Introducing Speake Marin Crafts a Unique Timepiece for the ‘Time for Art’ Auction

Speake Marin contributed a one-of-a-kind piece from its “Art Series” collection to the “Time for Art” charity auction, in support of contemporary art. The auction, organized by the Swiss Institute in New York, will be hosted by Phillips Auctioneers on December 7th, 2024.

For the second edition of this charitable event, the independent Swiss watch brand renews its participation with a bespoke creation. The Geneva-based Manufacture has crafted a unique timepiece from its “Art Series” collection, entitled Promenade à New York (A Walk in New York City).

This exclusive piece boasts a 42 mm diameter, featuring a brushed middle case and a flared, grooved crown for easy handling, adorned with the Maison's logo. Geometric lugs secure the taupe leather strap. Water-resistant to 30 meters, the case is fitted with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal to protect the dial. A case-back porthole reveals the movement that powers this exceptional timepiece, while the case back is hand-engraved with the inscription "TIME FOR ART 1/1."

Promenade à New York features a unique dial that required meticulous preparation and precision to achieve its striking design. The finest mother-of-pearl was selected and applied to a rhodium-plated dial base, enhancing the dial’s ability to reflect light. A grid was carefully drawn to define the proportions of each figurative element.

Blue brushstrokes were then applied to the rear of the mother-of-pearl disc to add depth to the scene and mimic the water reflections of Central Park’s artificial pond. The design captures the iconic Gapstow Bridge amid an evocative autumn landscape, where golden, bronze, and orange foliage contrasts against the blue sky, towering skyscrapers, and sparkling water reflections.

This painstaking process took approximately 100 hours to complete, resulting in a precious work of art that beautifully embodies the passage of time. The timekeeping functions of the Promenade à New York are designed to complement, rather than compete with, the dial’s artistic vision. The central hours and minutes are indicated by steel, diamond-polished, and rhodium-plated hands, with the hour hand featuring a heart-shaped tip a nod to the brand’s British heritage.

One of Speake Marin’s signature features is also present: the small seconds hand at 1:30, crafted in the shape of the Maison’s iconic topping tool, rhodium-plated and polished, further echoing the brand’s logo.

The Promenade à New York is powered by the in-house, self-winding SMA03 movement, designed and manufactured by Le Cercle des Horologers in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Featuring an integrated micro-rotor and operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), this movement boasts a 52-hour power reserve when unworn. Comprising 147 parts, the movement is finished to the highest standards, including a circular-grained mainplate, Côtes de Genève bridges, and polished, bevelled profiles. The rhodium-plated topping tool above the micro-rotor adds a pop of lively color to the ensemble.

The exclusive Promenade à New York will be auctioned by Phillips Auctioneers alongside creations from 24 other prestigious watch brands. Its estimated bid price ranges from CHF 40,000 to CHF 80,000.

For more information visit Speake Marin official website.