In a surprise move, Tiffany & Co. introduces a new chapter in its storied watch design legacy with the launch of the Rope watch – equipped with cutting-edge solar-powered technology.
Paying homage to Jean Schlumberger’s iconic rope motif—first developed in the mid-20th century—this new jewelry watch deftly blends form and function. Offered in two versions and two sizes, the watches boast a forward-thinking sustainable power source while at the same time embracing heritage-inspired craftsmanship.
Schlumberger, one of Tiffany’s most celebrated designers, is revered for turning nature, textiles and art into opulent works of wearable art. His Rope designs, in particular, drew inspiration from the braids, tassels, and cords of his childhood in Alsace, France, where his family ran a textile business. Schlumberger transformed these motifs into luxurious gold jewelry with rope-like outlines.
Now, Tiffany & Co. extends the rope concept to its timepieces, but instead of mechanical or quartz movements, these watches are solar powered. The new movement is the result of a collaboration with Swiss movement company La Joux-Perret.
Thanks to a semi-translucent dial, either in white mother of pearl or high-gloss black, the sunlight can reach the high-precision caliber – endowing the watch with the ability to run up to eight months on a full charge. Don’t have time for a full charge, exposing the watch to sunlight for just two minutes will power the watch for 24 hours. Then, wear it outside in day light and you automatically garner more minutes and more power reserve.
Design-wise, the all-new Rope watch offers sophisticated elegance. Available in 27mm and 33mm case sizes, the Rope watch is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, with two concentric gold rope motifs – separated by a ring of round brilliant diamonds – comprising the bezel. Even the minute hand is subtly shaped in twisted gold, demonstrating Tiffany’s meticulous approach to detail.
The case back features an engraved sun symbol and a single diamond as a nod to the solar-powered engine within. The watches are offered with either a classic black alligator strap (for the black dial version) or a Tiffany Blue® — almost robin’s egg hued – alligator strap for the white mother-of-pearl dial version. The 27mm watch is set with 38 diamonds weighing 0.52 carats and retails for $16,000, while the 22 mm version is set with 39 diamonds weighing 0.9 carats and retails for $22,000.
This article was originally published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
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