Everyone who knows haute horlogerie knows Christophe Claret and the magic he works with movements. His newest timepiece, however, crosses a grand line – it moves from haute horology into the world of haute Fun! Indeed, in the new Christophe Claret 21 Black Jack, Claret deftly combines his specialty of chiming time, complicated movement making and whimsy for one of the more unique watches on the market.
In addition to displaying hours and minutes, the watch lets its wearer play three casino games: black jack – with striking mechanism; roulette; dice. Two side windows reveal the artistry herein: one shows the striking hammer with its gong, while the other shows the two dice.
Created in a limited edition of — well – naturally — 21 pieces per version, the new automatic Caliber BLJ08 consists of 501 parts, 40 jewels and seven double ceramic ball bearing mechanisms. The twin barrel movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers 72 hours of power reserve. It is offered in either a 45mm gray titanium case, black PVD titanium case, or black PVD titanium and 18-karat white or pink gold case. Dial choices are either a pure black onyx dial, or a sapphire dial featuring plate adorned with casino-related motifs. The watch retails for approximately $170,000 to $200,000 depending on the version. Cool Hand!!