Orpheus
An Elegant Reminder of Now
-
• Case: 316L brushed stainless steel (polished bezel)
• Back: Sapphire crystal encapsulating printed artwork, or exhibition (clear) back
• Diameter: 42mm (excluding crown)
• Height: 9.95mm
• Front glass: sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Hand-assembled in our Lincoln workshop
• Rigorously tested and certified on completion
• Water resistant to 5ATM (or 50 metres)
• Handmade leather strap by Tanner Bates of Devon
• Individually numbered limited-edition, numbered on caseback
-
• ETA/Unitas 6498 hand-wound
• 17 jewels
• Tolerance: to within +/- 15 seconds per day
• Regulated at assembly to within +/- 5 seconds per day
• 18,000 beats per hour
An Eternal Reminder of the Importance of Now…
From the first touch, you'll feel the weight of 300 years of watchmaking history combined with ancient Greek mythology, poured artfully into the creation of this stunning timepiece.
Inspired by the Greek legend of Orpheus and his lost love, Eurydice, the specially-designed hands bring the symbols of these two lovers, the lyre and the oakleaf, together once every hour. With each encounter, Orpheus briefly embraces his lover, only to lose her again, in an eternal reminder to live in the moment.
The Orpheus brings together the finest elements of Harold Pinchbeck watches - artistry, durability and technical excellence - to create a timepiece that will be passed down through the generations. From the subtle detailing of the dial to the intriguing design of the hands, this Swiss manual-wind movement timepiece is designed to be special. With that in mind, only 100 numbered Orpheus watches will be made, ensuring exclusivity for the discerning collector.
Beyond its physical beauty, the Orpheus is a highly tactile watch, with a weighty 42mm diameter deeply polished case, satisfying winding action, and the pleasing aroma of the handmade leather strap.
A special signed print of Toni Watts’ painting accompanies each watch, to illuminate the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. We offer the option to have a reproduction of this painting on your watch's case-back, or you can elect to have an exhibition back to display the fine Swiss movement.
The price (including 20% UK VAT) is £4.000; delivery is up to ten weeks, although we will do our best to improve on this.
With the available quantity strictly limited to 100 examples, we recommend you reserve this stunning timepiece today to avoid disappointment.
The Legend
Inspired by the dark, yet romantic, Greek myth, Toni Watts has retold this ancient Greek tale using the traditional - almost-forgotten - technique of egg tempera. As an option, her original artwork is reproduced in miniature in the case-back, protected by a sapphire crystal, and a separate, archive quality print will be delivered with your watch.
The Watch
The dial, beautifully executed with fine guilloche, carries unique detail informed by the Orpheus legend, enhanced by blued steel hands. The hand-wound movement is the Swiss made ETA/Unitas 6498, and the 42mm 316l stainless steel case is fitted with sapphire glass front and back. Your Orpheus will be hand assembled in our English workshop.
The Artwork
Orpheus nears the gate of Hades to charm the Gods of the Underworld…
Toni has re-told the intriguing story of Orpheus, the Greek hero, in this beautiful one-off piece. Painted using the medieval technique - egg tempera, as used by medieval and early Renaissance painters such as Botticelli and Duccio. Toni has also embellished and framed this beautiful picture with gold leaf on gesso.
You will receive a print of Toni’s painting on archive quality card. The print will have the same individual number as your watch, and is not available separately.
The Artist: Toni Watts
Toni Watts is a professional illuminator, artist and calligrapher. She employs techniques that date back to medieval times, and some of these are used in the painting of Orpheus that we commissioned especially for this watch. It has been a pleasure to work with Toni, and to include her traditional crafts in our new limited edition.