Baselworld 2012 - Pequignet Report

[hotnerd]

Last years visit to Pequignet booth was an eye opener. This year visit was even more impressive. It is amazing how a manufacturer is able to produce high caliber movements and yet keep the pricing in 5,000 Euros range.



Pequignet is a privately owned company in Morteau, France, with about 80-85 employees. It has achieved manufacturer status in a very short period of time. Manufactury produces between 4,000 to 5,000 watches annually.



I admire movements manufactured by Lange, GO, JLC, and all the independent watch makers. Caliber Royal has this symmetrical aspect, and all the complications - large day & date, power reserve, and moon phase, integrated into the initial main plate. In January, Pequignet was awarded watch of the year in Japan



This year brought new models based on Caliber Royal. First one is Royal Grand Sport, which I think is an improved design over the Rue Royal model from 2011, with a 44mm case and rhodium-plated applique Arabic numbers and moon phase.



Second model is the Paris Royal in a 41mm SS case. I consider this more of a classy dress watch even with the thickness of the case. What's unique about this model is the horizontal moon phase.





Looking into the future, 2013 will likely bring GMT complication and 2-3 years away will be a chronograph. Again, all the complications will be integrated into the main plate.

I was curious to see which model my teenage son would pick as his favorite. Ofcourse, it was the Moorea Royal Triomphe with carbon fiber dial and red gold and black titanium bezel. This model is priced higher due to the gold and other materials.

[blakey]

Looks very promising.

[v76]

Looks very nice indeed ... good to see a true "manufacture" at long last from France.

[Ernie Romers]

Thanks for the report Bhanu, I was impressed by their watches and movement myself.