Hands on Exploring the Complex Mechanism of the Schwarz Etienne Roswell 08

In 1902, Paul Arthur Schwarz and his wife Olga Etienne founded Schwarz Etienne. The company name combines the founders’ surnames. This family business, established in La Chaux-de-Fonds in the canton of Neuchâtel, began as a manufacturer of mechanical movements, which were subsequently housed in many watches of the time. Today, the company remains one of the renowned Swiss movement makers.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Schwarz Etienne diversified in response to the ‘quartz crisis’ that impacted the watch industry. In 1985, the company decided to return to its founding principles and focus primarily on making movements and timepieces. During this era, Schwarz Etienne developed its own brand and range of models, eventually becoming a fully-fledged Manufacturer known for its creativity, innovative spirit, and watchmaking expertise.

In 2007, Raffaello Radicchi, a local entrepreneur with a passion for watchmaking, acquired Schwarz Etienne. His arrival marked the beginning of a new era, with the company focusing on producing exceptional watches and movements.

In 2015, Schwarz Etienne launched one of its renowned collections, Roswell, featuring a partially openworked dial and a design inspired by the American Roswell UFO mystery and the legend of flying saucer sightings across the USA in the 1940s. This fictional tale served as the inspiration for the Roswell collection.

In 2018, the Roswell 08 was introduced with an updated design, showcasing a fully openworked dial and an oversized date wheel, marking a significant advancement for the collection. The company unveiled the watch in three colors, including the latest addition, the Roswell watch in blue, which was officially presented at Dubai Watch Week 2023.

The watch comes in a stainless steel case with a 45mm diameter. Its open-worked design and curved lugs offset this expanse, while its relatively low height of 12.24mm adds to its wearability. The sapphire caseback features a Schwarz Etienne logo that intriguingly disappears as you change the viewing angle.

From the side, the sharp angles of the case band are apparent, inspired by the “flying disc” associated with the American Roswell UFO mystery. The case also features rounded, dynamic curves evoking a flying saucer. The name ‘08’ references the date of the Roswell events (8 July 1947). The crown guards and lugs are mirror polished, while the case is satin finished. One of these crown guards is actually a pusher for rapid date correction.

The open-worked dial showcases the movement’s main plate and micro-rotor, finished in a striking shade of azure. Rhodium-treated elements, such as the edges of the central hour and minute hands, balance cock, and antenna-like small seconds at 11 o’clock, stand out superbly. Each Super-LumiNova-filled applied numeral also boasts a smart blue hue. The gray flange adds depth to the dial, making the applied indices appear as if they are floating.

All the components are crafted in perfectly finished steel, contrasting beautifully with the blue finishing of the movement. Notably, the star/column wheel and its levers are particularly eye-catching. The date mechanism not only boasts a beautiful design but also incorporates several innovations and features for enhanced functionality and increased reliability.

Schwarz Etienne is renowned for its ability to create movements not only for its own watches but also for other brands seeking high-quality mechanisms. For instance, Schwarz Etienne movements are utilized by the rising company Ming.

This mechanical autonomy allows Schwarz Etienne to produce interesting calibers with original designs. The ISE 101.01 caliber is a prime example. Building on the architecture of the ISE 100.00, the ISE 100.11 adopts a more contemporary aesthetic and incorporates an innovative date system. The date mechanism is fully revealed on the dial side. The column wheel and jumper arrangement provide extra room, allowing the date numerals to be displayed in a larger form.

Schwarz Etienne has inclined the date disc by 10°, thereby improving readability. Additional enhancements include a safety mechanism designed to prevent damage to the movement and a quick date correction system.

The micro-rotor enables an ultra-compact automatic winding mechanism. For maximum efficiency despite its reduced diameter, winding is bidirectional. This elegant solution allows admirers to view the caliber in all its splendor. The oscillations of the micro-rotor on the dial side add dynamism to the design. The movement beats at 21,600 VPH (3 Hz) and offers a substantial power reserve of 86 hours.

This blue Roswell 08 comes on a gray grained, hand-sewn strap with green leather lining and stainless-steel folding buckle. And as a final nod to the Roswell mystery and UFOs, the watch is delivered in a brushed steel presentation case that assumes a saucer-like form. the watch is priced at 84,900 AED.

For more information please visit Schwarz Etienne official website.