Some incredible watches from a modern day horological icon.
Baselworld 2019 is here, and for me it means one thing (kind of): The yearly chance to be captivated and inspired by the incredible watches to be found in the independents hall.
This year was definitely no exception, as for our Akrivia meeting we got to sit down with the man himself; Rexhep Rexhepi.
Akrivia's Founder Rexhep Rexhepi - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
You may remember my coverage last year of their Chronomètre Contemporain which quite literally left me speechless and drooling for around a year, well as we got to the meeting it was apparent that something quite special was waiting for us. On Rexhep's wrist was the first ever prototype of the Chronomètre Contemporain and it just so happened to be in a steel case...
The steel Chronomà ¨tre Contemporain sample found on the wrist of Rexhep - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Insanely cool, I know - Since usually this watch can only be found in platinum or rose gold. This was also a great opportunity to photograph this model again & be able to relive the excitement of last years meeting.
Now you may understand why words can't do these watches justice, so I'll leave the pictures to do the talking, here is a selection of the other incredible watches from the Akrivia collection that we were lucky enough to see.
Akrivia AK06
The first non-tourbillon watch from Akrivia, the AK06 perfectly displays all of their component finishing prowess in a pure form. The open dial layout is very inviting and allows you to explore the absolutely incredible attention to detail and skill that is at the heart of Akrivia's integrity.
With the balanced proportions of a 41mm case width & 9.9mm case thickness this actually wears quite elegantly on the wrist despite the quite aggressive design language of the case.
The AK06 featuring Hours, Minutes, Sub-Seconds and a Power Reserve display - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The open dial allows the wearer to get lost into the incredible component finishing - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Perfection no matter how close in you get - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Akrivia Tourbillon Régulateur
Hours. Minutes. Seconds. Laid out in a classic Regulator format with a large open Tourbillon at the 6 o'clock position, incredibly complicated yet deceptively simple.
The dial texture of the Tourbillon Régulateur has been painstakingly created by hand - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
This model also features an incredible symmetrical movement layout and all of the finishing traits typical of the brand - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The heat blued hands contrast beautifully against the silver details - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Simplicity taken to the next level - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Akrivia Tourbillon Barrette Miroir
The Barrette Miroir is the watch designed to push the finishing to the very limits & offer something to collectors that are looking for the very best. Just looking at the watch quickly you can get an idea for the many different processes that has gone into creating it. From the sharply cut & heat blued indexes to the black polished bridges and hand hammered dial, this was an absolutely joy to photograph and blows my mind every time I look at it...
The amazing Akrivia Tourbillon Barrette Miroir elevated the brands offerings to the next level - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Incredible finishing to be found on the Tourbillon bridge - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Yes, the case design is also as complicated as the rest of the watch... - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Just look at that heat blued index... - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain
...yes, again. A more detailed look into the famed Chronomètre Contemporain, which took the (high-end collectors) watch world by storm last year.
The Akrivia Chronomà ¨tre Contemporain with rose gold case and black grand feu enamel dial - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Incredible Anglage and Cotes De Geneve finishing to be found decorating the movement - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
And the best of the best black polishing... - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Boom. - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Hopefully these images give you a quick insight into the amazing work that Akrivia is producing. I would highly recommend checking their website out here, and if you ever get the chance make sure to handle some of these pieces in person!
