Two D Loke dress chronographs .
Loke served as U . S . representative for Parmigiani Fleurier in the U . S . for more than six years .
The Concepto Cal . 8100 ( quality 1 ) decorated movement regulated by Loke to chronometer standards .
George Daniels and Don Loke
The watches took six months from design to manufacturing , and while the watch is made in Switzerland , the quality control and finishing are done in the U . S . There are twenty-five examples of the white-dial version , twentyfive examples of the white dial ( with a blue bezel ) version , and 300 examples of the blue dial version .
Although the watches are currently only available for purchase directly from Don Loke , his goal is to be in stores like Manfredi Jewels or Betteridge .
SECOND MODEL Loke is already working on his second watch model and is currently completing the prototype of a new lever escapement . At the heart of the watch will be a 100 % proprietary movement , based on Don Loke ’ s design and technical drawings – his very own invention .
Loke says he will source handmade gold dials from J . N . Shapiro in California . As a result , this will be a handmade watch made entirely in the U . S . A . Don expects to manufacture five prototypes in the first year and he will become the first American watchmaker to make his own high-end watch powered by his own movement . The aim is to present this timepiece to the
U . S . market by the end of 2020 with a price tag of $ 65,000 to $ 75,000 .
DANIELS CONNECTION The third D Loke watch model will be a model with a double pivoted and spring detente escapement — invented by Don Loke based on conversations he had with George Daniels .
Yet again , this is his invention , with designs and technical drawings built from scratch . With already twenty-five orders in the books for this upcoming watch model , the American market should see it by the second quarter of 2021 with a price tag of $ 175,000 .
Ultimately , it is Don ’ s dream to have his own watch on his wrist . Another goal of his is to bring his three children into the business . All are highly skilled engineers .
With all of these ideas and designs , including a future tourbillon piece , Loke is going to need plenty of talent and skill .
I love this spirit of entrepreneurship , and I wish Don Loke the very best and abundant success with his new company . Stay tuned for the end of the year when he unveils his new watches .
Laurent Martinez is the proprietor of Laurent Fine Watches Greenwich , Connecticut . Read more by him at blog . laurentfinewatches . com or visit his store ’ s site at www . laurentfinewatches . com
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