Independents

PuristSPro BaselWorld 2011: Live Reporting - Alain Silberstein

 

PuristSPro BaselWorld 2011 Live Reporting by Z3

 

Alain Silberstein

 

In the sun-filled halls of the "Palace" - a tent-like structure set up outside the main hall that feature some of the most sought after small and independent companies such as Christophe Claret, MB&F and De Bethune, I find the colorful booth of Mr. Alain Silberstein.

 

 

The window display features some of the prominent pieces that he produced over the years, starting with the Tourbillon on the top left corner, based on the same tourbillon movement used by Breguet.

 

The major recent attraction is the "Steampunk Ikrono", which is originally designed with bikers in mind. The watch is made of PVD'd titanium case to achieve a bronze color. The back case can be easily removed by the accompanying screw-driver, to fit the watch on the bike.

Featuring chronograph, and day date (day of the week is displayed by his playful "Smileday"). Chronograph pushers are on the left hand side to allow easy operation while riding the bike. The second hand is located at 3'O clock.

Furthermore, the yellow portion on the chrono second hand allows one to read up to 2/10th of the second. As the second hand ticks 5 times per second, to figure out the fraction of the second, one just needs to see which of the 5 yellow markers (0,2,4,6, or 8), lines up perfectly with the white second marker. So when the chronograph stops and "6" yellow marker lines up perfectly with a white second marker, then it means it is 6/10th of a second. Simple yet ingenious design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another iteration in black PVD

 

 

 

 

 

The same PVD treatment is also done in some other models

 

Next is a Monopusher chronograph. The sides of the case feature high polished titanium bars that are bent (very hard to produce)

The richness of the color is inspired by a painting by Henri Matisse

 

It is surprisingly comfortable on the wrist, because of the bent titanium bars.

 

The minute hand is purposely made to extend all the way back. I commented on the possible confusion this design might result - yet Mr. Silberstein has already thought about that. So in a different watch, he painted the rear part of the long minute hand black, to increase readability

 

 

Marine SmileDay. Titanum PVD. The crown is not a screwed down crown like most other diver watches, yet it is water resistant to 200 meters.

 

 

 

As Mr. Silberstein is disassembling the case for the Steampunk, I noticed a fantastic tourbillon on his wrist with unusual magnifying glasses!

 

 

Having a constant focus on readability, he's testing out the effect of magnifier on dial readability. The effect, according to him, is superb.

 

As Mr. Silberstein is disassembling the case, I noticed a fantastic tourbillon on his wrist with unusual magnifying glasses!

 

 

You can enjoy the intricacies of the tourbillon in better detail.

 

 

 

Although not exactly new, some of the rare tourbillons from his Tourbillon D'art collection. The Mango and the Camouflage - a symphony of modern artistic design, traditional watch-making, and a youthful spirit!

 

 

The movements in 18K yellow gold.

 

 

A new tourbillon with his new 5 day power reserve, retrograde day display.

 

 

Check out the high polish on the tourbillon bridge.

 

This is piece with hundreds of dots on the case, all hand made, showing varying degrees of white, black and gray

 

A chronograph with the same lacquer case as the Camouflage tourbillon

 

In fact, he can make any pattern that you wish.

 

Thank you Mr. Silberstein, for a tour of a set of dazzling and inspiring designs and colors. You are always a refreshingly playful force in the often serious watch world.

 

 

Hope you have enjoyed the post.

 

Yours Truly,

Jon (Z3)

 

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2011-03-26 10:28:18