Walking to attend some cocktails at the end of Day 0, I passed by Xhevdet Rexhepi’s atelier. Out of habit, I peered into the space to look at watchmakers working. And as one of them looked up, it was Xhevdet! He recognised me and waved me in. And showed me his amazing Minute Inerte.
Live from GWD26: Hands-on with the Xhevdet Rexhepi Minute Inerte
The Xhevdet Rexhepi Minute Inerte has a retail price of CHF 89,391 inclusive of tax. The entire current production of 50 pieces in platinum is already sold out.
Hands-on Impressions: Xhevdet Rexhepi Minute Inerte
As the entire 50 piece limited edition has been sold out, I was presented with 3 pieces in the final stages of preparation for customer delivery. These had three coloured dial. The colours appeared to be a very calm pastel shade. All three are quite beautiful.
Click on the image above to see a short video showing the operations of the Minute Inerte’s complication. The watch looks like a standard HMS watch with a cut-out for the seconds sub-dial. But within holds a secret. The seconds hand completes the full circle in 58 seconds. It then stops at the sub-dial’s 12 o’clock position for 2 seconds and restarts. As it restarts, the minute hand jumps to the next minute position.
I was not allowed to photograph the movement side as the pieces already had the serial number engraved, and Xhevdet did not want to have those exposed. The photograph below, for reference, is taken from the official website.
In the flesh (or metal), so to speak, the watch looked very compact and very wearable. I did not put it on the wrist as I was presented only the watch head, without strap. Also, as these were client delivery pieces, I did not want to pre-wear a new watch. The edges of the case felt a bit sharp. Overall the watch looked and felt ultra high quality. Finissage was top level. I would broadly categorise this level of finishing as on par with the haute horlogerie examples by Independents. The movement finished as examined from the case back is absolutely stunning.
The dial looks quite pleasant, and unassuming. And until one is explained the complication, or if one is observant enough, the jumping minute and the 2 second wait of the subsidiary seconds hand goes unnoticed. Very clever complication. Executed supremely well.
The Minute Inerte’s 50 piece limited edition is completely sold out. But Xhevdet told me that he is already working on a new watch with a new movement. I asked, nay pressured him for a hint. With a glint in his eye, he said the new watch will be more complicated, and will have the signature jumping minute complication. He hopes he can complete the work in time for release in 2027. Stay tuned!
Xhevdet Rexhepi Minute Inerte Specifications
| Case | 38mm diameter * 8.5mm thick * Platinum * water resistant to 30m |
| Movement | Manual-winding * Power Reserve 69 hours * 18,000 bph * Functions: HMS * Special features – Jumping minute / seconds hand completes one revolution in 58 seconds and waits 2 seconds before moving again |
