In 1949 an industrial town in Switzerland called Bienne witnessed the birth of DeLaneau Watches. Then in 1965, a Swiss couple Rolf and Yolanda Tschudin become the new owners. Yolanda Tschudin was the daughter of a sculptor, becoming one of the very few women active in the watch industry at that time. Yolanda embraced the new codes of modern society and transcended them into her own timepieces. Be it the growing importance of movies – many world renowned actress from Cinecitta and Hollywood – or other leading aristocratic ladies were all faithful to the brands ultra feminine wrist watches.
Fast forward to 1997, to another woman then embraced and changed DeLaneau’s destiny: Cristina Wendt-Thévenaz, the brands current Creative Director and CEO. Coming from the world of interior architecture and design, Christina was introduced to watchmaking by a fortunate coincidence and immediately nurtured a true passion for this field. Discovering the beauty of century old techniques such as stone setting, engraving, enamelling or even miniature painting, Cristina empowered DeLaneau with ultra feminine aesthetics.
Now see’s the latest launch by Christina and Delaneau, the Open Magic watch collection, combining ultra femininity and ultra refined designs in one beautiful package.
Reconfirming Delaneau’s heritage, the new Delaneau Open Magic collection is a perfect illustration of the Delaneau’s extraordinary talent in creating genuinely original and modern timepieces.
Just one look at the Delaneau Open Magic watches is a mini thrill in its own right. The Open Magic watch collection masterfully plays with shapes as embodied by the soft and classical round watch case versus the straight lines of the asymmetrical bracelet. This well thought out design is truly modern, original and dateless.
Delaneau is best known for its superlative made to measure one of a kind pieces, it gives us today a formidable interpretation of a new exclusive collection that is unique in many ways. Aside from its distinctive design, the Delaneau Open Magic is also unique to each lady who falls in love with this bejewelled watch. Indeed, the golden clasp is awaiting the initials of its new owner, making each watch a personal landmark to her family. These touches on the Delaneau Open Magic makes it instantly become a precious heirloom, as in the case of delicate initials sewn onto linens, engraved monograms onto silverware or even more recently having one’s own initials apposed on an iconic handbag.
The Delaneau Open Magic is a variation of the acclaimed Delaneau Magic timepieces that were introduced in 2010. Inset with diamonds, these modern day or cocktail watches feature a dark onyx or bright mother-of-pearl dial.
The Delaneau Open Magic is simultaneously a precious ultra-light jewel and a mechanical prowess of watchmaking. As with all DeLaneau timepieces, beauty starts on the inside to only embellish the outside. All Delaneau Open Magic timepieces are thus beating to a mechanical automatic movement…just like the heart and soul of the lady that wears it.
DELANEAU OPEN MAGIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Movement: automatic mechanical
Case: set with 54 baguette diamonds and 164 brilliant-cut diamonds
Dial: mother-of-pearl with 8 in laid triangular patterns in onyx. Index with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds
Crown: set with 28 brilliant-cut diamonds
Attachment: set with 468 brilliant-cut diamonds – final link set with 9 baguette diamonds and 34 brilliant-cut diamonds
Bracelet: leather strap with white gold clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds
Carats: in total 5 cts
Movement: automatic mechanical
Case: set with 148 brilliant-cut diamonds
Dial: onyx with 8 in laid triangular patterns in mother-of-pearl. Index with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds
Attachment: final link set with 30 brilliant-cut diamonds
Bracelet: leather strap with red gold clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds
Carats: in total 1.56 cts
Movement: automatic mechanical
Case: set with 252 brilliant-cut diamonds
Dial: mother-of-pearl with 8 in laid triangular patterns in onyx. Index with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds
Crown: set with 28 brilliant-cut diamonds
Attachment: final link set with 30 brilliant-cut diamonds
Bracelet: leather strap with red gold clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds
Carats: in total 2.93 cts