Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain II: Traditional Watchmaking

On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Akrivia, the atelier is presenting the Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain II, a successor to the successful timekeeper. The RRCC02 remains true to the neo-classical concept, but offers some improvements in the details. It also comes with a completely new, but familiar, movement that now offers jumping seconds. Akrivia introduces two versions: one in platinum and one in rose gold.

Case & Materials

Akrivia unveils a platinum case and a second variant in rose gold. Both measure 38 mm in diameter with a height of 8.75 mm. The construction consists of 15 parts and features a polished, cambered bezel and longer lugs. The watchmakers optimised the proportions of the RRCC02 down to the smallest detail to make its appearance more harmonious.

With the new generation, the crown is slightly larger, which allows for better grip. The protective sapphire crystal is also more domed than before. The atelier makes the cases partially with restored machines under the supervision of Jean-Pierre Hagmann, whose initials are on the case. Meanwhile, a glass on the caseback allows a view of the mechanics inside the Chronomètre Contemporain II.

Dial

The front remains true to its predecessor and features Roman numerals and the alternating ring around them. The two versions of the Akrivia Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain II each have their own matching dials. The platinum case bears a glossy black dial made of Grand Feu enamel. However, the dial lettering (numbers, scales, logos, etc.) was probably applied afterwards and not, as is typical for traditional Grand Feu enamel, applied with enamel colours and fired at high temperatures, which makes the manufacturing process considerably more complex. The applied indices and numerals here are grey, complementing the small seconds with gratté pattern and a shiny layer of enamel.

In stark contrast, Akrivia is presenting the rose gold version of the Chronomètre Contemporain II with a white dial. The latter is also made of enamel and pure white. The numerals and indices are black here, which ensures legibility. In this model, another detail is revealed at a short distance: the hands have a violet surface that is created by manual heat-treating at 800 degrees Celsius.

Movement

With its symmetrical construction, the new RRCC02 calibre is reminiscent of the movement powering the predecessor. In fact, however, it has been redesigned from the ground up and integrates new functions. The first change is the double barrel, which provides a power reserve of 82 hours. One barrel each supplies the small seconds and the regulating organs. This separation prevents the force on the balance wheel from diminishing, which should improve accuracy.

The fact that the small second needs its own energy supply is due to the integration of a jumping second. The hand jumps to the next index as in a quartz watch. In addition, the new movement offers a zero-reset that moves the second hand back to the 12 o’clock position when the crown is pulled out. The atelier crafts its mechanics by hand to the highest standards. For example, the watchmakers decorate their movement with Geneva stripes, perlage and bevelled edges. The German silver bridges also feature hand-engraved lettering.

Price & Availability of The Akrivia Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain II

The Chronomètre Contemporain II comes on a strap made of calfskin. The buckle is of case material. The founder Rexhep Rexhepi plans to produce only 50 pieces of each model. Interested parties can find out the price on request.

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