pierre deroche

Pierre DeRoche TNT RendezVous Watch

Pierre DeRoche extends the life of the TNT case with the new for 2011 RendezVous (that isn't a typo, they spell it with the "V" capitalized). The dial of the TNT RendezVous is interesting to say the least. The design is all over the place - with emphasis more on showcasing the functionality versus being purely aesthetic. There is also a lot going on, with the specially designed Dubois Depraz automatic movement inside to power it all. What are all the functions? There is of course the time, date, and an AM/PM indicator in the form of a synchonized 24 hour hand under 12 o'clock. The dial also has a power reserve indicator and the settings for the alarm.

Apparently the "RendezVous" name refers to the alarm function. Maybe it is supposed to remind you when you are supposed to meet someone? Not sure. The alarm function is a sort of hybrid between traditional mechanical alarms and a sonnerie. There is an on/off switch to activate the alarm, and the red hand around the dial sets the alarm. When the alarm goes off, a set of hammers and gongs play a little chime as the alarm sound. Ritzy, I know right? Expensive watch tells you when to take expensive pills!

Tags: pierre deroche, rendevous, tnt, watch

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Pierre DeRoche TNT Royal Retro Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This limited edition (just 21 pieces with gold and 201 pieces with steel) watch from Pierre DeRoche is an obvious reaction to the success of the Milus TriRetrograde watch line. The Milus uses three 20 second retrograde counters to indicate the seconds, while the TNT Royal Retro watch from Pierre DeRoche has six separate retrograde counters that count 10 seconds each. The small tapered window in each counter fills with red while that specific counter is activated and operating. There is no specific functional advantage to the look - as it is merely for style. Though, as far as style goes it is one of the most visually interesting novelty complications that I know of.

I am a big fan of the case and dial design of the TNT Royal Retro watch (though I am unsure what is specifically retro about it). The multi-piece construction of the 47.5mm wide case takes titanium, either 18k rose gold or steel, and a plethora of (likely) steel stylized screws to form the handsome case. Most of the case is in satin finished titanium, with the lug and crown structures in what is either gold or steel. It is a fabulously tasteful yet mechanical look.

Inside the watch is a base Dubois Depraz movement modified by Pierre DeRoche, who makes no secret as to how their modifications work (visible through the skeletonized dial on PVD steel). While the functions are simple - being the date and time - the watch has the appearance of offering so much more complication. It is a technically innovative dial design that I don't fear will look dated anytime soon. I also like how the crocodile strap is specially curved at the ends to better form to the case. Click on the "continue reading" link for a video of the Pierre DeRoche TNT Royal Retro watch in action.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Pierre DeRoche TNT Royal Retro Watch