Simon Brette unveils the “Rose Gold” edition of his iconic Chronomètre Artisans. This is a new edition to the watch is already pre-sold (!). But here is the release information with our commentary in italics.
New: Simon Brette Chronomètre Artisans Rose Gold Edition
The retail pricing for the Simon Brette Chronomètre Artisans Rose Gold Edition is CHF 85,000. Limited Edition of 50 pieces. Sold out. For the next release, which is the Stainless Steel Edition, to be released in December 2025, please register at the Simon Brette website.
Commentary
Another release from Simon Brette where by the time the embargo is lifted, the edition is already sold out. This was the case with the first Subscription Edition, which is understandable as this was a pre-release. But it was also the case with the titanium edition, released in December 2023. The second Titanium version was a limited edition of less than 99 pieces. We are not exactly sure how many pieces that means. And Simon offered no clarification. But that edition was also already closed and sold out by the time we received the release.
This brings us to this current novelty, which is now in Rose Gold, and limited to 50 pieces. At time of publishing, which is the time the embargo lifts, this third Rose Gold Edition is also sold out. The 50 watches in this Rose Gold Edition represents 4 years on the production schedule for full delivery. Simon also alerted us that the fourth edition will be presented in December 2025. And this will be the Chronomètre Artisans in Stainless Steel. Currently that is all we know. It will be a limited edition, but the edition size is yet unknown.
Other than the curious affair of the release being sold out prior to its public presentation, the new watch looks amazing, and though the movement remains the same as the others in the Chronomètre Artisans collection, the case material and dial is different. The first Subscription Edition had a zirconium case and a dial which looked amazing, thanks to the special techniques used to make the textured pattern which is hand engraved. The result looks like, and is called by Simon as “Dragon Scales”.
The second Titanium Edition features the same movement, but with a very different treatment to the dial plate. The dial is now in rose gold, and features engraved patches which reminds us of the patches seen on the movement plates of the Greubel Forsey Hand Made 1. Simon calls this motif “Tiger Claw” and the pattern is hand engraved, featuring a 3 dimensional texture rather than the Handmade 1’s, which are scratch marks with depth which is not dissimilar to what is achieved for Côtes Genève. Both have different aesthetics achieved through different techniques, but the overarching pattern is similar. The vibes of both these watches are also completely different.
And for this edition, which is presented in a rose gold case, the same movement is also used. The case also remains the same, except that it is now executed in rose gold.
The decoration on the dial is now called “Battle”, and at a glance, it looks very similar to the “Tiger Claw”. But on a closer examination, the “Battle” marks look irregular, like battle marks from a fight. The technique used is very similar, but executed with a different tool. For the “Tiger Claw” the tool is flat, and the one used for “Battle” is a weave. All three hand engravings are done by the artist Yasmina Anti.
The look of all three watches are completely different, each evoking a different feel and emotion. The Subscription and Titanium Editions look similar at a glance, but of course, a closer look will reveal the different treatment to the dial. And this latest version is bolder, with the strong contrast between the deep black with markers which are silvered, encased in a rose gold capsule.
And all three feature the same movement with its superbly laid out design and completed with top level haute horlogerie finishing. However, instead of the black bridges on the Subscription and the Titanium Editions, the Rose Gold Edition features a frosted gold plate. The level of finishing looks the same as with the other editions. Including the magnificent tapered conical bridge which holds the balance wheel in place.
Release information
The “Rose Gold” edition, a timepiece full of contrasts
For this edition, Simon Brette presents a piece that combines the art of watchmaking with exceptional materials in a fascinating balance between light and darkness.
The case of this rare creation is crafted in Au750 rose gold, a noble material that elegantly dialogues with the “butterfly”-shaped dovetail, the brand’s signature element made of white gold. To unify this composition, many components are also crafted in rose gold, creating a subtle and homogeneous continuity. This search for harmony continues inside, where the 5N gold bridges amplify the brilliance and depth of the movement, revealing a hypnotic mechanical ballet.
Carefully machined, the solid rose gold (5N) dial is then hand-engraved and covered with a dense black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, chosen for its great brilliance and resistance. This technical coating, similar in nature to diamonds while retaining the sparkling properties of graphite, thus brings incomparable depth and visual intensity to the black dial, in powerful contrast with the warmth of the gold components.
The captivating decoration of the dial, once again created by the artist Yasmina Anti, pays tribute to excellent craftsmanship. Named “Battle”, this three-dimensional mosaic with shimmering reflections is a prodigious fusion between the motifs of the “Dragon Scales” and “Tiger Claws” decorations of previous editions, creating a unique graphic work in relief.
The “Battle” decoration of the dial, a three-dimensional mosaic with shimmering reflections, creates a unique graphic work.
As for the minute disc, it appears encircled and is decorated with pad-printed numerals in white lacquer, creating a clear and intense contrast. The hands have been redesigned to offer optimal readability, while preserving their two-tone elegance in keeping with the other components of the timepiece. Particular care has been taken to harmoniously combine the subtle grey of the steel with a rose gold PVD finish, the thin layer of which is removed from the upper surface by block polishing, giving a refined and modern contrast.
The Chronomètre Artisans: an ode to exceptional artisanship
Since its debut, the Chronomètre Artisans timepiece – which received the 2023 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève “Horological Revelation” award with its Souscription edition – has established itself as a benchmark in fine watchmaking. Through contemporary lines inherited from the past, the distinctive design of the timepiece seeks to combine elegance and audacity. The Chronomètre Artisans reveals a unique movement with complex mechanisms and remarkable decorations made by hand, the fruit of very high-level artisanal expertise.
Each component of the watch has been meticulously orchestrated to create a play of light, contrasts and volumes. This know-how enhances the visual depth of the watch, both on the front and back of the Chronomètre Artisans, demonstrating uncompromising watchmaking mastery.
A brand between innovation, tradition, and excellent craftsmanship
Simon Brette ceaselessly pushes the boundaries of watchmaking art, combining technical innovation and aesthetic perfection. Each creation is the result of a harmonious dialogue between technicality and art, raising the bar to its highest level.
In bold contrast to the warmth of the rose gold, the dial sports a deep, intense black treatment.
Beauty is born from contrast. In the “Rose Gold” edition of the Chronomètre Artisans, the deep black of the dial highlights the brilliance of the rose gold, while the latter warms the shimmering darkness of the DLC coating. Simon Brette has created a watchmaking work where each detail magnifies the other, creating a powerful and incredible visual symphony.
An edition that is a victim of its own success
As an independent watch brand, the process of allocating watches begins before their design, well before their presentation to the public. The limited edition “Rose Gold” of the Chronomètre Artisans, which will be officially presented to the public on Monday, December 16, 2024, was a victim of its success: thus, the 50 pieces (whose production spans 4 years) found buyers among the hundreds of collectors who were able to show their interest to the brand.
However, the pieces of the next upcoming editions of the Chronomètre Artisans are still being allocated.
A limited edition of 50 pieces
The “Rose Gold” edition will ultimately be limited to 50 pieces. This decision is in line with the brand’s values of pushing excellence in all stages of manufacturing its timepieces, to produce unique, exclusive, extremely high-quality and demanding pieces. This exceptional craftsmanship thus advocates the search for perfection in limited quantities.
Chronomètre Artisans Technical Specifications
Case
Architecture
- Caseband with embedded lugs, screwed bezel and caseback
Material
- Au750 rose gold
Dimensions
- Diameter: 39.00 mm
- Height: 10.50 mm
- Total length: 45.00 mm
- Distance between lugs: 20.00 mm
Crystal
- Sapphire crystal with anti-refection treatments above and below crystal to minimise scratches.
Water resistance
- Water resistant to 30 meters
Display
Dial
- Rose gold coated with an intense black DLC treatment
- Hand-engraved, decoration named “Battle”
- Top face circular grained
- Hand polished anglage and straight grained flanks
Hands
- Two-tone stainless steel hands coated with a 5N gold PVD coating
- Mirror polished top face
- Rounded and hand polished anglage
Movement
Movement
- Manual winding: 45 rotations of crown
- Ruthenium treated
- 24 rubies
Dimensions
- Diameter: 33.30 mm
- Casing diameter: 32.70 mm
- Overall height: 7.80 mm
- Height of winding stem: 3.00 mm
- Winding stem: S1.20 mm
Balance
- Variable inertia balance with adjustment weights
- Hairspring with Breguet overcoil
- Adjustable stud holder
- Free sprung balance
- Greiner collet
- Geneva style stud
- Frequency: 18’000 a/h (2.5 Hz)
- Inertia: 40 mg/cm²
- Lift angle: 52°
Amplitude
- 0 h flat: 310°
- 24 h flat: 280°
Features
- Manual winding
- 2 barrels in parallel
- Two-position winding stem (winding and setting)
- Time setting in position 2
- 90° anchor fork
- 15 tooth escape wheel
Indications
- Central hours and minutes
- Small seconds at 9:15 o’clock
Power reserve
- 72 hours (±5 hours)
