Few companies are as intertwined with French history as Chaumet. It has been the jeweler of choice of aristocrats, going all the way before the occurrence of the French revolution. Its most notable client was perhaps Napoleon I, the historical figure commissioning Chaumet to create jewels for both of his weddings as well as crowns. Soon enough, the name became among the most famous in the continent.
A few centuries later, Chaumet is still standing, treating gemstones as meticulously as one would to create sought after pieces and even lending them to timepieces that are not only furnished with a French sense of style but also with a Swiss stamp of precision and accuracy. Its Hortensia Eden collection is a testament to that: thin, stylish watches that are inspired by lush gardens but are also equipped with high precision Swiss quartz for reliable time telling.
Release Date & Price
Release date: 2018
Price: US$13,885.00
These Chaumet timepieces take after the Hortensia collection and are offered in a variety of choices, all reflecting the colors of flora and fauna. It is also embedded with precious jewels that make it more riveting and is available for personalization.
Specifications
- Diameter/Thickness: 21.50mm/7.70mm
- Glass: sapphire, anti-reflective
- Hands: leaf-shaped, gold plated
- Movement: High-precision Swiss quartz
- Function: Hour, Minute, with corrector button on caseback
- Water resistance: 30m/3 ATM
Pros
Despite being adorned with highly coveted stones, you can make the Hortensia Eden watch your own by having your pick of the colors and materials—certainly a main draw. The dial is available in lapis lazuli, green malachite, pink opal, turquoise and mother-of-pearl, plus you have the option to have a strap you prefer which can either be lizard skin or satin, available in colors green, blue, fuchsia, powder pink and orange. The watch isn’t the kind to be tainted easily by scratches, so fear not if you’re the careless kind; the dial is in sapphire glass, making it less susceptible to scratch, and is also anti-reflective to boot to ensure legibility. The vibrant colors do not dampen the elegance of the watch, especially the beautiful dial that has leaf-shaped and gold plated hands.
Cons
The fashion watch will fail to impress horology aficionados for its features despite the elegance. Hortensia Eden varieties come in quartz but will burn a hole in your pocket for their price. The timepieces aren’t versatile too; the colors are more suited for events that do not require more muted colors.
Compare With
- Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Small Model
- Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback
- Panerai Luminor Due
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quartz
Image credits: Chaumet (featured image and article image), Luel (article images)
