Don Loke at his
atelier
in Connecticut
the inner elapsed-time bezel – close but no chronograph.
In this case (pun intended) the chronograph is actuated by two integrated
levers that are seamlessly engineered into the profile of the case. Look
closely at the crown at the 3 o’ clock position and you can just see the seam
where case meets pusher. This clever design creates a clean and balanced
profile while disposing of the sport-watch look of a typical chronograph. Did
I say Don was a designer as well as a watchmaker?
Of course a real watchmaker will want to ensure a better-than-usual set of
components, and the D Loke Dress Chronograph exhibits this tendency.
A 43.5mm grade 5 titanium case with both brushed and polished finishes
is water resistant to 50 meters and protects a 25-jewel Concepto Cal. 8100
(quality 1) decorated movement regulated by Loke to chronometer
standards. The pure white dial is crafted in enamel with applied and faceted
blue markers and two sunken sub-dials, one for the chronograph minutes,
the other for the accumulated hours.
Look closely and you’ll notice that even the hands are custom designs with
a leading edge that forms a full tip when exactly in line with the five-minute
markers. Held in place with a superb and nicely padded navy blue alligator
strap with blue stitching, you can own one of only twenty-five of each varia-
tion for $8,750 by contacting Don Loke at [email protected] or arrange to
see one at our Leading Watch Retailer partner Armstrong Rockwell in
Hartford, Connecticut.
FALL 2019 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | 79