Montres DEWITT

DeWitt hits the iPhone

A pioneer of 21st century fine watchmaking, DeWitt launches into the interactive digital age by developing an original free-download iPhone application. The Geneva-based company thus becomes one of the world’s first watch brands to reveal itself on this revolutionary communication device.

 

 

 

This digital application will enable the 30 million iPhone and iPod Touch users to discover the eclectic and daring world of the Maison DeWitt. Available for free download from App Store, the “DeWitt” application reveals the Brand’s timepiece collections on the iPhone in a playful and interactive way.

25 models are presented in all, including watches from each DeWitt collection. On the IPhone touch screen, the user can explore the Brand universe by means of various interactive functions: a click is all it takes to present the DeWitt watch collections, to zoom in on one of the timepieces shown and to access its full set of technical specifications, while the 3D function offers a chance to explore the watch in detail. A “Store Locator” with integrated GPS function indicates the nearest point of sale as well as the best route to get there. Users can also make instant contact with representatives of the Maison DeWitt.

 

 

In a particularly original touch, the “Movies” thumbnail allows iPhone users to view short films made by the Geneva-based brand on the star models within its collection.

The regularly updated “DeWitt” application will also enable the watch brand to provide both its clients and its personnel around the world with real-time information on its product development. The implementation of this multifunctional application gives the company an opportunity to enter a constantly developing market. Since July 2007, the App Store has clocked up over one billion downloads, while the number of iPhone users continues to grow daily.

Through this initiative, DeWitt once again demonstrates its boundless creativity and its innovative spirit while reinforcing its identity as a passionately dedicated watchmaker, in a clever blend of traditional and modern elements.

 

 

Source: DeWitt

http://www.thetimetv.com

Only Watch Auction 2007 In Monaco: A Unique And Mysterious Concept By DeWitt

DeWitt and the architect Wilmotte have united their artistic and technical visions within a unique conceptual approach for Only Watch, a World First in terms of both form and content. Also intended to celebrate the brand's fifth anniversary in 2008, this unique project will only be unveiled in January of next year.


For its second participation in Only Watch, a charity auction organised by the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy, to be held in Monaco on September 19^th and 20^th, DeWitt has chosen to present a concept that is absolutely unique in several ways and a World First in terms of both form and content! "Incognito 2008", an exceptional horological creation and an authentic future time machine, has also been developed to herald the brand's fifth anniversary celebrations in 2008.

Time and Creation, mental architecture and spatial construction are united in a vision of tomorrow's world... This "machine" of future time has been devised by two exceptional friends: a talented watchmaker and a renowned architect. Jérôme De Witt and Jean-Michel Wilmotte have "merged" their thoughts to develop a Timepiece featuring a unique design and truly avant-garde Technology. Unprecedented, high-tech and extremely exclusive, this horlological objet d'art is equipped with a flying tourbillon regulator endowed with a 21-day power reserve!


Merely hinted at in September in Monaco, this unique and mysterious project will be unveiled well after the auction, in January 2008, to the delight of the collector who will be prepared to place his trust in DeWitt - only to satisfy his curiosity a few months later when he discovers a masterpiece of contemporary avant-garde Haute Horlogerie.


Conceptual daring is an integral part of daily life for DeWitt, as reflected in the innovations launched by the Brand and representing as many milestones in the recent history of the fine watchmaking avant-garde. In this respect, the mysterious timepiece created for Only Watch is no exception to this recurrent rule at DeWitt.


This incredible challenge builds upon the absolute trust that the bidder places in DeWitt and in its capacity to spring surprises through exceptional creations. On an even more fundamental level, it is part of the priority the Brand is determined to give to a heart-felt gesture that transcends any other considerations within the framework of this operation.

A star cloud to grasp the destiny of Time

In harmony with the DeWitt spirit, the Quantième Perpétuel Nebula is a stellar blend of horological complexity, poetry and originality.

 

NGC 1300 is one of the galaxies of Eridan, a planetary nebula located 85 million light years from Earth. Meanwhile, the step from astronomy to watchmaking can be measured in millimetres… This distinctive spiral-shaped galaxy has been faithfully reproduced on the silicium plate adorning the new Quantième Perpétuel watch by DeWitt, an exceptional piece of miniaturisation calling for state-of-the-art technology.

Aptly named Nebula, or star cloud, this creation vividly reflects the spirit of the Maison DeWitt through a unique aesthetic signature melding poetry and fine watchmaking; an original reinterpretation of calendar function readings, a combination of special materials. Earthly and heavenly elements meet and mingle, endowing the Quantième Perpétuel Nebula with the ability to follow the path of time and grasp its destiny with inimitable elegance.

Form and substance

Faithfully reflecting the spirit that drives the House of DeWitt, the Quantième Perpétuel Nebula stems from meticulous research affecting both its form and its substance. Powered by mechanical self-winding Calibre DW7021, this fascinating creation keeps accurate track of the passing years by displaying the date, day, month and moon phases. This talented perpetual calendar model also provides a dual time-zone indication by means of a dedicated red hand.
A masterpiece of sophisticated construction and miniaturisation, this complex model smoothly handles the vagaries of the Gregorian calendar, since the Quantième Perpétuel Nebula mechanically memorises the varying durations of each month comprising 31, 30 or 28 days. Moreover, Nebula also takes account of the leap-year cycle and the periodic occurrence of February 29th.
The intrinsic complexity of the mechanism is counter-balanced by the positioning of the subdials, a new architectural approach based on a highly original layout of the calendar information. Arranging them to form the arc of a circle both clarifies and simplifies their readability, while lending this piece a distinctive and resolutely DeWitt character.
 
How the eye runs over Time

Moving in a clockwise direction, the eye progressively runs over subdials respectively showing the day of the week, the 24-hour graduated GMT indication (coupled with a central red dual time-zone pointer), leap years, months and the day of the month coupled with the calendar display. This circular visual trajectory than merges into the vision of celestial infinity portrayed in the upper part of the dial and symbolised by a silicium plate bearing the NGC 1300 nebula, along with a day/night disc rotating against a star-studded backdrop.
The result is a poetic, dreamlike vision in keeping with the finest Brand traditions. Reflecting its innovative and iconoclastic nature, DeWitt dares to introduce all manner of material combinations into its creative approach. Nebula harmoniously associates gold, titanium and ceramics into a case topped by a notched bezel. This redesigned Brand signature remains instantly identifiable, while now featuring 12 indentations in a design that endows it with a remarkably powerful presence.

Silicium, mother-of-pearl and “Goldfluss”

The split-level dial features an upper section in silicium to depict NGC1300, while mother-of-pearl symbolises the moon and the night sky is crafted from Goldfluss. This synthetic glass, made from copper and involving a distinctive and ancient principle of firing in the kiln, was discovered in 17th century Venice and gave rise to the legendary Murano glass.
The Quanitième Perpétuel Nebula is available in two versions: a white gold case with titanium middle and ceramic inserts, or a rose and white gold case with titanium middle and ceramic inserts. The former features a grey lower dial section, while the second is anthracite. Both are adorned with the “Côtes de Genève” motif. The Quantième Perpétuel Nebula is fitted with a sapphire crystal case-back providing glimpses of the movement in operation, and is fitted with an alligator leather strap with rose or white gold folding clasp. Issued in strictly limited series, this watch is water-resistant to 30 metres.



ACADEMIA PERPETUAL CALENDAR GMT

Movement: DW 7021, self-winding mechanism
Power reserve: 42 hours
Functions: Perpetual Calendar GMT
Movement height: 3.6 mm
Movement diameter: 25.6 mm
Vibrations: 28,800 vph (vibrations per hour)
Balance: Glucydur
Balance spring: Flat
Jewels: 21 jewels
Case: White gold 750, titanium, black ceramics ; Rose and white gold 750, titanium, black ceramics
Diameter: 43 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Case-back: Sapphire
Interhorn width: 21 mm
Dial: Black or grey “Côtes de Genève” motif;  blue Silicium planetary nebula, Goldfluss moon disc  and white mother-of-pearl moon. Grey counters surrounded with rose gold or white gold.
Strap: Black alligator leather
Buckle: Folding clasp in 750 white or rose gold
Water resistance: 30 metres
Edition: Strictly limited edition

 

Source: DeWitt press release

http://www.thetimetv.com
 

Montres DeWitt S.A. reinforces its Management structure

Geneva, 26 September 2008 – Having achieved rapid and continuous growth since its launch in 2003, the Geneva-based luxury watchmaker Montres DeWitt S.A. is reinforcing its executive management, with founder  Jérôme de Witt handing over the reins as Chief Executive to Nathalie Veysset.   Madame Veysset, born in Switzerland in 1974, is an expert in corporate management who previously worked in finance, with a senior managerial post at one of the world's leading banks. This experience, acquired in a very different world from that of luxury watchmaking, helps Nathalie Veysset bring a new approach to Montres DeWitt, where she has instigated a far-reaching structural and managerial review designed to give the firm fresh impetus, while consolidating the Brand's long-term development and positioning within the luxury watchmaking industry. Since joining Montres DeWitt in April 2008, Nathalie Veysset has successfully redefined the firm's priorities, stressing the need to meet the expectations of the Brand's exclusive clientele. She has also overseen the simplification and reorganization of the company's structure, with four main priorities: •    research and development with regard to new watchmaking concepts •    consolidating the production of exclusive timepieces •    simplifying the chain of logistics •    reinforcing the commercial, marketing and communication departments The reorganization sees Jérôme de Witt retire from the company's executive management to become the Brand's Global Ambassador and concentrate on creating new, exclusive watch collections.   Source: DeWitt press release http://www.thetimetv.com

DeWitt pays tribute to Watchmaking Craftsmanship

Geneva, 6 November 2008 – Montres DeWitt is delighted to announce the inauguration of its own Museum, devoted to the history of watchmaking craftsmanship, in its new premises in Meyrin-Satigny, where the haute horlogerie firm moved at the start of the year. The new museum reflects the lifetime passion that Jérôme de Witt, the Brand's Founder and Ambassador, has always felt for mechanical watchmaking.

 

The DeWitt Museum, situated near the reception area at the entrance to the building, takes visitors on a fascinating voyage through watchmaking history. The stylish Museum, decorated in soft, warm tones, showcases one the world's largest collections of tools and machinery – over 250 items in all – retracing nearly three centuries of watchmaking craftsmanship.

 

This extraordinary ensemble was  acquired by Jérôme de Witt over a number of years, both at auction and during visits to craftsmen's workshops. The museum's exhibits range from the 17th to early 20th centuries – a period when watchmaking was carried out entirely by hand. The aesthetically displayed tools and machinery highlight Switzerland's heritage of watchmaking craftsmanship, with a step-by-step presentation of the traditional manufacturing stages (some now abandoned due to industrialization) of mechanical timepieces.

 

Jérôme de Witt, Founder

Highlights of the DeWitt Museum include escapements, rolling-mills, workbenches, and wheel-cutting machines from the 1680s – the ancestors of modern cutters. Some of the items on display, like the unique "schooling" pieces used to train apprentice watchmakers, have completely disappeared. Others recall long-forgotten watchmaking techniques: one tiny instrument, shown in one of Museum's final display cases, is so old that no Swiss watchmaking historian has been able to ascertain its original function.

 

Nathalie Veysset, CEO

Another stand-out feature of the collection is a series of guillocheuses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. DeWitt is committed to respecting watchmaking traditions, and is one of the world's few watchmaking brands to continue using these venerable work-tables to produce guilloché work in time-honoured fashion. The secret of the guilloché technique, based on the use of such machines, is known only to a handful of watchmakers, and requires intense training.

 

 

The founding value of the DeWitt approach – craftsmanship – is sublimated by the brand's commitment to novel design and technological innovation.  DeWitt is firmly rooted in the 21st century and, by designing and patenting highly sophisticated developments, continues to push back the frontiers of watchmaking. So it is only natural that the Brand's own watchmaking creations should also be displayed in the Museum, alongside the tools and machines of the past – perfectly reflecting DeWitt's intimate blend of tradition and modernity.

 

Source: DeWitt

http://www.thetimetv.com