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Firmitas, utilitas, venustas
“Firmitas, utilitas, venustas ” (Firmness, commodity, delight) is the motto of Nouvelle Chronometrie, an independent brand founded by Noritaka Sakurai.
Its first watch, called “Montre Ordinaire” (Ordinary watch) is nothing less than a tourbillon chronometer inspired by 20th century observatory chronometer watches.
The design of the case and dial is, of course, entirely inspired by Breguet.
The brand claims: “Inspired by the exterior grandeur of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s pocket watches, we aim to recreate this elegance in a 38mm wristwatch.”
The gold case measures 38 x 11 (including. crystal) x 46.3 mm.
The gold case measures 38 x 11 (including. crystal) x 46.3 mm.
The lug width is unusually large for such a case diameter: 22 mm, with a buckle width of 18 mm.
Such a ratio of case size to lug width is however reminiscent of some 1930s timepieces like the Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 96.
credit: @masahiro_kikuno, @nouvellechronometrie & Sjx (close up of the tourbillon)
Founder Noritaka Sakurai
credit: Nouvelle Chronometrie
The dial is crafted in collaboration with J.N.Shapiro.
The pinions are supplied by Luc Monnet and the rubies by Ogura Jewel Industry Co., Ltd.
Here's a diagram showing the layout of cal. NC01 A04.
credit: @masahiro_kikuno, @nouvellechronometrie & Sjx (close up of the tourbillon)
Founder Noritaka Sakurai
credit: Nouvelle Chronometrie
The dial is crafted in collaboration with J.N.Shapiro.
The pinions are supplied by Luc Monnet and the rubies by Ogura Jewel Industry Co., Ltd.
Here's a diagram showing the layout of cal. NC01 A04.
And some shots showing the refined steel tourbillon bridge.
credit: Charles-Hadrien Vinault aka @neverlatewatches (1-2 & 4), Sjx (6-7) & Nouvelle Chronometrie (view of the naked dial, naked tourbillon bridge & diagram)
The case features a Breguet-style reeded band and a convex bezel and back.
I personally love the vintage looking case shape and the wide, flat crown.
On the wrist, the watch looks wonderful, imo.
credit: @infinitydials & @nouvellechronometrie
Such a watch is very close to my ideal: a major complication—the tourbillon—which is only visible on the back, and an extremely elegant look rooted in tradition.
credit: @lelangelust & @herrmorgensonne
Here's how the Montre Ordinaire compares to the Primevère by Yosuke Sekiguchi, another watch which I love.
The Primevère doesn't feature a tourbillon but the movement architecture is simply stunning.
And just a few more photos of the Montre Ordinaire to end this post.
credit: @muna_sea (1), @kazuhiko.koyanagi & @nouvellechronometrie (2 & 6) & Sjx (3-5)
Firmitas, utilitas et venustas –Firmness, commodity, and delight: for me, the Montre Ordinaire more than fulfills its mission.
One could certainly criticize its lack of aesthetic originality, as the design is essentially borrowed from Breguet.
But what a beautiful watch!
And what a wonderful idea to revive the tradition of chronometer tourbillons.
What do you think?
Thank you for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
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Firmitas, utilitas, venustas
“ Firmitas , utilitas , venustas ” (Firmness, commodity, delight) is the motto of Nouvelle Chronometrie , an independent brand founded by Noritaka Sakurai . Its first watch , called “ Montre Ordinaire ” (Ordinary watch) is nothing less than a tourbillon c...
It's complicated
On one hand I appreciate the transparency about sourcing, at the same time the side view of the case could be more elegant. My biggest issue is the price, 30 million yens is a hefty sum that would allow one to buy tourbillon models from many other brands....
As has already happened several times for other posts,
your answer makes me realize that, most of the time, I forget to look at the prices because I rarely approach watches as a potential customer. Most of the time I look at them only as a watch enthusiast. And this watch appeals to me (including the case pro...
Really really love it
Makes me remember how nice the Breguet 7147 is, and wish that Breguet made that watch a little smaller, and with a handwind movement! Obviously this watch is on another level but just as obviously, Breguet led the way. ...
Breguet led the way indeed, and what a wonderful way!
And the “Montre Ordinaire” is a truly beautiful way to revive this tradition. Best, Emmanuel
They're very thin indeed, but they might have a stronger presence in real life than on photos...
The watch would need to be seen in person. Best, Emmanuel
It's a bit thick and looks thicker than stated, but I really like it...
...but I like Breguet. For the past many years now there seems to be too many copycat watches...but if you're going to copy, do it from the master...
Way too derivative IMO
A brand should have its own unique aesthetic, to the point that I don't need to see a logo to know whose watch it is. Voutillainen is a great example of this with dress watches. You know its a kari piece without the logo there... Some cool ideas though fo...
You have a point, of course.
Yet, I still find this watch very appealing. And I can only note that a comparable model does not exist in the Breguet catalogue, which contains only front tourbillon models (which don't appeal to me, incidentally). So, very derivative, yes indeed. But al...
I think i have to agree with your opinion.
A beautiful and very good looking watch but what lacks is a bit of a own personality imo
Yes, it looks a bit too much like a Breguet rip-off,
but a comparable model does not exist in the Breguet catalogue, which contains only front tourbillons (which don't appeal to me, incidentally). So, I'm still quite happy that this one exists. Best, Emmanuel