Nestled deep within the Vallée de Joux lies the serene village of l’Abbaye, home to family-run company Claude Meylan, whose savoir-faire and love for beautiful objects have been passed down from generation to generation.
The signature Claude Meylan watch is skeletonized and each of the brand’s timepieces features traditional and dependable Valjoux movements, all hand-engraved and housed in 18-karat gold cases. The pieces are true works of art – every element of the movement is stripped, sculpted and decorated. They make the perfect contender for anyone looking for a traditional fine timepiece watch with a uniquely modern twist.
One of their most sought-after collections is the Lionne. Named after the river that flows in front of the brand’s Ateliers, the collection encompasses a range of models, such as its latest addition – the Ondine – which was revealed just a few weeks ago during the Geneva Watch Week.
Featuring an aquatic theme, the Ondine features a case and bracelet design comprised of interconnected circles that wrap elegantly around the wrist. These circles were inspired by ripples created in water, oozing zen and tranquility. “It was a childhood memory that came to me during a walk by the lake,” explains Philippe Belais, Claude Meylan Owner and CEO.
“With a flat stone in my hand, I threw it into the water and delighted in counting the circles.”
This sense of tranquility is exactly what he was after. Rather than imagining the case first and the bracelet after, the Claude Meylan team created the case and bracelet as a unified piece, for the shapes to blend and flow harmoniously. They liked the design so much, they decided to make a matching ring, bracelet and earrings.
As an added bonus, the Ondine watch is extremely comfortable and lightweight. In fact, the open circles on its bracelet allow for air to flow through, which is exactly what we want for the hot summer days ahead!
In terms of the movement, the Ondine is a manual-wound timepiece with a 42-hour power reserve. And like any good Claude Meylan watch, the skeletonized movement is meticulously hand-engraved. “This watchmaking specialty is our expertise, and more and more of our customers are confessing their weakness for mechanical movements, for the fact that they are discovering and seeing the movement beat. Ondine adds this discreet desire for sensual, elegant curves and shapes,” continues Belais.
When we visited the brand’s booth during the Geneva Watch Week and had the pleasure of seeing the pieces in real life, we had quite some trouble putting them down and moving on to our next appointment. If only time could have stood still, just for a few more tranquil, zen moments…
