Indie Watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi’s First Eponymous Chronograph Is a Stunner
The new RRCHF is also one of the slimmest chronos on the market.
Rexhep Rexhepi is expanding his eponymous line-up.
The Kosovo-born independent watchmaker, who founded Akrivia in 2013 but has released three pieces under his own name over the past decade, just unveiled his first self-titled chronograph. The Rexhep Rexhepi Chronograph Flyback (RRCHF) is equipped with an entirely new in-house movement designed to “unite technical innovation with refined aesthetics,” according to the watchmaker.
At just 9.7 mm thick, the RRCHF is one of the slimmest chronographs on the market. To achieve such slender proportions, Rexhepi had to rethink the movement’s architecture. The hand-wound calibre, which features a flyback chronograph and a jumping-minute counter, was built around asymmetrical architecture that gives it that quintessentially Rexhepi feel.
The rest of the watch is equally elegant. Inspired by midcentury design, the handmade case features a double-stepped bezel and sharply bevelled lugs and pushers. The dial takes design cues from the Chronomètre Contemporain—the first eponymous watch Rexhepi released—with a layout that evokes vintage pocket watches. The focus is on the chronograph functions, with a single second hand at the centre and an outer track that marks the seconds. The hours and minutes are shown on an off-centre subdial at 12 o’clock, while the running seconds sit at 4 o’clock and the chrono’s minute counter at 7 o’clock.
Crafted in traditional grand feu enamel, the dial is adorned with smoked sapphire counters that glimpse the hand-finished movement beneath. The exhibition caseback also affords a full view of the chronograph elements. The calibre delivers an impressive 72-hour power reserve.
The RRCHF comes in two versions, both showcasing new colour combinations for the maison. One features a platinum case, a “storm blue” dial, and a light grey leather strap; the other, a rose gold case, a black dial, and a taupe leather strap.
Like all of Rexhepi’s creations, the new RRCHF won’t be easy to get your hands on. The main reason is that he makes fewer than 50 timepieces per year. It is not known how many RRCHF watches will be produced, but both versions are priced at 150,000 Swiss francs, or about US$188,000. Rexhepi rarities also sell for a premium on the secondary market, given they are in such high demand.
This story was originally published on Robb Report USA.
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