[Above: The Limited Edition Armand Nicolet L09 in 18K rose gold and D.L.C. Black Titanium]

Armand Nicolet’s journey began in 1875 when its eponymous founder set up his ‘Atelier d’Horlogerie’ in Tramelan, Switzerland. Mastering his savoir faire in horology and design, Armand Nicolet showcased his skills in 1902 with a pocket watch which encompassed a guilloché rose gold case, enamel dial, single button chronograph, complete calendar, repeating hours, quarter hours and minutes. Today, more than a hundred years later, the brand is still standing strong with new but limited timepieces. Although it may be reserved in its marketing efforts, Armand Nicolet’s reputation for producing quality watches is still very much appreciated among luxury watch aficionados. 

[Above: The L09 D.L.C. Black Titanium in black rubber band strap]

Sporty Allure

The Armand Nicolet L09 is a new limited edition sports model. With only 450 pieces made, this macho device throws you back to high school (depending on which era you were born of course) thanks to the outlined block indexes and large 12 numeral. Doesn’t that remind you of a football jersey? But you don’t have to be a jock to appreciate this watch. Its self-winding movement, Calibre AN0711A was created using original components from 1957 so history buffs will also be hooked. Beating at 18,000 vph, the timepiece is equipped with a 36-hour power reserve and is an ideal sports watch because of the Incabloc shock absorber built into the escapement.

[Above: The movement, Calibre AN0711A for Armand Nicolet L09, is created using original components from another movement (UT 600) which was produced in 1957]

Housed in a 44mm case, the watch features components embellished with Côtes de Genève, which can be clearly seen through the sapphire crystal on both sides of the case. A small seconds window sits at six o’clock and its hands and dial are coated with SuperLuminova.

[Above: The Limited Edition Armand Nicolet L10 in stainless steel 316L, silvered dials and brown alligator strap]

Simple Delight

Limited to 999 pieces, the Armand Nicolet L10 is all about being minimalist and chic. With a thickness of just 8mm, this ultra-thin manual-winding timepiece runs on Calibre AN710A, a movement derived from a previous model (FHF 72) produced in 1960. Oscillating at 18,000 vph, this timepiece is backed up with a 34-hour power reserve. Padded with an Incabloc shock absorber, this watch can survive a water depth of up to 30 metres.

[Above: The movement, Calibre AN710A for Armand Nicolet L10, is derived from another movement (FHF 72) which was produced in 1960]

While the dial may exude simplicity, the movement as seen from the back is decorated with perlage and its bridges are adorned with “Surface Vagues” and gold engravings. The timepiece is also protected by an anti-glare sapphire crystal cover on both sides of the case.

Offering several dial variations – silver, blue or black – the L10 exists in stainless steel or 18k with options paired with an 18k rose gold bezel and crown. To complete the look, the timepiece comes in a brown, black, blue or grey alligator strap. With all these modern colour choices to choose from, who says being minimalist has to be boring?