Opening event for new Vincent Bérard atelier/office in la Chaux-de-Fonds. Modem burner warningPosted by IanS
I first visited Vincent Bérard in 2005 after hearing of his 'Quartre Saisons Carrosse' (Four Seasons), a truly sublime series of four striking carriage clocks with automates. At that time he had also developed a prototype model, complete with his own new movement, of his Luvorene 1 wrist watch and was looking for an investor to help him finance the production of the first series of watches. That appeared to be going slowly and I thought that this might be yet another promising watchmaker who came close to his goal, but was not destined to make it. And the as chance would have it, he met up with Herbert Gautschi, who was an experienced businessman with considerable experience in the luxury goods sector, and Herbert thought that the two of them together would make a good team. Herbert drew up a 15 year business plan and in late 2006 found a receptive investor in the form of the Timex Group. Now I am sure that I was not the only one who thought, 'Timex and a niche independent; what on earth are they thinking?' That and the fact that partnerships of smart businessmen and artistic watchmakers often end in tears, had me wondering if this was a brand that would make it. But a couple of years ago I paid another visit and work was progressing on the development of the Luvorene 1 and the development of the brand. And more importantly, I felt that Vincent and Herbert were getting on very well, both professionally and personally. And I am very happy to report after my recent visit during the official launch of their newly renovated atelier/offices on the edge of la Chaux-de-Fonds that the brand Vincent Bérard is looking very very healthy indeed. They are the jewel in the crown of the Timex group, and being a privately held family owned company, Timex can afford to take a longer term view to investment than the publicly listed groups.  Vincent Bérard is the white building in the center at the bottom of the fields    The spindle form in the railings can be seen throughout Vincent Bérard's work, watches and architecture.  Hostesses had ridden in to look after the guests  The weather was beautiful and guests could relax outside and enjoy the entertainmant.        Inside the 'Ali Baba' tent was . . .  The Vincent Bérard collection, including . . .  The new Luvorene Quatre Seasons  The full Quatre Seasons carriage clock collection  The intricate back of a Quatre Seasons carriage clock   Also on display were these beautiful ornately decorated limited edition pocket watches  And of course the Luvorene 1 featuring 10-day power reserve, moon phase, day of the week and a mysterious balance.  An old barn was restored and converted into the new Vincent Bérard atelier/offices and they did an absolutely superlative job.  Vincent Bérard's attention to design goes far beyond his work with timepieces.          The Luvorene 1 movement, designed, developed and manufactured by Vincent Bérard.  The view out the window looks like a painting.  This is an engine turning machine, developed by Vincent Bérard to craft the distinctive sunray guilloché pattern on the movement  Beautiful light, great views, superb watches. What more could a watchmaker want?   Elegant lines and forms where ever you look.  Vincent Bérard and Herbert Gautschi (I'll leave you to discern the artist and the businessman)  Herbert Gautschi welcomes guests and explains the history of Vincent Bérard.  Then Vincent Bérard talks about his inspiration and motivation.   And then it was time for dinner in yet another elegantly decorated tent.    For more information, please visit www.vincentberard.ch Ian Skellern Greubel Forsey forum and URWERK forum moderator www.facebook.com/underthedial twitter.com/underthedial Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/26/2009 07:06AM by IanS.
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