Its name is inspired by the excellence of the master watchmaker. Its sleek style epitomizes mechanical power. At the crossroads between aesthetics and technicality, the new Maestro showcases an original take on the horological creativity of Christophe Claret. Its glass dome provides a striking, almost dizzying view of the movement architecture and the famous Charles X bridges. Endowed with a 7-day power reserve, a cone-shaped large date display and a 3D MEMO function, Maestro asserts itself as the first Haute Complication watch by Christophe Claret at an entry level price point considering their usual prices and what haute horlogerie timepieces cost.

With a 42mm case —the smallest diameter in the Christophe Claret collections— in grade 5 titanium or 5N pink gold asserts its style with a curvex shape that accentuates its trim design. The choice of a glass dome to serve as a bezel provides a whole new perspective on the movement. The airy and graphic architecture reinforced by the inner bezel ring with its matte and polished finishing, as well as Christophe Claret’s characteristic two-tone, bi-material hands is truly striking.

The visual journey on this watch begins with the famous Charles X style stepped and skeletonized bridges that have become a signature of this manufacture through its various collections. The skeleton-working of the bridge supporting the escapement represents a clever blend of classicism and modernity that affords a chance to appreciate all its subtle features. The balance-wheel with countersunk screws has been entirely developed and produced in-house. Expressing a permanent concern for details, a natural ruby or a natural sapphire, depending on the version, adorns this assembly in order to conceal the shock-absorbing system.

The visual adventure through the intricacies of the movement continues with two series-coupled barrels ensuring optimal efficiency and majestically positioned at 12 o’clock. Here too, the bridges are skeletonized to provide an exemplary view of the blade spring of the first barrel and thus enable the wearer of the watch to gauge the state of the 7-day power reserve.

Equipped with a conical large date indicator at 5 o'clock, the Maestro delivers in the usual Christophe Claret way. Composed of two cone-shaped aluminum disks, one for the tens on the upper part and the second for the units, this patented large date display performs a semi-instantaneous jump between midnight and twenty past midnight. Lending the perfect finishing touch, its top is set with a natural ruby or a natural sapphire. To ease reading the date, the date is framed by to red posts in parallel.

As if to echo the 3D effect of this voluminous date display, another cone shape —also topped with a sapphire or ruby depending on the reference— draws the gaze to the space between 3 and 4 o’clock. Never one to stint on playful complications, Christophe Claret unveils here another brand-new function. Inspired by the expression “tie a knot in your handkerchief” to help one remember something important, MEMO is an ingenious mechanical reminder intended for absent-minded individuals as well as fans of technical gadgets. Whether it’s a cue to pay a daily compliment to a loved one, to meditate for ten minutes a day or to take a 30-minute walk, the MEMO is there to remind the wearer. Once the objective has been met, a simple press on the pusher pivots the MEMO function, which will return to its initial position each night in a twenty-minute process driven by a semi-instantaneous jump system.

In keeping with the previous Christophe Claret collections, the quest for perfection is vividly expressed through details. Hand-finished according to the noblest Haute Horlogerie traditions, the Maestro reveals a level of finishing that few watch manufacturers can claim to master, such as the stepped Charles X style bridges featuring 26 interior angles. A sapphire crystal pane fitted on the back of the watch provides a chance to admire the meticulous movement decorations. The manual wound calibre DMC16 composed of 342 parts and 33 jewels provides a power reserve of 7 days while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph.

The new Maestro is available in 5N pink gold or grade 5 titanium delivered with a black alligator strap and both watches are limited to 88 pieces each. One of those watches we can't wait to see in the metal next week at the SIHH 2017. Guys, please don't forget to download our mobile App so that you don't miss any of our updates as we report live from Geneva.

Sticker Price CHF 68,000 —approximately $67,000 USD— for titanium and CHF76,000 —approximately $75,000 USD— for pink gold. For more info on Christophe Claret click here.