Speake Marin Ripples Dune Date
Watches and Wonders: Speake Marin Unveils Vibrant Ripples Date Watches
At Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, we step into the world of Speake Marin’s latest creations: the Ripples Infinity Date and the Ripples Dune Date.
By Roberta Naas
Special Correspondent
It was only two years ago, in 2022, that Speake Marin unveiled its first sporty chic collection in the form of the Ripples line.
Originally designed by Stephane Lacroix, the Ripples octagon “La City” case, with its cushioned corners and square bezel, was inspired by British architecture in London’s financial district. After all, the brand was founded by British watchmaker Peter Speake-Marin in 2002 (before being sold in 2012 to current CEO Christelle Rosnoblet).
Now, Speake Marin extends the Ripples collection of stainless steel watches by adding two new versions: the Ripples Dune Date and the Ripples Infinity Date.
Divine Dials
The new watches, offered in a 40.3mm stainless steel “La City” case, feature the vibrant signature rhodium-plated brass dial as the previous versions – identifiable thanks to its 12 three-dimensional horizontal lines, or ripples, that offer great depth and dimension and draw the eye into the mesmerizing concave and convex lines.
The horizontal waves of the Ripples series are engraved and satin-finished by hand one at a time, followed by a coating of transparent varnish to reflect the light differently in different positions.
The allure of the dials doesn’t stop there. Offset at 1:30 and seemingly layered onto the dial is a subsidiary seconds dial, and the numerals are applied, with some seeming to sit atop the ripple edges and others nestling into the ripple centers.
The seconds subsidiary dial boasts a sunray finish to underscore the beauty of the watch. Joining this dance of geometry are baton hour markers and whimsically shaped hands, one tipped with a heart – reminiscent of the hour hand on the Big Ben clock tower in London.
The Ripples Dune Date
The new versions include the Ripples Dune Date with a dial color that comes alive in a hue reminiscent of desert sands. Just as the sand dunes shift in shape due to the changing winds, the dial looks as though it shifts in shape thanks to the outer minute track ring.
Elliptically shaped in a horizontal form, this minute track is wider at the top of the dial and gradually thins to a slim line at the bottom of the dial.
At the 6 o’clock position, a rectangular aperture displays the date. Meanwhile, the seconds sub-dial is a deep shade of green/grey that contrasts nicely with the sand-hued dial. Even the aforementioned minute track and the background of the date aperture are colored in the same rich, deep green hue as the sub-dial.
The Ripples Infinity Date
The second version, released shortly before Watches and Wonders Geneva 2024, is the Ripples Infinity Date. For this version, the entire dial is a statement of shimmering silver, with the subsidiary dial and the chapter ring, as well as the hands all created in silver.
White baton markers complete the striking monochromatic look. Meanwhile, in the date aperture, the background is black, matching the black dots on the outer ring of the dial.
As a result of this, the new Ripples Infinity Date joins the existing lineup of Ripples watches that feature dials such as Metallic Green, Blue Jeans, Gold, and black. Those versions, like the Ripples Infinity Date, feature same-color subsidiary dials as the main dial for monochromatic appeal.
The Tech Specs
Both of the new Ripples watches are powered by the in-house-made self-winding calibre SMA03-TD (“T” for traditional Swiss watchmaking and “D” for date). Manufactured in Speake Marin’s Le Cercle des Horlogers atelier in la Chaux-de-Fonds, the 162-part movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour.
It has a fully integrated, specially finished tungsten micro-rotor and an array of fine finishings on the mainplate (circular graining), bridges (Geneva strips), and gears. Thirty-one rubies act as ball bearings to reduce friction.
The making of this movement required a complete re-arrangement of components in order to be able to place the subsidiary seconds dial at 1:30. The movement is visible via a transparent sapphire crystal caseback insert. This movement is one of 11 in-house calibers made by the independent brand, which produces about 600 watches annually.
Completing the appeal of these watches is a harmoniously balanced and finished La City case and bracelet assembly. The 40-part stainless steel case with its round and square elements pairs beautifully with the three-row integrated bracelet, with both boasting satin and polished finishes.
The ergonomic appeal of the watch comes through in the 9.2mm thinness. A screw-down crown – the only one in the Speake Marin lineup – ensures water resistance to 50 meters.
Pricing & Availability
The new Ripples Date watches represent a symphony of craftsmanship and innovation for the wrist. Between the three-dimensional dial, the geometric case and bracelet lines, and the new colors, the Ripples Date watches offer captivating appeal.
Available as you read this, the 60-piece limited edition Ripples Dune Date sells for CHF 24,900, while the Ripples Infinity retails for CHF 23,900. For more information, check out the Speake Marin website.
(Photography by Pierre Vogel)
Speake Marin Ripples Infinity Date
