Last month we introduced you to Valbray and its unique Oculus diaphragm dial system, inspired by camera lenses. So, it makes perfect sense that it would be Valbray to partner with Leica on the occasion of its 100 year anniversary to create a fake watch the embodies the spirit of its cameras. Here we have the aptly-named Valbray EL1 "100 Years Of Leica Photography Edition," a pair of titanium chronographs with design details inspired by Leica's cameras, limited to only 100 pieces worldwide. Let's take a closer look.
Before we get into the details of the EL1, here is a quick reminder about how the Valbray diaphragm dial works. Each dial is composed of 16 individual blades, which slide in and out when you turn the bezel. In order to function smoothly, each blade can only be .01mm thick and must undergo three different anti-friction coatings to prevent snagging and jamming. The entire mechanism, including the blades, the bezel, and the deployment mechanisms consists of over 80 moving parts.
On the EL1 (named for Leica founder Earnst Leitz), the diaphragm is surrounded by a ring that recalls the ring you would find on the end of a Leica lens. It is signed "Leica Camera," "EL1 Chrono," "Weitzlar Germany," and "100 Years." It is from under this ring that the diaphragm blades move in and out.
Underneath the diaphragm blades sits the main dial. There is the signature Valbray "V" motif cutting through the metallic honeycomb ground and three registers for the chronograph totalizers and the running seconds. These subdials recall the layout of the setting dials on the top of Leica's rangefinders. You'll also notice the only hour marker is a "4.5" at 4:30 ?this is in tribute to the very first Leica camera which had a fixed aperture of f 4.5.
The EL1 is available in two variations, each limited to only 50 numbered pieces. Both start with a 46mm grade 5 titanium case, but one is brushed and the other blackened with a DLC coating. Also, both contain an automatic chronograph movement with 25 jewels, and open-worked rotor, and a 44 hour power reserve that you can see through the sapphire crystal on the caseback, which has been tinted grey in a nod to the darkroom.
Valbray produced the EL1 in direct collaboration with Leica, and the famous camera maker's logo can be found on the watch's crown, caseback, and bezel ring. Additionally, the replica watches will be available directly through Leica boutiques as well as through Valbray's retailers beginning June 2014. Both colors will be priced at 17,999 Euro. For more, visit Valbray online.
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