BOUTIQUE
CHRISTOPHE CLARET
Maestro Mamba
The Maestro Mamba is a great example of how
the brand continues to break horological norms
without losing any of the brand’s technical edge.
At once scary, playful, and even a bit creepy, the
two snake-entwined timepieces exemplify the
outre’ nature of the man behind the brand. The
once and current supplier of repeating movements
for the great houses in watchmaking has gone
from a sober supplier to a horological antagonist
over the last decade, and these two watches are a
perfect examples of Claret’s playful side.
The watch’s 42 mm black PVD-treated titanium
case is capped by a voluminous sapphire crystal
dome and offers an enhanced view of the
movement. The snake’s sinuous body can be
admired from every angle.
Joining the serpents on the dial is the patented
Claret large date display at 5 o’clock, composed
of two cones – one for the tens on the upper part
and the second for the units. These perform a
semi-instantaneous jump between midnight
and twenty past midnight. Also on the dial is
Claret MEMO function appearing between 3 and
4 o’clock. The MEMO is a mechanical reminder
intended for absent-minded individuals as well as
fans of technical gadgets.
In the initial position, (when the owner must do
something) a colored stone appears at 6 o’clock
on the side face of the MEMO, like the gem set at
its top. Once the objective has been met, a simple
press on the pusher at 2 o’clock pivots the MEMO
function, which will display a diamond on its side
face at 6 o’clock to indicate the deed is done. Each
night, the MEMO will return to its initial position in
a twenty-minute process driven by a
semi-instantaneous jump system.
The highly complex Maestro watches come
in two new black PVD-treated titanium versions
respectively fitted with green Mamba and orange
Pantherophis snakeskin straps. These two
28-piece limited editions each retail at $96,000.
IW RATING
Design: 9 (out of 10)
Beautiful display of color and dimension.
Innovation: 7
Cone date, extended power reserve and the
MEMO function show technical sophistication.
Finissage: 8
Serpents hand engraved and technical finish on
inner components well executed.
Legibility: 6
Outlined black hands help view of time.
Rarity: 8
28 of each version will be made.
Value: 8
Bold collectors will appreciate the tension
between playful design and legitimate
watchmaking prowess.
Overall iW rating: 46 (out of 60)
42 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | WINTER 2019