Clerc Hydroscaph Gold Tourbillon Limited Edition Watch

I have been continually intrigued by Clerc watches for a while - for they create my favorite style watches (diver watches) with unique designs and a whole lot of luxury. I have not been pleased with all of their models, and for me, this Clerc Hydroscaph Gold Tourbillon watch takes things a bit too far. This is especially true in this economy where timepieces such as this are quickly becoming an endangered species. The again, my discussion might be pointless as this limited edition of 28 pieces watch has already sold out reportedly. Still, with low production numbers (like 28 pieces) you can't be too surprised all are spoken for. Clerc wouldn't even be around if at least a few dozen wealthy watch lovers weren't willing to fund these expensive luxury diving watch endeavors. I simply feel as though the design overkill is verging too close to the Concord C1 watches that I was not especially pleased with. While by no means a stickler for simple classic designs, I just envision my eyes getting tired and strained staring at this dial for too long. You can make your own decision about it though.

The Hydroscaph Gold Tourbillon uses an almost 50mm wide case in rose gold with black titanium made up of over 75 parts. The watch is water resistant to 500 meters, but you really don't want to be taking this watch underwater do you? The strap is rubber, and the sapphire crystal has the hour markers etched on the back of it.

The apparent richness of the watch comes from the movement (manually-wound with a 120 hour power reserve) and its complications. There is a tourbillon (doubles as the seconds subdial), retrograde date indicator, and power reserve indicator. The watch also features a helium escape valve. The movement seen through the dial is nice, but in the end the complications are less exciting than the sum of the parts. If it was a real diver's watch, the dial would at least have some luminant right? For me, while I am sure the quality and construction of the watch are just super, this is the ultimate poser's watch. Being lauded as a super high-end luxury diving watch that you'll never actually do anything with. The price, I am sure will be exceptional.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.