Origins of Ataelier Haute Complication
Vladimir Victor Négault, a highly talented watchmaker, spent 14 years at F.P. Journe, contributing to the design and development of complex timepieces. In 2018, he founded Ataelier Haute Complication in Geneva, focusing on innovative, high-complication watches. His debut creation, the Dual Time, garnered widespread acclaim for its distinctive design and exceptional craftsmanship.
Négault’s watchmaking philosophy, influenced by F.P. Journe, emphasizes a balance between technical innovation and aesthetic design. His brand is dedicated to crafting unique timepieces, each embodying the essence of handcrafted artistry and an uncompromising pursuit of detail.
Innovative Design of the Dual Time
The Ataelier Haute Complication Dual Time is a dual-time-zone watch designed for travelers, breaking free from the limitations of traditional GMT watches. Its key features include:
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Dual Time Display: Unlike the conventional 24-hour GMT format, the watch uses a 12-hour display. The dial is divided into two sections: an offset local time display and a home time display with a day-night indicator for quick time recognition.
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Day-Night Indicator: Above the home time display, an arched window features a day-night indicator. A sun symbol represents daytime (6:00 to 18:00), while a moon symbol indicates nighttime (18:00 to 6:00), offering intuitive functionality.
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Refined Craftsmanship: The watch features a 41mm stainless steel case, just 9mm thick, ensuring comfort. The two-tone dial, accented with blue numerals and day-night indicators, adds visual depth.
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In-House Movement: The Dual Time is powered by Négault’s in-house Calibre Architecture Mécanique N°1, a hand-wound movement with a 21,600 vph frequency and a 42-45 hour power reserve. Crafted from German silver, the movement is hand-polished and decorated, showcasing the pinnacle of watchmaking artistry.
Unique Inspiration for the China Edition: Ru Ware Porcelain
The Ataelier Haute Complication Dual Time China Edition draws inspiration from Chinese Ru ware porcelain, one of the five famous kilns of the Song Dynasty, renowned for its celadon glaze and delicate texture. This glaze, a soft blue-green reminiscent of a clear sky after rain, is celebrated as “the azure of a rain-washed sky.” The rarity and artistic value of Ru ware make it a treasure of Chinese traditional craftsmanship.
Limited to just 8 pieces, the China Edition features a dial with a celadon-inspired color scheme, mimicking the texture of Ru ware glaze. This design not only showcases the allure of Chinese heritage but also imbues the watch with a distinctive Eastern charm, setting it apart in the global watchmaking market.
Special Edition and Charitable Endeavors
Ataelier Haute Complication extends its influence beyond limited editions through charitable initiatives. On November 11, 2024, a one-of-a-kind Dual Time watch was sold at Christie’s for 47,880 CHF. This stainless steel dual-time-zone watch, model Architecture Mécanique No. 1, was crafted for the ELA 2024 charity event and marked the brand’s first charitable timepiece.
Designed by Négault, whose 14 years at F.P. Journe shaped his expertise, this charitable watch not only raised funds for ELA but also significantly boosted Ataelier Haute Complication’s recognition among global collectors.
Pursuit of Handcrafted Excellence
As an independent watchmaking brand, every Ataelier Haute Complication timepiece is handcrafted by Négault and his team. Each movement component is meticulously finished and assembled to ensure the highest quality and precision. Négault’s experience at F.P. Journe enables him to seamlessly blend complex functionality with elegant design, creating watches that are both practical and beautiful.
The Dual Time movement comprises 187 components, including 28 ruby bearings, with a compact and efficient design. The movement features sandblasted surfaces and hand-chamfered edges, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, allowing wearers to admire its exquisite craftsmanship. This attention to detail transforms each watch into a work of art.
Market Reception and Limited Editions
Since its debut in 2022, the Ataelier Haute Complication Dual Time has become a star in the independent watchmaking world. The regular edition, limited to 99 pieces, sold out in just 6 days, reflecting the market’s strong endorsement of Négault’s work. In 2024, the brand introduced a 29-piece platinum edition, priced at 29,000 CHF, featuring a deep blue dial and champagne-colored lettering to cater to collectors’ demands.
The China Edition further enhances Ataelier Haute Complication’s presence in the Chinese market. Limited to 8 pieces, it underscores the watch’s rarity and collectible value.
Fusion of Chinese and Western Cultures
The launch of the Ataelier Haute Complication Dual Time China Edition marks a milestone in the collaboration between Independent Watcher and Négault. By drawing inspiration from Ru ware porcelain, this watch integrates Chinese traditional aesthetics with Swiss high-end watchmaking, showcasing the boundless possibilities of cultural fusion. From both technical innovation and design aesthetics, this timepiece represents the pinnacle of independent watchmaking.
The unique watch auctioned at Christie’s further underscores the brand’s influence. Crafted for ELA 2024, it not only highlights Négault’s technical prowess but also conveys social value through charity. This blend of culture and philanthropy has earned Ataelier Haute Complication a unique place in the hearts of global watch enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Ataelier Haute Complication Dual Time China Edition is a timepiece that combines creativity and cultural depth. Through this creation, Vladimir Victor Négault demonstrates his extraordinary talent in watchmaking, while Independent Watcher’s support paves the way for its entry into the Chinese market. The one-of-a-kind watch auctioned at Christie’s adds a charitable halo to the brand. We look forward to this timepiece delighting more watch enthusiasts and anticipate more exciting creations from Ataelier Haute Complication.
Specifications
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Case Material: 316L stainless steel, 41mm diameter, 9mm thick, 20mm lug width
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Movement: Calibre Architecture Mécanique N°1, hand-wound, 21,600 vph
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Power Reserve: 42-45 hours
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Dial: Celadon tone, day-night indicator
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Functions: Hours, minutes, second time zone, day-night indicator
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Limited Edition: 8 pieces
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Water Resistance: 50 meters