist, big or small. Comfort is thus optimal. Finally, it allows the use of bracelets with two different widths. The first strap is positioned entirely between the lugs. Thinner, it gives to the Petit Skull a feminine touch. The second strap is wider and goes under the lugs. It is recommended for men's wrists.

The silver version:





The Petit Skull is at the end a paradoxical watch. Smaller than the Skull,  it has however a very strong character. Its subtle and refined decoration makes it, in my opinion, more successful than its predecessor. The less colorful design (because dominated by a single color) embodies a style more suitable to male wrists. This watch is without any doubt mixed while I always wonder about the Skull if it is not more dedicated to ladies despite its large size. Fiona Krüger managed to overcome the difficult task of the second watch because she succeeded in renewing her artistic approach while maintaining her style.

The Petit Skull is now available in three versions (silver - blue - black), 18 pieces per color, each version having its own decorative patterns.

Thanks a lot to Fiona Krüger for her warm welcome at Baselworld.

Pros:
+ A more refined aesthetic evolution of the Skull
+ The perfect integration of the movement in the watch design
+ The finishes of the dial manufactured by Dialtech, the company owned by Kari Voutilainen
+ The comfort on the wrist

Cons:
- The guillochage patterns are not in my opinion as successful on silver and black versions than on the blue one

This message has been edited by foversta on 2016-04-05 14:27:19