After the success of last year's Geometry timepieces with silver and salmon dials, Schwarz Etienne has decided to inject a dash of vibrancy into its popular collection. The latest iteration, the Geometry Cherry, embraces a deep, rich cherry hue on its dial, conceived once again by watch industry design titan Eric Giroud.
Like its predecessors, this edition masterfully contrasts bold textures and intricate patterns, creating a dynamic visual rhythm that captivates the eye and challenges convention, all while embracing a playful geometric design language.
Bold New Hue
The most striking aspect of the Geometry Cherry is, undoubtedly, its dial. Crafted from 18K gold and dressed in a deep cherry red, the dial’s hand-guilloche work immediately catches the eye.
The dial is divided into quadrants, with each section boasting a different texture – fluted lines, azuré motifs and Clous de Paris – interrupted by a seemingly chopped up black minute track that has been matte sandblasted. This deconstructed design creates an ever-changing interplay with light, inviting observers to view time from a new perspective.
What truly sets the Geometry Cherry dial apart is its bold, red tone – a nod to the vibrant hues of fresh, summer cherries. This brilliant colour energises the dial, giving it a rich, warm feel that contrasts beautifully with the cooler, sober silvered tones of the rhodium-treated, lance-shaped hour and minute hands.
At 6 o’clock, the round, blackened small seconds, also sandblasted, integrates seamlessly into the dial, further emphasising the harmony inherent in Giroud’s formalist-inspired design.
Classy Calibre
Underneath the resplendent dial lies the heart of the Geometry Cherry – the ASE 200.02 calibre, Schwarz Etienne’s manufacture micro-rotor movement. The micro-rotor sits flush with the movement bridges, offering an unobstructed view of the beautifully decorated mechanics.
The main plate and bridges, made from greyed brass, feature fine sandblasted surfaces and polished bevels, while the ratchet wheel is adorned with diamond drops and snailing, and the gears are circular grained.
The rear sapphire crystal display back offers views onto this finely finished movement which is not just about looks; it also boasts an impressive 86-hour power reserve, ensuring that the watch keeps running even after being off the wrist for a few days.
Case and Comfort
Like the original Geometry models, the Cherry edition is housed in a polished stainless steel case measuring 39mm in diameter and 11mm in height. This compact size, combined with its bold dial, creates a watch that is both eye-catching and highly wearable.
To complete the look, Schwarz Etienne pairs the Geometry Cherry with a black leather strap lined with brown leather on the interior. A stainless steel folding buckle – emblazoned with the La Chaux-de-Fonds brand’s logo – adds both security and elegance.
Geometry Cherry is the first timepiece to be launched under the stewardship of new Schwarz Etienne CEO Florian Brossard, who couldn’t be happier with the result. He says: “The Geometry Cherry is a true expression of our maison's expertise and demonstrates our inventive capabilities. It represents a reinterpretation of traditional hand-guilloche techniques, all in perfect balance and harmony, with an exceptional design spearheaded by Eric Giroud.”
He adds: “The cherry-red colour is achieved through a Zapon varnishing process, ensuring a rich and lasting hue while preserving the brilliance of the various hand-guilloche zones. This treatment not only offers a remarkable aesthetic finish, but also guarantees the durability and longevity of the colour.”
The Final Word
In a what is now a pretty crowded field when it comes to haute horlogerie watches with resplendent dials, the Geometry Cherry stands out for its joyful embrace of both colour and form. Listing for CHF 21,350 including Swiss VAT, its more-than-reasonable price tag is the, er, cherry on the cake.
For more details, visit the Schwarz Etienne website.
