With the growing trend of stone dial timepieces, expect the bandwagon to be quite full – but that doesn’t mean it’s any less stunning! Case in point? Pequignet’s new Attitude limited editions, complete with two new Tiger’s Eye references!
Pequignet, while not a brand commonly known down under, is one I believe deserves far more attention. And while I love microbrands, Pequignet doesn’t quite fit that label. Founded in 1973, the brand has made it its mission to keep the light of French watchmaking alive.
They’ve shown this through a commitment to distilling horology into its purest French form. With four in-house movements under their belt and 72 per cent of their components locally sourced, it’s safe to say they’re well on their way.
This has helped them gain a lot of traction of late, especially with updates to their staple Royale line and the sporty-chic Concorde collection. However, my favourite of the roster is their dressier option, the Attitude. Some may call it plain, but the minimalist and elegant nature of the Attitude captures everything a dress watch should be.
This year, Pequignet have decided to double down on the… well, attitude of the collection. The French brand has unveiled two new limited-edition releases in the Attitude line, this time featuring a beautiful pair of Tiger’s Eye stone dials.
Measuring 39 mm across, 46.8 mm lug to lug, and 9.2 mm thick, the unisex Attitude wears exactly as you’d expect a dress watch of its stature to. However, the wrist presence between the two new models will be noticeably different.
This comes down mostly to case material: one is in steel, the other in 18k rose gold. The gold’s weight noticeably changes the wearing experience, though not to the extent that it feels like you’re wearing a dive watch rather than a dress watch.
But it would be remiss not to mention the star of the show: the tiger’s eye stone dial. A naturally occurring material, tiger’s eye is a golden-red-brown stone with a silky lustre and a chatoyant effect. Chatoyancy, also known as the cat’s eye effect, shifts and warps light across the stone’s horizontal inclusions, which is where tiger’s eye gets its name.
If you’re a bit of a crystal junkie, tiger’s eye is said to represent observance, courage, protection, and personal empowerment; all qualities you might need when tackling an essential board meeting or attending a black-tie event among the rich and insufferable.
Of course, the new Attitude line is not just a pretty face. The French brand has gone to great lengths to create a movement as capable as the watch itself. In 2021, this resulted in the Calibre Initial, which offers a 65-hour power reserve and the luxury-standard 4 Hz (28,800 VpH) beat rate.
While this example is a time-only model, what makes the Calibre Initial so impressive is Pequignet’s commitment to in-house manufacturing. Based in Morteau, the brand designs and assembles all its watches in France. As I mentioned, 72 per cent of the components are locally sourced, while the remaining 28 per cent come from Switzerland. Morteau sits on the French–Swiss border, only a 30-minute drive from La Chaux-de-Fonds, which allows the brand to source parts not yet produced domestically.
My Thoughts
Starting out in my love for watches, I happened upon Pequignet by accident. Looking back, it may have been the happiest accident I’ve ever made. While my undiagnosed ADHD mind is constantly captivated by the stunning releases of watch brands around the world, very few manage to hold my attention. For a brand with a relatively small international reach compared to other French brands, Pequignet counts itself among my mind’s chosen few.
I believe strongly in their story and in the watches they create. While they were a fledgling independent just a few years ago, the amount of local and international attention they have been attracting has been growing rapidly. And given their commitment to mechanical excellence, national pride, and unique design, it was only a matter of time.
The double release of the Pequignet Attitude Tiger’s Eye not only aligns them with modern trends, it also highlights why the brand deserves the attention it receives. I mean, if they can inspire a young Australian (me) to travel across the world just to visit their Parisian boutique, what can’t they do? Keep an eye out for when I share that story.
References: 9060263 (Steel) / 9061268 (Gold)
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 39mm case diameter x 46.8mm lug-to-lug x 9.2mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel / 18k rose gold
- Dial: Natural tiger’s eye stone with 18k rose gold accents
- Movement: Automatic Cal. Initial
- Power Reserve: 65h
- Beat Rate: 4Hz (28,800VpH)
- Water Resistance: 50m (5bar)
- Strap: Grey/red alligator strap with 18k rose gold buckle