Two years ago SevenFriday burst onto the watch scene with their innovative range of watches. These fantastic timepieces offered the consumer the essence of haute horlogerie at affordable prices. They also successfully exploited an untapped area of the market. Recently other brands have followed suit and produced some attractive watches with multi-layered dials. In my opinion Égard (Passages), Ancon (X-35 Concept) and Dietrich 1969 (Organic Time Companion model A) have produced the most effective designs.
Dietrich 1969 is the brainchild of Emmanuel Dietrich and is situated in the picturesque location of Zug, Switzerland. Although it is pertinent to mention that all their timepieces are manufactured in China. Over the last twenty years Emmanuel has designed watches for many renowned watchmakers including Hermes, Technomarine, Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein. Subsequently his passion for horology stimulated him to establish his own brand in 2009. After three years of research and development he was able to launch his first exciting model called the Organic Time Companion Model. In one of the three articles I wrote about Baselworld 2014, I included this watch as one of my highlights.
Out of the three model versions released this year, my favourite is the Organic Time Companion Model A. So far this watch has had a very limited release and isn’t available to purchase in many retail outlets. Even though I have had many conversations with personnel at Dietrich 1969 I am still unsure about their current marketing strategy. Nevertheless it is a very stylish watch that should appeal to a large variety of buyers. Dimensionally the timepiece is a similar size to the SevenFriday P1 measuring 48mm x 46mm x 13.7mm. For that reason I suspect it would be fairly comfortable and lightweight to wear. Primarily that is down to the elegant hexagonal shape case and choice of 316L stainless steel in production.
Visually the Organic Time Companion Model A has a really high quality appearance normally only found in much more expensive timepieces. What makes this watch so enticing is the wonderful multi-layered dial. This characteristic not only looks really cool but also offers the recipient an intimate view of the mechanical movement. I love the vibrant green hour and minute hands, which add an injection of colour into the composition. Other fine details include two open worked revolving stars displaying the small seconds and 24-hour feature. The watch also has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal lens and luminescent ‘Superluminova’ coating on the indexes. Overall the design is very accomplished and the level of finishing is first rate.
To power the watch, Emmanuel Dietrich has opted to use a Japanese Myota 82-S-7 Caliber. This modified mechanism comprises 21-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. There is no denying this is a reliable movement but at a price of over $1,400, I would have definitely expected a Swiss alternative. Functionally the Organic Time Companion Model A features hours, minutes, small seconds and 24-hour indication. The watch also is water resistant to a depth of 50 metres.
The Organic Time Companion Model A has a high quality leather band and additional Nato style double layer Nylon strap. Priced at: 1,255 CHF (approximately $1,404).
