KIH
[Purist]
12044
JEANRICHARD: Aquascope new models for 2014, THE important year....
JEANRICHARD launches special edition of Aquascope
for the important year of Swiss/ Japan relationship. Special
dial engraving inspired by Katsushika Hokusai (1760 - 1849: one of the
best known Ukiyo-e painter, especially famous for his "Fugaku 36 kei (36
scenery series related to or painted with Mt.
Fuji).
This is the actual one which inspired the dial
engraving (on the wall of my apartment - woodblock print)
:
And
the dial - very well made engrave on the dial. Impressive.
Going
back to "the special year for Swiss/ Japan relationship" -
2014
is 150th anniversary of signing the official Treaty of Amity and
Commerce between Swiss and Japan. The Treaty was signed on
February 6th, 1864 - the last years of Edo era in Japan. Aime
Humbert of Neuchatel was appointed to be the Head of Swiss Envoy to
Japan in 1861. Humbert was the chairman of Swiss Watch
Manufacturers Association, and one of the Senators of Swiss.
He arrived at Yokohama harbor on the Dutch warship "Medusa" on April 27,
1863 and started negotiation with Japanese government (still Samurai
era under Tokugawa Shogun back then), and finally signed the treaty on
February 6, 1864. Swiss was the eighth country to sign such a
treaty. Japan exported Japanese silk to Swiss and imported
textile and clock/ watches from Swiss. Ever since, Japan has
become a major importer of Swiss
watches.....
I was invited to the press luncheon for unveiling these new models on a very nice winter day at the Palace Hotel near the Imperial Palace, where presumably the signing of the Treaty was held.... Nice choice of the venue, I say.
Ms. Tomoko Okabe: CEO of Sowind Japan
Mr. Giancarlo Mantuano, International Sales Director, JEANRICHARD
Mr. Bruno Grande also appeared in the video message.
The room....
Ms. Okabe added why Hokusai - "the history says Hokusai's life as an artist was quite a ride and it seems to fit JEANRICHARD's concept - Philosophy of Life."
"Philosophy of Life"
Beautifully engraved dial.
With my trusted vintage GP....
All black version.
Maybe a bit too big with business shirts on
On the day-off, must be
nice.
JR also sponsors Arsenal...
The new models are circulated....
terrascope.
Beautiful color 1681...
Aeroscope Chrono.
GP new models in the separate room...
1966
Constant Escapement
Impression:
- The special Edition for the special year really shines. A great design idea for the occasion.
- The streamlined line-ups, aquascope, terrascope, and aeroscope, are easily recognizable and I want to see the actual sales samples to see the final touch/ finishes.
- For the cost/ performance aspect, they seem pretty reasonable at the price point (although, highly competitive range) and would make people want to try out with enough exposure.
- Overall, maybe tad big for Asian wrists, but then again, taste varies quite much. So, we'll see.
- and, GPs Ladies' line is very attractive.
Conclusion - I would love to try out myself - especially the blue aquaterra with Hokusai dial - super cool, IMHO.
Special thanks to:
Ms. Okabe and all the staff at Sowind Japan.
Mr. Mantuano who flew over from JEANRICHARD, La Chaux-de-Fonds.
I had lots of fun yesterday and thank you so much. All GP/ JR fans should keep paying attention to the new offerings, as I would.
Best,
Ken
This message has been edited by KIH on 2014-02-09 19:50:47
JEANRICHARD: Aquascope new models for 2014, THE important year....
