Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Christophe Claret Allegro, A Sporty Minute Repeater Watch (Live Pics, Specs And Pricing Information)

How do you follow a watch that celebates 2000 years of Swiss history? With one that is very much anchored in the present. Following the launch of the Aventicum during Geneva Days 2015, Christophe Claret has decided to do a u-turn and reveal a very sporty minute repeater in the Allegro watch.

If Christophe Claret has been designing chiming watches for more than 25 years, the Allegro is without a doubt the most modern interpretation to come out of the Swiss manufacture. It follows Adagio and the Soprano, and draws some similarities to the latter, although it introduces a completely redesigned in-house movement.

For the very first time, the Christophe Claret Allegro presents a cathedral-style minute repeater with a second time zone indicator, a big date window and day/night indicator. But while it combines some of the finest horological complications in a single piece, it’s purpose is to be a fun watch to use.

This watch wasn’t built to stay at home. It’s a travel-friendly watch that’s meant to be worn proudly on the wrist, and since it measure 45mm wide and 14.1mm thick, it’s bound to attract a few looks. From far away, it’s dual sundials and flame-like hands will probably trick a few poor souls into thinking this is isn’t a very complicated watch, but a clear aperture revealing the movement’s architecture at 6 o’clock will convince them otherwise.

But slide the lever located on the left side of the case, and listen to them despair at the beautiful and deep sound of the Allegro’s chime. Then, flip the watch over and they’ll be totally convinced at the sight of the new in-house caliber ALG89, a manually wound movement boasting a power reserve of 60 hours.

While an 18k red gold Allegro was presented to us at Baselworld, we were also told that the watch will be available in 18k white gold, and in a second variation of 18k red gold version. Each will be made as a set of 20 pieces, retailed for a price of CHF 268,000.

Photo Credit: Haute Time. For more information, please visit the official Christophe Claret website. Follow Haute Time on Instagram to experience Baselworld 2015 in real-time and catch all of the new releases as they happen.