Elka Watch Co. Debuts "Tour des Chavannes" Series: A Nod to Neuch￢tel's Historical Tower

Elka Watch Co., a burgeoning microbrand, has successfully blended its re-established Dutch origins with Swiss horological tradition. The brand, led by Hakim El Kadiri, recently embarked on a distinctive collaboration, pairing a Neuchâtel-produced single malt whisky with a specially designed minimalist timepiece featuring an amber-toned dial. This innovative approach to watchmaking now extends to their new "Tour des Chavannes" series, which draws its inspiration directly from the city of Neuchâtel. The new collection not only marks the opening of Elka Watch Co.'s permanent boutique at 16 Rue des Chavannes but also serves as a homage to an antique landmark from the city's past.

This latest collection honors the city where Elka Watch Co. has chosen to make its home, and specifically, an ancient structure known as the Tour des Chavannes. Erected in 1285 to guard the medieval fortifications of Neuchâtel, this tower, despite its demolition in 1867, played a pivotal role in the city's civic life. It once housed a disciplinary prison and, significantly, became home to the city's first clock mechanism in 1679. By 1736, it featured a new dial with gold numerals on a black background, created by heraldist Samuel Müller. In a pioneering move for its time, Neuchâtel began distributing "mean time" from the tower as early as 1805, a significant step in standardizing civil timekeeping. The tower, eventually deemed unsanitary, was unfortunately dismantled.

The spirit of the long-lost tower lives on in Elka's new R Series. While retaining the sleek design elements of its predecessor, the S Series, the R Series introduces a newfound warmth and character. The watches feature the brand's distinctive elegantly shaped case, measuring 40.8mm in diameter and 10.8mm in thickness. Its smooth contours, angled lugs with a 46.50mm lug-to-lug distance, bowl-shaped caseback, and a domed 'chevé-style' sapphire crystal evoke the aesthetics of vintage Hesalite crystals, all while offering a water resistance of 50m. The antique influence is most apparent on the dial, which replicates engineer Henri Ladame's original hand-drawn lettering and the elongated Roman numerals from the tower's clock. This edition opts for a classic two-hand display, echoing antique clocks by omitting a second hand. Two distinct versions are available: the "Tour des Chavannes: Pierre d'Hauterive" with a domed beige dial and blackened elements, inspired by local limestone, and the more refined "Tour des Chavannes: 1736 Edition," featuring a black dial contrasted with rose gold-colored hands and numerals. Powering these exquisite timepieces is the renowned La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement. This movement, a robust alternative to the ETA 2824 and Sellita SW200, operates at 4Hz and provides a substantial 68-hour power reserve, making it ideal for weekend wear. Its Geneva stripes decoration can be admired through the sapphire caseback. The watches are completed with a choice of cognac-toned suede or black calf leather straps, secured with a steel pin buckle. These Elka Watch Co. Tour des Chavannes models are available for CHF 1,716 (excluding taxes) from the brand's website and its Neuchâtel boutique.

The Elka Watch Co.'s new "Tour des Chavannes" series is more than just a collection of watches; it is a profound testament to the enduring legacy of history and craftsmanship. By drawing inspiration from an ancient monument, the brand not only celebrates the past but also demonstrates how historical elements can be elegantly reinterpreted into contemporary design. This thoughtful integration of heritage and modern watchmaking reflects a deep respect for tradition, inspiring us to appreciate the stories embedded within the objects we cherish and to recognize the timeless beauty that emerges when innovation honors its roots.