A limited-edition timepiece inspired by maritime races.
Three years in the making, the new Méraud Antigua watch is a limited-edition timepiece that celebrates the past in more ways than one. Stijn Busschaert, founder and designer of Méraud Watch Co., had the idea to create a manual chronograph in 2019. The quest to find the movement took two years. “Any watch collector knows about the thrill of the chase,” says Busschaert. “This watch represents a historical movement in the watch world, as well as my connection to the coast and eternal love for the open sea,” he adds.
Inspired by vintage chronograph designs, Antigua revives the 1960s Landeron 248 caliber movement. The watch also references classic regatta races, with the name referring to the Antigua Classic Regatta in the Caribbean. Apart from the name, the timepiece also features a maritime-inspired detail. The subdial at the 3 o’clock mark references yacht timers which crews used to count down to the start of races. Elegant and slim, the watch blends vintage design cues with modern detailing and innovative features.
Elegant details and splashes of color.
The two-layer dial features both a classic stepped design and contemporary subdials. A tachymeter with Art Deco numerals adds another stylish touch. The dial also features dauphine hands and an orange seconds hand. All three come with a Swiss Super-LumiNova® coating. The refined case measures 39mm and 40mm at the bezel, and features both high-polished and brushed finishes. Other case details include drilled lug holes, a dodecagonal caseback, and refined lug chamfers. Both the front and back crystals are sapphire with a double anti-reflective coating
Each Antigua watch comes with a NOS (New Old Stock) caliber Swiss Landeron 248 movement. Completely overhauled and no longer in production, the movement has a 41-hour power reserve and features a custom engraving. Created in a collaboration between Méraud Watch Co. and Belgian brand Molequin, the strap is made from top grain, buffed nubuck leather. A rubber strap is also included with each watch, while a steel bracelet is available separately. The Méraud Antigua watch comes in two versions: with a gloss Miho Black dial or a cream colored Soft Sand dial. Both options feature pastel-hued subdials for a cleaner and more laid-back look. Produced in a series of only 200 pieces (100 for each color), the watch costs €1,750 or around $1,900. You can pre-order it from February 7 2023, with deliveries starting in August-September 2023. Photographs © Méraud Watch Co.
