OCULUS BIG DATEGOLD TIE

INTRODUCTION

The innovative nature of the Oculus Big Date collection lies in the unique Valbray shutter system, named the “Oculus”.

In this second collection, the system has been re-engineered, becoming even smaller (43 mm in diameter compared to 46 mm for the previous chronograph collection) and featuring intermediate ‘exposure’ settings.

With the shutter closed, the watch displays the hours and minutes hands above the blades.At the first opening to 30o, a seconds wheel appears. At the second step at 60o, the large date is also revealed. At the third and final step at 90o, the rest of the dial emerges, featuring the hour indicators and the minute track.

A different function is thus displayed at each phase of the circular opening, with the diaphragm acting as a way of regulating the underlying dial, allowing a step-by-step reading of the time.

THE TIMEPIECE

Elegant and classic, the Oculus Big Date Gold Tie features an 18-carat satin-finish red gold case and bezel. The “rotating” effect of the Oculus system is accentuated by the engravings on the bezel, which follow the shape and position of the shutter blades. The sensual oval shape of the case is emphasized by the chamfering along the length of the graceful sides.

The complex, three-dimensional dial features two main functions: the central, circular sector, revealing the perpetual seconds wheel; and the large date, composed of two discs, positioned at the top. A reminder of the photographic inspiration is provided by the half hour indicators at “3.5” and “8.5”, in a nod to the aperture settings on a camera lens.

The watch is equipped with a Swiss automatic movement boasting 44 hours of power reserve, and comes with a black premium alligator strap. This fits snugly round the case, thanks to carefully designed metal inserts, giving absolute continuity to the watch and making it very pleasant to wear.

The timepiece has been made in an exclusive limited edition of 250 numbered pieces.

TIMEPIECE DATA SHEET

NameOculus Big Date Gold Tie

Reference VR02A

Material18 kt Red gold

316L stainless steel

CoatingBlack PVD

SizeBezel:43 mm diameter

FunctionHours, minutes / little seconds / big date

PatentDiaphragm integrated on a rotating bezel composed of 16 blades

MovementReference: V.CA1

Mechanical and automatic

Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)

25 functional jewels

44 hour power reserve

Water resistance 5 ATM

DialMultilayered

Sapphire glassNon-reflective crystal

StrapBlack alligator

Limited edition 250 numbered pieces

Retail price24’750 CHF (including VAT)

KEY BRAND DATA

History

2009 The brand is founded in Switzerland by Mr de Valbray (Micromechanical Engineer) and Mrs Corsini-de Valbray (Designer), and belongs to the de Valbray family.

Both the creators bring to bear their previous experience in leading luxury brands (Cartier, Bulgari, Chaumet)

10-11The brand is launched in Geneva at the Geneva Time Exhibition watchmaking fairand in Basel, at Baselworld. First commercial release of the Oculus Chrono collection.

2013 Opening of the brand’s own factory in Romanel-sur-Morges, Switzerland.

Valbray creates 300-350 luxury handcrafted watches per year – all designed, manufactured and assembled in-house, to ensure full control of skills and product excellence. Every timepiece is part of a limited, numbered edition – from 25 to a maximum of 500 worldwide, depending on the model.

Inspiration

Analog cameras form the inspiration for the brand. The key values are: Interaction, Ergonomics, Precision, Technique and Design – common to the worlds of photography and watchmaking alike.

Valbray aims to offer more than a mere indicator of time, by creating a unique and intimate mechanical instrument that is synonymous with unforgettable memories, just as a camera is.

Innovation & Know-how

The complexity of Valbray timepieces is built around the delicate and innovative engineering of the Oculus system. Patented in 2010, it took more than two years of research and development to be finalized, and is an outstanding example of contemporary micromechanics applied to watchmaking.

A number of features embody the technical prowess of the system:

  • Miniaturization: composed of more than 50 pieces to guide the 16 ultrathin blades, and integrated on a bezel just 46 mm in diameter (43mm on the Big Date collection) and 7 mm wide.
  • The special metal used for the blades combines three crucial characteristics: strength, flexibility and thinness. The balance required between these three features makes the development of the blades extremely exacting.
  • The strong, specific coating: the 16 moving blades constantly slide over each other, without scratching. In addition, Valbray has developed a paint system made from carbon and ceramic powders that is strong enough to withstand a large number of cycles, remaining unscathed after 10,000 rotations.
  • The high degree of craftsmanship required to assemble the system: the 16 blades are carefully selected to be absolutely uniform, and adjusted one by one in the bezel with precision to within one hundredth of a millimeter. This extreme thinness cannot be handled manually; instead, operators work on these parts using tweezers.The assembly work is performed in a clean room with controlled atmosphere: the presence of even the smallest specks of dust would prevent the diaphragm from opening and closing, and eventually cause scratches.

INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM

Partnership

Premium German luxury camera brand Leica Camera AGasked Valbray to create 100 customized watches for the one hundredth anniversary of Leica Camera (2014), to be distributed in their 50 stores worldwide.

Retailers

Today, Valbray is represented in multi-brand luxury watch stores.

In Europe:

  • France (Chronopassion and Colette in Paris, Temps&Passion in Monaco)
  • Switzerland (Ouranos in Lausanne)
  • Italy (Cristilli in Rome and Luisa Via Roma in Florence)
  • In Northern Europe (Trends and Traditions distribution)

In Central Europe and the Middle East:

  • Turkey (Adasaat group)
  • Doha (Albidaa House of Jewellery)
  • Dubai et Abu Dhabi (Inspiration Gallery)

America:

  • USA (Martin Pulli in Philadelphia and Chatterley Luxuries in Arizona)
  • South America (Joia Latam group and Joyeria Mara in Maracaibo)

Asia:

  • Japan (Noble Styling in Tokyo)
  • China (9Maiali in Hong Kong)
  • Indonesia (FF Luxury Watch in Jakarta)
  • Thailand (STL group in Bangkok)

BIOGRAPHY OF THE CREATORS

Côme de Valbray

Born in Paris, France, in 1980. From a very early age, Côme was particularly intrigued by mechanical objects, cars and planes. He got his first analog camera from his grandfather when he was eight years old – the start of a keen interest in photography.

Following his scientific baccalaureate in Paris, he moved to Switzerland to undertake his engineering studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, from which he graduated with a major in Microtechnology.

His interest in designing high-quality timepieces stemmed from the influence and experience he gained with his first employer, Cartier Horlogerie. During this period, he analyzed all the processes of watch manufacturing and came up with a new way of organizing production.

At the end of his mission, he decided to move to the United States to develop his entrepreneurial skills at Harvard University, where he started to shape his dream: offering his creativity and his vision of Horology through his own brand.

On his return to Switzerland, his meeting with Olga Corsini led to the beginning of a new story: the Valbray brand.

Olga Corsini

Born in Florence, Italy, in 1979. Ever since childhood, Olga has had a bent for creativity and design.

Following a baccalaureate in literature with a major in jewelry design at the European Institute of Design in Milan, she focused her interest on high-end handicraft and its industrial application.

Her keen interest in jewelry led her to join the creative department of Bulgari in Rome, where she started her career in high-end luxury products.

After several years spent in Rome, she moved to Florence to work for Gucci within the creative department of the jewelry division.

In 2007, she was approached by Chaumet (LVMH) to work in the luxury brand’s exclusive Jewelry and Horology creative studio, in Paris. During this experience, she created an array of unique pieces and worked on the majority of the brand’s best-selling items.

Her meeting with Côme de Valbray led to the start of a new story: the Valbray brand.

For more information, please contact :
Olga Corsini / / Tel.: + 41(0)21 869 75 17 Valbray, Z.I. Moulin du Choc D, 1122 Romanel sur Morges, Switzerland