The traditional analog timepiece, with its hands that go round and round on a circular face divided into precise quadrants, has been relegated to the dim past by this striking abstract design from the Pierre DeRoche Haute Horlogerie manufacture.

        The watch face is divided into two sectors that suggest a resemblance to a modern residential skyscraper complex, which share the curvy-sided pool between them, finished in jet black. The steel bezel, studded with sixty-four black diamonds, totalling 1.28 carats in weight, hints at the twinkling lights of the city, which now glint and then dim as the watch face is turned. The number markers for minutes on the right and hours on the left are crafted of stainless steel plated with rhodium, that is then brushed to compliment the satin-brushed steel finish of each section. Crisp black sans-serif numerals top each marker. In the center of the pool are two circular islands. The fiery red timekeeping hands, inspired by those that adorn New York’s Empire State Building, are affixed to the left circle. Each is full retrograde, popping back to its start point automatically upon completing a designated time cycle. The single red pointer in the circle at right faithfully tracks each second as it passes. The Pierre DeRoche nameplate and Double Retrograde logo stand proudly unobstructed on the watch face, above and below the central circles.

        All this beauty is contained in a solid 316L round steel case, measuring 42.5 mm (about 1.7 inches) in diameter, and a mere 14 mm (just over one-half inch) thick. The steel has been satin-brushed for a subtle glow. On the steel back of the case is a detailed engraving showing three tall skyscraper buildings, set in a circle. Above, it reads “Skyscrapers” and below, the collection name, “GrandCliff.” The superb water-resistance of the steel and sapphire case has been proven at 10 atmospheres pressure.

        A flush-mounted nonreflective sapphire glass protects the mechanism, keeping out dust and other contaminants while facilitating quick reading of the dials and hands. While you may briefly have to learn to tell time all over again, the clarity of the face and crystal will certainly help you to do so without any eyestrain.

        The technical details of the Pierre DeRoche Grandcliff Skyscrapers watch are as solid as its steel case. The self-winding movement is constructed on the highly reliable Dubois Depraz model calibre. The balance is maintained by an elaborately engraved and precision-shaped vibrating weight. The massive stem on the right is carved with three notched rings to improve handling and turning, and trimmed between the rings in vivid red. The rich black strap in genuine hand-sewn crocodile is secured with a solid 316L steel locking clasp for comfort and a long lifetime of wearability.

        As with most Pierre DeRoche watches, the diamond-studded version of the Grandcliff Double Retrograde Skyscrapers watch has been produced in a limited edition of just twenty-one units. The diamond-free Skyscrapers model continues in production. Visit a Pierre DeRoche authorized vendor soon to obtain one for yourself or someone very special.

Pierre DeRoche Grandcliff Skyscrapers pictures