The Edouard Koehn World Heritage II, a Unusual WorldTimer with Alarm

Figuring out of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, for quite a few years now, the mannequin Edouard Koehn carries 4 distinct collections. Of express curiosity is the model launched in 2021 as part of the World Heritage line, mixing two smart issues: world time and alarm options. Whereas quite a few mechanical watches present mixtures of an alarm with a GMT or twin time presentthe fusion of alarm and world time is a rarity inside the horological world. In 2023, Edouard Koehn launched a restricted model World Heritage II sequence, sustaining the equivalent concept and underlying movement whereas offering a up to date presentation for lovers to find; we had a hands-on experience, and listed below are our impressions.

First, quite a few phrases in regards to the establish. Edouard Koehn (1839-1908) was a watchmaker and at one time the co-owner of Patek, Philippe & Cie (a specialist of world time watches…) A popularity with roots tracing once more to the nineteenth century, it resurfaced inside the modern watchmaking scene in 2020 due to Bernard F. Fleury, a seasoned veteran inside the commerce acknowledged for his work as a result of the CEO of Vulcain inside the early 2000s (a specialist of alarm watches…), the place he carried out a serious place in reviving the mannequin’s fame all through the commerce. Bernard Fleury discovered a watch bearing Edouard Koehn’s establish at an public sale; extra evaluation led to attention-grabbing discoveries, thrilling enough to influence Fleury of the establish’s potential and rights purchased in 2015. Edouard Koehn produces two collections: a updated chronograph known as Tempus and the World Heritage watches with widespread time and alarm options.

The Edouard Koehn World Heritage II sequence we check out as we communicate comprises 5 references, primarily distinguished by the colour of the dial. The model is housed in a 42mm diameter case with a primary and stylish design, nonetheless, crafted from grade 5 titanium and measures 14.5mm in peak. It choices sapphire crystal on both sides and has a water resistance guarantee of as a lot as 50 meters.

The bezel, showcasing a notable thickness, gleams with a cultured finish, harmonizing with the rest of the surfaces. The curved lugs seamlessly mix with the middle case, whereas the caseback is securely fastened by six screws. The crown positioned at 2 o’clock is adorned with the mannequin’s wind rose picture and serves the wants of winding, time setting and adjusting the world disc. At 4 o’clock, the crown, marked with a bell picture, is dedicated to setting and winding the alarm. Every crowns perform fluting for easy coping with. No matter its substantial measurement, the watch is weightless, due to utilizing sturdy however lightweight titanium, guaranteeing a comfortable carrying experience – one factor that would probably be a bit puzzling at first, as a result of the watch is significantly lighter than its measurement would permit you to consider. Using titanium contributes to optimum acoustics for the alarm carry out, highlighting the consideration given to every form and efficiency.

Whereas the case design exudes simplicity, the dial of the World Heritage II sequence unveils an interesting intricacy. Equipped in a palette of ice blue, silver, inexperienced, blue, and anthracite, each dial is constructed spherical a central disc that features a raised image of the world’s northern hemisphere. This central disc is encircled by a hoop that reveals areas representing quite a few time zones. Notably, London is highlighted by a pink triangle, denoting its mandatory GMT zone, whereas Paris presents technique to Geneva, possibly a nod to city’s heightened significance for the watchmaker.

Adjoining to the central disc with the map and time zone areas ring, which completes a full rotation in 24 hours, is a 24-hour mounted ring. The sunshine grey half represents day hours (7 to 17), whereas the black portion signifies night time time hours (18 to 6). Notably, the 12 o’clock place is marked with a photo voltaic image, symbolizing noon, whereas the 24 o’clock place incorporates a crescent, signifying midnight. One different necessary side is the coloured guilloche ring, housing the outer minutes observe and utilized hour indices. Faceted and polished indices are filled with Large-LumiNova for enhanced visibility in low-light circumstances. The 12 o’clock index is modified by a proud present of the mannequin’s metallic wind rose model, which will also be utilized, though it doesn’t illuminate at midnight.

The central alpha-type hour and minutes palms with Large-LumiNova are adjusted with the devoted crown in place 3; the stop-second carry out is a plus as a result of it permits for precise time setting. In place 2, this crown shortly adjusts the world time disc. Naturally, your time zone have to be aligned alongside along with your current hour on the 24-hour ring; then, you will get an accurate learning of hours in several areas worldwide.

Lastly, the World Heritage II outermost ring is graduated for 15-minute intervals per hour, serving the purpose of setting the alarm. To activate the alarm carry out, the crown at 4 o’clock have to be pulled to put 2. The central hand, adorned with a pink arrowhead, can then be rotated counterclockwise to set the required alarm time. Furthermore, winding the designated alarm barrel is achieved with the crown in place 1. Activating the alarm requires pulling the crown to put 2 – an environment friendly enough decision for using the watch as a wake-up title, even when it’s not primarily essentially the most smart one when the watch is worn – push the crown once more unintentionally, and also you could be in problem.

By way of the clear sapphire crystal caseback, the automated EK-MVTWTA01 calibre reveals meticulous finishes, along with perlage, Geneva stripes adorning the ball-bearing-mounted central oscillating mass, sunburst finish on the wheels and blued screws.

Developed in collaboration with Concepto, an unbiased producer renowned for crafting high-end mechanical actions in La Chaux-de-Fonds, this calibre is derived from the A. Schild AS5008 base and supplies an expansion of intriguing choices. It incorporates a double-double barrel which concurrently winds the watch and the alarm options – a typical configuration. However, what models it apart is the central computerized rotor’s capability to wind every barrels, each in its respective course. The EK-MVTWTA01 calibre boasts a 48-hour vitality reserve and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour.

To complete the ensemble, Edouard Koehn pairs the World Heritage II watches with an alligator leather-based strap (22mm), obtainable in quite a few coloration decisions to complement each dial variant, secured to the wrist by a deployment buckle that features security push buttons. Restricted to 88 watches per coloration variant, Edouard Koehn’s World Heritage II in all equity priced at CHF 8,500 – which feels pretty trustworthy for such a flowery watch with an intricate dial and a titanium case.

For additional, please go to www.edouardkoehn.com.