The world of luxury watches is buzzing with excitement as another Japanese independent watchmaker enters the scene, sounding the alarm with a vintage twist! Tertium Quid Watch Tokyo is here to captivate collectors with its Model R, a unique timepiece that combines tradition and innovation. But is it just another indie brand riding the wave, or does it bring something truly special to the table?
A Rising Star in the East:
The Japanese watchmaking scene has been thriving, with numerous independent brands making a splash. From Quiet Club's ingenious alarm mechanism to Otsuka Lotec's tourbillon masterpiece, these watchmakers are pushing boundaries. Tertium Quid Watch Tokyo, founded by watch enthusiasts Shun Horiuchi and Takyh Yamashina, aims to join this elite club with their Model R alarm watch.
A Brand With a Mission:
The founders' passion for watches led them to create their own brand, but it's their industry connections that give them an edge. The name Tertium Quid, meaning 'a third of something' in Latin, hints at their goal to become an essential part of a collector's journey. But what are the first and second entities? A mystery to unravel...
Model R: A Timeless Beauty:
The Model R is a stunner with its 38mm stainless steel case, polished to perfection. It features a dual crown setup, with the top crown for time-setting and the bottom for the alarm function. The sapphire crystal and see-through caseback reveal the intricate movement within. But beware, the water resistance is limited, so keep it dry!
A Dial to Die For:
The Sector-style dial is a masterpiece of balance and elegance. The silver outer ring, with its circular brushed finish, contrasts the black printed track. The black center echoes this design, creating a harmonious whole. Blued steel hands for hours, minutes, and seconds, and a polished hand for the alarm, complete the look. It's a vintage-inspired design that evokes the charm of iconic alarm watches like the JLC Memovox and Vulcain Cricket.
Vintage Movement, Modern Touches:
At the heart of the Model R is a restored and modified A. Schild AS1475 movement, a vintage manually wound mechanism. Tertium Quid enhances it with new bridges, a hammer, and a gong, ensuring optimal performance. While the specs are not groundbreaking, the movement is finished to Haute Horlogerie standards, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship. And that movement casing ring? It's actually the gong for the alarm!
Limited Edition, Exclusive Appeal:
The Model R is a rare find, with only 8 pieces crafted. Each comes with a deep blue French calfskin leather strap, meticulously detailed, and a stainless steel pin buckle. The price? A cool JPY 4,600,000 (approx. EUR 24,900 excluding VAT).
Technical Specifications:
- Case: 38mm diameter, stainless steel, polished, sapphire crystal, see-through caseback, splash-resistant with alarm off, non-water-resistant with alarm on.
- Dial: Black and silver Sector-style, circular brushing, blued steel hands, polished alarm hand, black printed track.
- Movement: Vintage AS1475, restored, manual winding, 17 jewels, 18,000vph, 40h power reserve, central hours/minutes/seconds, switchable alarm, new bridges/hammer/gong, haute horlogerie finishing.
- Strap: Deep blue French calfskin, contrasting stitching, seamless lining, stainless steel buckle.
- Availability: Limited to 8 pieces.
- Price: JPY 4,600,000 (approx. EUR 24,900) excluding VAT.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Tertium Quid Watch Tokyo's Model R a worthy addition to the world of high-end watches, or is it just another pretty face? Do you think the vintage movement and limited production justify the price tag? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a lively discussion on the future of independent watchmaking!
