GAMBLING WITH TIME
Christophe Claret is no stranger to the world of luxury watchmaking. Regarded by peers and fans as one of the few that stand at the pinnacle of the horological arts, his pieces are always of immaculate craftsmanship adorned with precision micro engineering – to bring a dazzling array of complications to the fore.
Once again the maestro of horology outdoes expectations by presenting the stunning yet playful 21 Blackjack Watch, a delectable fusion of Christophe Claret sophistication with the thrill of the casino table. This isn’t just a watch. It’s a sweet little slice of Monte Carlo small enough to fit on your wrist. The 21 Blackjack comes complete with three games Blackjack, roulette and a dice game.
The attention to detail will certainly delight avid punters. The Blackjack game is played between the watch as the dealer, and you. Cards are randomly drawn to simulate the unpredictability and risk. Each time a card is drawn a chime rings.
What first strikes you is the variation on the dial. There are at least three dial designs to choose from. There’s the simple plain black onyx plate. Then there’s the tinted grey sapphire plated adorned with playing card motifs. Especially appealing to Asian collectors would be the third option where the tinted grey sapphire plate is adorned with a tiger instead.
There are seven windows between 3 and 9 o’clock and are the player windows. On the upper part of the dial are the three dealer windows.
There are seven windows between 3 and 9 o’clock and are the player windows. On the upper part of the dial are the three dealer windows.
We love the little things. Like how the hands are large, black PVC with synthetic ruby highlights; making them stand out on the black or grey sapphire dial face. For the Gold edition, the hands are lined with orange sapphire instead. The case is 45mm making it feel solid and durable indeed.
Look at the underside of the watch. There’s your roulette table. It spins in synch with the movement of the hand. The lucky number slot is a small emerald. The straps are black alligator completing the casino allusion.
The dice game is in a small sapphire crystal compartment located on the right side of the watch. Be awed at the intricate detail on such minuteness. Just shake it and pray for six.
This marvel of timekeeping intricacy is powered by a self-winding BLJ08 calibre movement, consisting of 501 individual parts. It incorporates twin barrels. Adorned with 40 jewels, the movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 72-hour power reserve.
A cutting edge example of haute horology and hedonism, that is well beyond a magazine writer’s salary. The only money anyone will lose here is by paying the whopping price tag.
The Christophe Claret 21 BlackJack is available in Grade 5 grey titanium, grade 5 black PVD titanium, platinum and grade 5 black PVD titanium, pink gold and grade 5 black PVD titanium, white gold and grade 5 black PVD titanium.
Each version will be limited to a maximum of 21 pieces. Price will be between $178,000 and $210,000 depending on configuration.
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