Technical Restoration

I have to admit, I very rarely change my mind how I feel about something when I look at it, especially when it comes to watches I always pretty much know if I love it or hate it! Recently I had one of those moments where I was pleasantly surprised.

I had made up my mind up about the brand Wyler Geneve, thinking "Oh it's all been done before", "there is nothing original or innovative about it" "It's a transsexual watch, a cross between a Panerai and Bell & Ross I thought". Then I went to this amazing watch shop in London, which is the first to carry Wyler Geneve in the UK and actually looked at it and tried it on and I was absolutely blown away! This watch has heart, soul and innovation all wrapped up in one, which is constructed and finished like any of the finest high end cars today.

Wyler Geneve is actually an old Swiss brand that was started about 100 years ago by Mr Paul Wyler. Roughly 10 years later Wyler who partnered up with a very successful Milanese businessman Mr. Innocente Binda to promote Wylers mesaage of making watches that could worn for every day use, and because of the synergy between both these men Wyler became an Iconic brand known to every household in Mr Binda's hometown.

The innovation on Mr Wylers part was Materfull Brilliance. It wasn't until the Italian world Cup Soccer team in 1934 where Italy were really the first recipients to realize the importance of the Wyler Incaflex Watches. Incaflex was an amazing simple genius move where Mr Wyler became world renowned for, by in 1927 unveiling a balance wheel which became The Standard in the watch industry because it severely reduced the effects of shock and at the same time helped maintain and improve everyday accuracy. This was achieved by making a balance wheel out of a single metal piece which had two flexible symmetrical arms that were spiral which acted as shock absorbers and were joined at the center of the wheel. To show off how durable these watches were, a simple test was organized in 1956. Two timpieces were dropped 1,000 ft from the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, where the notary republic that was documenting this event,approved that both timepieces despite the severe landing were in perfect working condition, which proved that the Wyler Incaflex balance wheel was a clear indication of a technological breakthrough within the watch industry.

With the rebirth of the brand today the Wyler Chronograph is the latest in design, innovation and materials available in the market and still very much keeps the philosophy and integrity of what made the brand famous to begin with. Aside from the function of the hidden incaflex balance wheel the watch is much more modified with a shock absorbing function which is integrated into the watch case and makes it completely unique,iconic, and different from its predecessor. This watch case is 43.5 mm and is built like the suspension in an automobile where the watch case stands alone exposing the design and robust frame while the watch movement itself is protected inside a water resistant container made out of titanium ensuring durability and accuracy. The self winding chronograph movement can be maneuvered and adjusted by the crown that is encompassed by a rubber circle which is very reminiscent of a tire can be visibly seen through a sapphire caseback and has a a 42 hour power reserve, while the chronograph counter of hours and minutes are visibly clean,concise and well laid out. The rubber mesh strap is incredibly comfortable and well made making this an everyday watch.

I mean shit! aside from the obvious of how well put together this watch is in every way from finish to design to the composits used I would buy this watch for the packaging alone. Let me tell you I have never seen packaging like this in a watch in this price range. The Leather bound box is a beautiful caramel color that is hinged and every bit as technical as the watch, this presentation box is stitched and comes with a travel pouch and has a hidden compartment underneath to fit straps and jewelry providing swank and luxury. I mean I like the chronograph but the GMT pictured in my opinion is a much more useful complication and doesn't just serve as a visual because lets face it people more than half of you out there don't even know how it works but love the way chrono's look. So I will say looks can be quite deceiving and like anything in life and In this case Wyler its all about the subtle details that gives this brand technical restoration!

pic courtesy of www.wylergeneve.com