VOXEL is a new independent watch brand debuting their first ever wristwatch at Geneva Watch Days. The watch is titled the VX01-E and it features a proprietary 12/24-hour jumping mechanism that swaps the display between AM/PM modes. It’s the project of French Creative Director Thibault Luc and Swiss micro-engineer Bruno Herbet, who has years of experience working on movement development and prototyping. After Stollenwurm’s debut last year [LINK TO: https://oracleoftime.com/stollenwurm-series-1/], Geneva Watch Days has evidently become the premier event for new independents to announce themselves on the world stage.
Let’s start with the proprietary complication, which VOXEL are calling the 12/24 -hour jumping display. Essentially, at 1pm the Arabic numerals on display change from 1 – 12 to 13 – 24 in a single jump. At 1am, it jumps back. The scale does alternate between numerals and dot hour markers, so only the even numbers are visible. The apertures through which you can see the hour scale are a mixture of circles and diamonds with the diamonds occupying the cardinal positions.
The contrast between circular and angular shapes, like those apertures, is an integral theme of the entire watch. Looking at the dial more broadly, it has a peripheral ring with sunray brushed finishing that surrounds a central disk which is grained – both of which emphasise a circular shape. However, the central disk is punctuated by a crosshair pattern that introduces right angles and straight lines to the display. It’s available in three colours: black, blue and silver.
It’s a similar story across the Meridion VX01-E’s case. The bezel has a circular inner-edge around the dial, but the outer edge is an irregular decagon, featuring 10 straight lines of varying lengths. That angular design is pushed even further by the vertical brushing on each face of the bezel. However, below the bezel is a smooth, rounded case. It’s produced in 904L steel with a diameter of 41.4mm and a thickness of 12.2mm including the crystal. The screw-in exhibition caseback is made from Grade 5 titanium with two smoked glass windows.
The caseback view is actually one of the most interesting features of the watch. The twin window structure gives the watch a cool industrial vibe like a bulkhead window on a spaceship. Though it you can see the automatic rotor of the Soprod Newton P092 movement along with the prominently positioned balance wheel. The proprietary complication is achieved through the use of a custom module applied to the base movement (which has a 44-hour power reserve).
VOXEL’s Meridion VX01-E is presented with interchangeable strap options of an Alcantara leather strap in a choice of six colours or a mono-link steel bracelet that builds on the 1970s steel sports watch vibe. Which the watch does live up to with a 120m water resistance rating making it a practical daily timepiece.
For pricing and availability, Meridion VX01-E is a limited edition of 300 pieces, split 120, 120 and 60 across black, blue and silver respectively. It’s priced at €2,500 (approx. £2,140) on leather strap or €2,850 (approx. £2,440) on bracelet, excl. VAT. Overall, I do think the intense aesthetic of the watch with the juxtaposition between smooth and sharp elements will be off-putting to traditional collectors. However, for the right collector who is interested in experimental design and the energy of independent watchmaking, they’ve hit the nail on the head. It’s unusual and it’s exciting.
Price and Specs:
More details at Voxel.
