The young Swiss watchmaker discusses the follow-up to his award-winning debut watch that bears his name
In 2012, at only 26, Rexhep Rexhepi established his own watch workshop Akravia (Greek for 'precision') in Geneva, with a mission to produce watches in the grand tradition of Swiss watchmaking. Both watchmaker and workshop quickly gained a reputation for superlative finishing.
In 2018, Rexhepi released the first watch to bear his name, the Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain, that became one of the most talked-about new watches of the year. It would go on to be named the Best Men's Watch at GPHG 2018, the luxury watch industry's Oscars.
A classic-looking timepiece with minute, hour and second indications, its attraction lay in its simplicity and contrasting elements, from the "fascinating visual tension of the case through the interweaving of symmetrical and asymmetrical forms, as well as concave and convex details visible in the case sides and lugs" to the contemporary update of the sector dial.
Utterly beguiling with white or black grand feu enamel dial, it became one of the most coveted watches and catapulted Rexhepi's name to the upper echelons of watchmaking—all at a relatively young age of 32.
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Now 36, Rexhepi has finally released the much-anticipated follow-up to his bestselling hit, Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain II (RRCC II). At first glance, it looks similar to its predecessor. The movement, however, is completely new and equipped with two barrels. One supplies energy to the balance while the other powers the jumping seconds hand at 6 o'clock, a function that wasn't present in the first watch. The seconds hand can be reset instantaneously to zero with a simple pull of the crown.
The balance wheel features regulating screws instead of circular weights, accounting for 60 per cent more inertia and 40 per cent more torque than the first edition for a more stable timekeeping over longer periods.
The case, while maintaining its 38mm diameter, has been refined further with elongated but gracefully arched lugs modelled after mid-century gentlemen's watches by esteemed case maker Emile Vichet. The crown is slightly larger for a better grip. Available in platinum with black grand feu enamel dial or rose gold with white dial, the RRCC II is available exclusively at The Hour Glass.
See also: Girard-Perregaux Brings Back Cult Favourite '70s Watch, The Casquette
