The Paul Picot Atelier Slate 42mm

Paul Picot, the Le Noirmont based watch brand present a new piece in their signature Atelier collection, the Atelier Slate 42mm.  

A challenging economic climate often results in the survival of the fittest and the watch industry is no exception.  Responses to recent lean times have meant subtle changes in direction for many brands, some are re-visiting classic vintage pieces (yes a core trend, but one which also reduces the design budget), others are producing less of the haute horlogerie pieces and more entry and mid level models.  During the last watch industry crisis when the popularity of quartz movements changed everything, Mario Boiocchi remained stubbornly committed to traditional mechanical watchmaking and in 1976 when others were ducking and diving he created the Paul Picot watch brand.

The Paul Picot portfolio consists of the distinctive Technograph models which feature a striking 3D dial composition with a raised central dial with subdials tucked in behind it on either side and the C-Type divers watch collection which includes an impressive carré version.  It is the rounded classical Atelier collection however which remains at the heart of the brand's success.

The piece shown here forms part of the 2010 Atelier collection.  Crafted from 18 carat rose gold, the 42mm case features traditional fluting on the rim and a dial created from ultra-thin natural slate.  It takes an impressively patient craftsman to work with slate, and not suprisingly the reject rate during production is extraordinarily high.  Each section of slate which survives the process forms a 0.6mm thin highly original dial, as this is a natural material no two dials will be the same.

Inside is the Paul Picot Calibre PP1400 automatic movement with 42 hours and C.O.S.C. certification and the piece comes presented on a Louisiana leather strap.