The Thomas Prescher Nemo SUB 1
Nemo is alive! I loved Thomas Prescher's Time Capsule Project which gave enthusiasts the chance to be part of and enjoy the creation of his Nemo Collection. It is a tale which is fictional, yet so authentic that it has captured the imagination of those of us who have followed it from the moment when the diver, who using his last reserve of oxygen and energy cleared the dirt from the name plate of the unknown metal object lying on the sea bed, revealing the name "Nautilus".
Firstly a reminder of the pieces in the collection thus far... first came the Nemo, designed with the sailors of the crew in mind. It had an almost disconcerting simple beauty and careful consideration to the materials used in its construction ensured that each piece would, with time aquire a softened patina. Next the Nemo Captain, which featured an appropriately sophisticated mechanism befitting to its superior rank, one of Thomas Prescher's signature Triple Axis Tourbillon movements, with the addition of a unique jumping hour indication.
Now details of the third piece, the Nemo SUB 1 have been released. It is a piece so complex that it is still being perfected and may not even be available until later this year, but it is one which reaffirms its maker's affiliation with "Steampunk" to great effect, so much so that I find it harder to imagine this one on the wrist than to visualise it gliding at depth with a bubble train in its wake.
The Nemo SUB 1 features an extraordinary three piece case with a central tube, which contains the cylindrical mechanical movement and two smaller tubes, one on each side which serve to indicate the hours and minutes. For the first time Thomas has created a movement with a half-cylinder shaped automatic rotor designed to wind in each direction and there also is a rather special look-see through to the tourbillon. At the case top, two porthole-style crowns provide the time setting and winding functions.
At the rear of the main case Thomas has included an additional "gyroscopic" rotor, whose sole purpose is to provide power to the propeller shafts in each side tube, a playful and boyish addition. Once again, thoughtful use of construction materials accentuates the pelagic theme, and for the Nemo SUB 1 sapphire combines with 18k red gold and palladium.
You may think that at first glance the Nemo SUB 1 oversteps the mark for it is indeed a striking timepiece - but be in no doubt, this particular watchmaker has the knack for producing an extreme design whilst maintaining beauty, and there is Neptunian charm aplenty to be found in this unique streamlined case-shape, This piece not only provides an exceptional and highly visible showcase for Mr. Prescher's watchmaking skills, but is also highly expressive of his years spent as a Naval Officer.
The Nemo SUB 1 will be a defining piece in the Thomas Prescher portfolio, and will be an exclusive release of just five pieces. I look forward to bringing you more images when the piece is finalised but in the meantime, more information on the Nemo Collection can be found at the Thomas Prescher official website.