Joanne Ward reports on Quinting, a new collection of high-end watches which are anything but transparently obvious

The pocketwatch, the wristwatch, the electric watch, the radio-controlled watch; each stage of development has triggered unconventional thinking, encouraging  avant-garde concepts that change the way we measure time and value the skill of watchmaking.  So when we see a watch that is 100% transparent, and 100% beautiful, we know that we are in a completely new and astounding stage of horological history.

The trademark magical floating hands of a Swiss-made Quinting dial (which is seemingly transparent) is down to a series of stationary and moving sapphire discs, layered upon each other and bestowed with anti-reflective coating.  This pioneering, one-of-a-kind arrangement – the cyclone – allows for counter-balancing forces to negate the effects of gravity or harsh wrist movements; where some discs speed up, others slow down, and the forces are balanced, thanks to the ‘mysterious’ Quinting system.

The distance between each sapphire disc measures a minute 0.08 to 0.10 millimetres, the accuracy of which is paramount in ensuring that the extraordinary technology can function fully.  They are metalised and given an anti-reflection coating. The system is complex and requires extreme precision because the parallelism between each layer needs to be absolutely perfect, the distance between each sapphire measures 0,08 to 0,1 millimetres.

The concentricity of the sapphires used by Quinting is vital. So that the movement can function properly, the precision necessary is at a micron level. The optical material required for assembling the sapphires is an ultra-sophisticated tool, because to assemble a Quinting watch, 100% precision is necessary, contrary to other movements where an 80% precision is sufficient.

Using sapphire requires extreme precision because this stone, contrary to metal, is not elastic. Employing a microscope is necessary in the assembly of sapphires, especially because some of the movements consist of a superposition of 11 sapphires.This really is a quartz with a difference.

Arabesque

The choice of ladies’ chronographs from the Quinting catalogue will not disappoint; all retain an air of mystique, with their own personal flair and finishing touches.  The Arabesque – available in 18 carat pink gold or steel – can be selected with or without a 40-diamond-encrusted bezel, and features three ornamental designs of flowing lines engraved on three mobile sapphires.  These designs, originally found in Moorish or Arabic decoration, change with every passing second, minute and hour, as each of the three sapphire discs is assigned its own function.  With a choice of several straps including the usual metals, plus snake, alligator and galuchat (rough shark or ray hide), a truly graceful, attractive and feminine watch can be created.

Cyclone

Featuring the unique, patented transparent movement that Quinting is famed for, the Cyclone Q2STDC47, composed of nine parallel sapphire discs, is a classic beauty.  It is self-contained, neat and unobtrusive despite the double layer of gems surrounding its dial; 114 diamonds on the dial, and 40 on the bezel itself.  Should you feel the need to inject some colour, there are red and blue versions, offering rubies and sapphires respectively – either four or 12 – that are set within the dial’s diamond ring.  Available in stainless steel or 18 carat pink gold, this is a confident, unfussy piece that will compliment many a woman’s wardrobe.

Lady Dove

Following on from the success of the men’s Dove of Geneva, the Lady Dove is a veritable piece de resistance, resultant of a genuine thought for and consideration of feminine qualities.  Two perfectly white, engraved doves ‘fly’ within the dial space on separate sapphires, transposing for one minute every hour.  The doves in themselves are representative of a woman’s many roles in life – mother, wife, caregiver, worker – and her ability to build and promote peace in her society and life in general.  In stainless steel or gold, diamond bezel or standard, and teamed with a pure white, alligator-skin bracelet, this piece is timeless and in keeping with the values of many women today.

Art Collections

Perhaps the most creative and unusual collections in Quinting’s inventory are its Art Collections; one standard, one infused with gold.  The sheer level of workmanship and skill lovingly poured into each of these unique pieces is unfathomable, as the images enamelled onto the quasi-canvas of the sapphire are nothing short of mini-masterpieces.  There is an assurance that these dainty paintings will last forever, as the enamel is painted on sapphire – the second hardest precious stone on earth – as opposed to metal, with its unfortunate risk of oxidation.

Koi Fish

The Koi Fish depicts five specimens, in red and white, each apparently able to bequeath luck to those that bear them, with three fish on the hour sapphire and two on the minute sapphire.

Street Art

The underground art of graffiti comes alive with the Street Art pieces, such as The Bronx, with four separate scenery pieces; two fixed, one moving at hour speed and one at minute speed.

The Gold Art Collection

This collection is an elaboration on the standard, its images are enhanced with delicate gold inserts, the likes of which can be seen in the 18 carat pink gold Cherry Blossom, the delicate form of the tree and two gold birds having been brought to life from a sheet of pure gold.

Whichever design appeals to you, there is absolutely no doubt that by investing in a Quinting watch, you will become the proud owner of a lasting treasure that is sure to be a conversation-starter for years to come.