Some may think that Russia is on the far periphery of the world's best watch brands. In fact, this is not at all the case: the Swiss often turn to Russian topics. For example, the great brand Audemars Piguet is a partner of the Bolshoi Theater and has in its catalog watches dedicated to this temple of art; H. Moser & Cie has released a wonderful model Venturer XL Stoletniy Krasniy for the 100th anniversary of the October Revolution; the famous manufactory Ulysse Nardin honored our military glory with a series of Classico Generals watches with portraits of Russian commanders.
The young, but already quite reputable Swiss watch brand CVSTOS did not stand aside. In collaboration with the outstanding French actor Gerard Depardieu, who, as you know, changed his citizenship to Russian, the company launched the Proud to be Russian project - I'm proud to be Russian. The watch created as part of this project is part of the Challenge Jetliner collection, which features a massive tonneau-shaped case and luxurious execution. And an indispensable attribute of Proud to be Russian watches is a golden double-headed eagle on the dial.
By the way, Gerard Depardieu, the official ambassador of CVSTOS, is very close in spirit to this Geneva company. And, honestly, it is difficult to consider the fact that the name CVSTOS itself goes back to the Greek “keeper” and carries the meaning “keeper of time”, and Depardieu participated in the creation of the panoramic film Timekeeper (1992), that is, the same “Keeper of Time” !
In the Proud To Be Russian Collection - Limited Edition Gerard Depardieu line, there are three main options for completing watches: a three-dial watch, a model with a tourbillon and a minute repeater with a tourbillon. Each version offers various options for execution, differing in colors and, in part, in the materials used. Here we will take a closer look at the three switches in a blue color scheme, but first - about the Russian coat of arms, which adorns all versions without exception.
This is an extremely difficult and extremely delicate job! CVSTOS co-founder and chief designer Antonio Terranova (aka Proud To Be Russian design author) describes the process as follows: “A 2 mm thick gold plate is cut on a five-axis multi-level machine. Then, by means of an electro-erosion procedure using a very narrow laser beam, a volumetric image of a two-headed eagle is formed. Finally, sandblasting is performed. The delicate imperial coat of arms shines in full splendor! "
It should also be added that the aesthetics of the model also require filigree lace-up (aka skeletonization) from the 4-Hertz self-winding CVS350 movement with a 42-hour power reserve. The same Antonio Terranova notes that this skeletonization in no way compromises the strength and reliability of the caliber. To contemplate the work of the latter, both through the dial and from the side of the case back, is a real pleasure, especially since the details of the mechanism are rhodium-plated.
As for the case, it seems to be a classic "keg", but in fact it is innovative, technically - even avant-garde. CVSTOS engineers ingeniously used this shape, making it the supporting frame for the entire structure. That is why the name of the watch family is Challenge, i.e. call!
The dimensions of the case of the "Russian" model are 41 x 53,7 mm, the thickness is 13,35 mm, and the water resistance is 100 m. In this version the case is made of steel with a blue PVD coating. The rubber strap with folding clasp matches the color. On both sides of the case - sapphire glass, and on the back is engraved with the autograph of Gerard Depardieu.
Note that not only steel is present in the case materials: proprietary CVSTOS Technology screws, fastening elements strap and the screw-down crown with a rubber insert is made of 750-carat rose gold. This, like the luminescent hands and markers, is a kind of response to the golden two-headed eagle ...
There are also options in black PVD steel, titanium, gold and even precious stones. And the price of the model that we have considered, on the one hand, is far from budgetary, but on the other, it is even more far from prohibitive, with such a magnificent performance: about 1,5 million rubles. (i.e. less than $ 20).
