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Bichrono S3 Takes to the Asphalt

Pierre Koukjian, a well known modern painter and sculptor who also creates precious jewelry, founded deLaCour with a friend and for a dozen years developed its reputation by making prototypes, doing research work, stone-setting and creating both watches and jewelry for numerous renowned brands.

In 2003 he decided to design a watch just for himself – this watch he called the Bichrono – an innovative dual time-zone watch powered by two independent chronograph movements set in an oversized tonneau-like curved case.

The piece was so impressive that suddenly all his friends were asking him to design a watch for them, and then one famous sports person after another began ordering his watches. Many sports personalities were featured on covers of magazines wearing his watches and so the orders grew and deLaCour was formed. “The amazing thing,” says Koukjian, “is that when these personalities wear our watches and are photographed at some event or other, the watch always seems to grab the attention of the camera and become a prominent element in the photo – which obviously helps us to bring the deLaCour brand to the attention of the public.”

A niche independent brand, deLaCour gave Koukjian the flexibility to express his creative watchmaking talents. “Small brands, being what they are, cannot afford to follow the trend, they have to be a precursor, think out of the box and take the risks that bigger brands are not willing to take, which is why deLaCour is all about ´Since tomorrow´ (the brand’s strapline).”

Noted for his penchant for using new and unusual materials in the creation of his limited edition pieces, Koukjian was the first to create a dial in natural wood on a titanium base. Given his origins and his holistic approach to design, it is not surprising that many of his pieces are very tactile and richly embellished with jewels and precious metals – a painter’s intuitive approach to design.

 

The unique deLaCour Only Watch 09 Bichrono S3 asphalt graphite

“I’m sensitive to problems such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and keen to help where I can,” says Koukjian, “so when it was first mooted that we participate in Only Watch I felt that this was an important way I could help.” In order to answer the brief deLaCour has created a watch from titanium, asphalt and graphite – combining the three materials in a purely creative way. “I like working with natural and unusual materials and since graphite is found in nature and to have it crystallized is exciting although quite difficult to work with, and choosing to use asphalt is very unusual – even though it is a material which sometimes has a mind of its own, ” he laughs.

The Bichrono has been one of the best selling pieces in the deLaCour collection since the company’s inception. Thanks to its unique blend of audacious aesthetics and flamboyant innovation, the Bichrono soon made its mark in the world of watchmaking and was nominated in the best design category at the Geneva Grand Prix soon after its launch. A year later, it went on to win a Unique Design Watch of the Year award in Tokyo. The Bichrono has become one of the flagships of the deLaCour collection and is most certainly one of its most instantly recognizable creations.

Koukjian has chosen the Bichrono 3 as the basis for deLaCour’s unique Only Watch 2009.

 

The deLaCour Only Watch 09 Bichrono S3 asphalt graphite

The unique Bichro S3 asphalt graphite, is a homage to Monaco and its famous Grand Prix and carries all the recognizable features of racing cars – the trademark dual time-zone dial, with two ETA 2094 chronograph movements (allowing you to read off the two time-zone indications simultaneously), date indication and power reserve. The watch also has the famous deLaCour rounded edges, extended lugs, and framed dial – all evocative of the dashboard of a Formula 1 racing car.

The dial has been laid with asphalt so as to create the same texture as a racing track and the same feeling of speed and firmness. On the inner ring of the dial is a checkered flag decoration, that iconic symbol of Formula 1. Added to which, the numerals of the double chronograph are fluorescent – reminiscent of the glowing fluorescent instrument panels of F1 cars during nighttime races.

The case of this unique piece is in titanium with front and back sapphire crystal, the bezel is in graphite and the strap in rubber – all evocative of a truly Formula 1 environment.

 

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For more information contact:
Ita McCobb
Patrizzi & Co Auctioneers SA
Tel +41 22 318 28 38
e-mail i.mccobb@patrizziauction.com

Audrey Baylac
Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies / Monaco Yacht Show
Tel +377 93 10 41 70
e-mail audrey@monacoyachtshow.mc