de Grisogono New Retro Steel

de GRISOGONO Unveils the New Retro Steel (Hands-On)

In the realm of “form” watches, de GRISOGONO made its mark when it introduced the New Retro collection in 2015. The Art-Deco inspired models blend a retro look with modern style. The New Retro family is expanding in 2019 with the launch of a steel version that's sleek and sexy.

By Benjamin Teisseire
Contributor

The collection started with a bang: the New Retro Tourbillon, a skeletonized version that plays with symmetry and asymmetry in a double sapphire crystal case. Impressive and bold, the watch strikes a special chord with its unique geometry. This welcomed, unique style was then made with a pale green dial, reminiscent of Luminova patina, and a rose gold case to reach iconic status (read more here).

A beautifully balanced “shape” watch

Creating a “shape” watch is always a risky business. There is a thin line between originality and excessiveness that could potentially deter a new customer. The New Retro Steel is a great example of a successful design ticking all the right boxes. The size of 50.6 x 44.1 mm may appear imposing, but it sits perfectly on the wrist. It has a strong presence. It is obviously noticed. But it never feels oversized or bulky. The rounded angles of this rectangular case play a big part in the overall balance of the design. The watch is wider than it is high, so it fits on the arm easily.  
 

The transparent double domed sapphire crystal glass both on the front and back of the case infuse further lightness to this sleek Art Deco design. From the side of the watch, transparency prevails, creating an airy elegance. The sapphire domes are only linked together by a very thin strip of stainless steel.
 

Stylish and comfortable all around

This great new timepiece is made of a polished 316L stainless case with matching bracelet. The elegance of this full steel version is striking. The polished metal shines bright, providing the De Grisogono touch: it attracts attention without flaunting it. The bracelet is very soft to the touch, providing excellent comfort.
 

The triple folding clasp adds even more comfort to the New Retro Steel. It is a timekeeper that makes you want to touch and feel. I's bold yet subdued. Even the crown that sits proudly at 12 o’clock - bearing the de GRISOGONO coat of arms - seems to disappear where the bracelet starts and adds a sense of balance to the watch's overall design.

Elegant finishings

The sunburst satin-finished dials, in either intense light blue or luminous grey, create a very eye-catching effect on the wide surface. Both dials can be worn easily as a sport watch or a dress watch. The New Retro Steel is powered by the self-winding caliber DG 10-01 beating at 28,000 vph (4Hz) which delivers a solid 42 hours of power reserve. The oscillating mass is blackened and open-worked to offer a clear vision of the movement on the backside. The rhodium plated Arabic numerals and Dauphine hours and minutes hands stand out beautifully against the watch's dial that plays constantly with the light to create a shimmering effect.
 

With the New Retro Steel watch, de GRISOGONO has created a definitely different, modern and original timekeeper whose natural elegance that has the potential to become a timeless icon. The New Retro Steel combines a minimalistic design, a strong personality, a vintage touch and timeless Art-Deco elegance. It's made for watch lovers in search of timekeepers that stand out yet remain subtle. Offered at a price of CHF 9,900 (Vat excl.), this latest iteration of the New Retro is sure to be a success.
 

(Photography by Pierre Vogel)

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