Christophe Claret X-TREM-1 model family, which makes even the exotic definition insufficient with its aesthetic and functional features, is the guest of our Hands-On corner with its Ref. MTR.FLY11.100-108 version.
When it comes to Christophe Claret, I have a hard time finding the right word to summarize the positioning of the brand. Hi-End, exotic, extreme... I think they are all inadequate. The X-TREM-1 model of the brand, which I had the chance to see at Baselworld 2017 for the first time, on the other hand, is enough to explain the Christophe Claret philosophy by itself. The model that I met three years later at the tastefully designed office of Şark Saat, where we went to see the new models from various brands, is under the spotlight for you...
Christophe Claret X-TREM-1 is not a new model. Introduced at the Baselworld trade show in 2012, the model has such a futuristic design that almost a decade is not enough to make it age. Here we are with the Ref. MTR.FLY11.100-108 version of the model family, which looks like the lexical meaning of the definition of 'beyond its time'.
The case of the model measures 40.80 x 56.82 x 15 mm. The case, which looks quite large on paper with an impression of being uncomfortable, offers a completely different experience in reality. Ultra-light Grade 5 titanium, which is primarily used in the construction of the case, directly affects the wrist comfort positively. Rectangular cases do not stand out with their ergonomics in general, but Christophe Claret X-TREM-1 sits perfectly on the wrist thanks to its concave form.
The black PVD coating adds a bit of industrial touch to the contemporary design of the case. The case is water-resistant to 20 meters only, but I don't think anyone will worry about it. If possible, try not to soak your watch, which displays the time with magnetic balls placed in sapphire crystal tubes on the sides of the case, will you?
The case is equipped with sapphire crystals on both sides. The case back features a pair of sapphire displays in different sizes. On the metal part of the case back, two crowns share the winding and adjusting tasks. The crowns are recessed to the case back while not in use. Thus, you do not feel the crowns while wearing the watch.
The dial comes in a unique, model-specific design. In the middle of the skeleton dial, there is the movement with PVD coated components to suit the modern appearance of the model. Under the dial, where the wheels are placed almost vertically on the two-piece main plate, there is the Tourbillon balance.
As I mentioned above, the time display is performed by the magnetic balls placed inside the sapphire crystal tubes located on the sides of the case. Thanks to the magnetic field, these balls remain steady at the correct marks indicating actual time. Meanwhile, the magnetic force that fixes the balls to their position is not very strong. If you have an impact strong enough or shake the watch like me, the balls leave their positions, but they return to their positions within a second or two.
The terms such as technological wonder and engineering marvel are insufficient for the Caliber FLY11, beating inside the watch. Before moving to specifications, let me remind you that Christophe Claret X-TREM-1 is the world's first watch with a magnetic time display.
Caliber FLY11 is a hand-wound movement. The movement, measuring 26.60 x 46.40 x 11.94 mm, consists of 419 components, 64 of which are jewels. The 50-hour power reserve offered by the movement when fully wound is managed by two independent skeleton-designed barrels. While one of the barrels supplies the necessary energy for the gear train, the other serves the time display function. The movement, which operates at a frequency of 3Hz (21,600vph), has a Tourbillon placed at an angle of 30 °. Completing one full rotation in 60 seconds, the escapement is supported against impacts with two ceramic bearings and a cone-shaped pinion. There is no physical contact between the movement and the magnetic balls used for time display.
Christophe Claret X-TREM-1 (Ref: MTR.FLY11.100-108) comes on a black hand-stitched alligator strap. At the end of the strap, there is a Christophe Claret signed and black PVD coated folding clasp. The model family, which we had the opportunity to see the 18K pink gold themed version as well, is limited to only 8 for each version.
