RESERVOIR reveals a new collection of rooster feather watch straps, handmade by the ATELIER M.MARCEAU workshop in Paris. The first in the range to launch is on the RESERVOIR Tiefenmesser Bronze, featuring a white and blue dial, self-winding mechanical movement, 37 hours power reserve, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, Titanium opened case-back at 240 degree and feather bracelet calf leather lining, with stainless steel and bronze butterfly folding clasp.
Braided by the “Plumassier” Maxime Leroy, the new watch strap is available in full-fledged chromatic quintet. The bracelet is crafted from hand-braided, ethically sourced rooster feathers which are intricately woven in diagonals onto calfskin leather. The meeting between these two formidable creatives gives birth to an unprecedented watchmaking chapter with a tailor-made watch strap, in woven rooster feathers on leather. Selected for their correct width, matched according to their nuances, then glued to block the beards, the feathers of the collar, or collars, are then braided diagonally, offering superb plays of light and shine.
The feathers used come exclusively from farmed birds, especially roosters and it is important to note that no bird is bred for its feathers. Conscious and concerned about the environment, ATELIER M.MARCEAU succeeds in particular working with moulting feathers through close collaborations with passionate breeders. The calfskin comes from French tanneries.
A feather craftsman or Plumassier prepares bird feathers for ornamental use or who produces feather works. The preparation of feather bracelets takes place in several stages, the whole operation taking ten hours. The Plumassier selects the feathers according to their qualities, namely the width and the colour. The technique continues with the gluing and drying of the feathers thus selected, a step which will ensure their hold during the work. The craftsman calibrates them and initiates a ligature or braiding according to precise know-how, then cuts the braided element according to the template of the bracelet. The braided and measured element is then assembled on pre-cut leather, then undergoes a pampering finish. A slice wax is then applied. Finally, the double-folding buckles, clasp and pumps are then fitted according to the models. A manual and visual inspection is then applied, thus ensuring a high quality of the work.
“For this adventure with RESERVOIR, the technique developed is like a partition. My fingers are raised, my tool slides and I become a musician dialoguing with the material. This know-how allows the feather to be discreet. We read it, but it is forgotten” observes Maxime Leroy from ATELIER M.MARCEAU.
Chief Marketing Officer of RESERVOIR, François-Marie Neycensas commented that; “The challenge was to harmoniously combine braided feather bracelets with unique-designed watches containing horological complications. Our two young Luxury houses showcase French elegance and Swiss precision, for a resolutely contemporary luxury.”
Both houses pride themselves on their French creativity and expert technical know-how. RESERVOIR invented the first and only Swiss Made jumping hour dial with retrograde minute hand on the market whilst Maxime Leroy founder of M.Marceau has collaborated with industry icons in the worlds of fashion, art, photography, cinema and interior design with his intricate feather works. Marceau has earned his notoriety from executing some of the most exquisite pieces of Haute Couture fashion for Chanel, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier and Louis Vuitton. With 10 years of experience in the feather world, he founded ATELIER M.MARCEAU and continues his journey as a freelance designer. His knowledge of the feather is such that no support scares him and that he likes to exploit its plastic potentials to better sublimate it. “I created M.Marceau to educate a new
generation about this endangered art, while developing a very personal approach to this profession, with graphic and contemporary creations” – Maxime Leroy.
RESERVOIR, takes its inspiration from vintage measuring instruments, the watches reflect the functionality and aesthetic appeal of counters, manometers, gauges from three universes: automobile races, military aviation, and diving/submarines. Distributed in 24 countries – including United States, Japan, France, China and the United Kingdom – online and through a prestigious network of 70 up-scale department stores and specialist dealers, the core range is set at a content price of €3,850.
The bracelet is available now from: https://www.reservoir-watch.com/en/watches/marine/tiefenmesser/tiefenmesser-bronze-bracelet-plume/
Price: Tiefenmesser Bronze Plume $4750. Bracelet is available separately $480.
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