The brand Manufacture Royale was founded in 1770 on the outskirts of Geneva by the philosopher Voltaire. However, the brand faded over time and was only recently revived in 2013 by two relatives, David and Alexis Gouten, who are veterans of the Swiss watchmaking industry. Their first experimental watches draw inspiration from the brand’s extraordinary literary heritage (after all, storytelling is the essence here). The model pictured here is inspired by a monumental battle of words between Voltaire and his rival philosopher, Rousseau.
The stainless steel case is coated with black PVD. The dial undergoes an exceptional process, akin to sandblasting, which creates a textured surface. Apart from the hands, screws, and escapement, which are blued using traditional methods, the entire watch is black. The edition is limited to just 38 pieces, symbolizing Rousseau’s age at the time of his confrontation with Voltaire.
Price: $34,000.
