Martin Pauli
For several years I have become fascinated by multi timezone watches. Many brands have experimented with innovative designs that deviate from their normal style. Great examples are the 3MVT-52 by B.R.M., Wristmaster by Chronoswiss and Airman 7 Plaza Mayor by Glycine. However, in my opinion the Quattro Valvole by Meccaniche Veloci is the most visually striking. Within this series, there was an exclusive special edition with a case fabricated from a Brembo carbon ceramic brake. Interestingly this unique textured material is used in Formula cars.
Steve Huyton
All of the above watches referenced are oversized and display exceptional design merit. Ultimately they were the inspiration for designing a unique multi-timezone watch. For a long time, I couldn’t picture the exact concept and didn’t want to replicate or pay homage to other brands. Then one day I had a eureka moment which combined my love for steampunk design and modern architecture. My vision was to create an XL timepiece with four vertical towers. I instantly started working on a sketch and sent it to my good friend and Swiss watchmaker Martin Pauli. Fortunately, he was very receptive and had some thoughts on how it could be feasible.
Martin Pauli
My original concept centred around a large base plate with four vertical towers. Each of these structures contains a Swiss mechanical ETA 2671 25-jewel movements with an independent crown. Effectively four timepieces are housed in one building. The name ‘Imperious’ seemed befitting because of the majestic castle-like appearance of the watch. Under the label Angular Momentum, Martin Pauli has created numerous freestyle bronze timepieces without the intervention of CNC machines. Therefore, I was confident he would rise to the challenge. Due to the ambitious nature of my design, I was fairly certain there would be compromises. However, literally within a blink of an eye, Martin had fabricated most of the components. These included a base plate, movement holders, bezels, dials (circular-grained) crowns, case back and vertical columns. This really is a testament to the enormous skill of the atelier.
Martin Pauli
From the outset, I envisioned the ‘Imperious’ fabricated out of bronze to keep with the steampunk theme. However, I also feel luxurious precious metals like gold and platinum would be very effective. What Martin has achieved is virtually an identical representation of my original sketch. The only real departure is the integrated lug system, which has been contoured to make the watch more ergonomic. By his own admission, this is the most complicated project he’s ever embarked on. Dimensionally this timepiece measures 65mm x 55m x 30mm and weighs around 350 grams. For a watch exuding these types of proportions, it does sit comfortably on the wrist.
Martin Pauli
As a perfect finale the ‘Imperious’ is presented on a brown leather strap with a complimentary solid bronze buckle.
