It is not every day that an ancient artisanal technique is adapted for 21st century watch collectors, yet that is precisely what Aventi has done with the new Golden Tiger watch. This masterpiece seamlessly blends the artistry of craftsmanship with the precision of contemporary Swiss watchmaking, drawing inspiration from the enigmatic allure of the wild and the timeless connection between humanity and nature. Photographs cannot do this watch justice because the tiger’s head on the dial is not a sculpture – it is more like a hologram, except it is not a product of computer engineering. Instead, it is done entirely by hand. The level of three-dimensionality introduced here is very rare in watchmaking, and will not fail to catch the eye.
A brash upstart in the world of traditional watchmaking, Aventi has never shied away from making an impression. The Aventi Golden Tiger, as the world’s first wristwatch with a hand-carved hologram on a sapphire dial, will create a spectacle on the wrist while also engaging the mind. Consider that the base material that the artisan works on is sapphire crystal, which is harder than anything in the world, other than diamond. Add to this challenge the fact that the base is flat, yet the intended effect is three-dimensional. To understand this better, let us take a closer look at the Intaglio artisanal technique that has been deployed on the dial.
Intaglio is very much like the bas relief technique, historically mastered by civilizations such as the Babylonians, Sumerians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, except in reverse; it is what a negative is to a photograph. Aventi updates Intaglio for the 21st century for the challenge of working with sapphire crystal, excavating its surface with great care and precision to reveal the tiger’s head, then filling the carved space with 24k gold. This meticulous process is a homage to 4,000 years of artistic refinement and results in a unique chef d’oeuvre.
The Golden Tiger thus stands as a testament to Aventi’s commitment to exceptional quality. From the saltwater crocodile wristband to the haute horlogerie Swiss Made movement with tourbillon regulator, every component exudes unparalleled craftsmanship.
This timepiece is more than a watch; it is a symbol of exclusivity and a nod to the evolution of art through the ages. Joining the elite circle of Golden Tiger owners signifies not just owning a luxury item but embracing the legacy of traditional craftsmanship and relishing the joy of rare possession. On that note, the very shape of the watch – and its pure sapphire crystal case – make the 44 mm x 49 mm Golden Tiger completely unmistakable. With the signature shaped design of its watches, Aventi goes to great lengths to be distinctive with its cases: there are no less than 92 facets and 124 edges in the case of the Golden Tiger, for example.
At the heart of the Golden Tiger lies the GT-01S, Aventi’s manufacture movement, developed by a Swiss master watchmaker in La Chaux-de-Fonds. This hand-wound Swiss-made calibre boasts the coveted tourbillon complication, redesigned to be comprised of only 18 components, a significant reduction from standard models. This refined design enhances precision and minimises susceptibility to assembly-related variations, ensuring superior performance.
The GT-01S calibre’s dependability is further highlighted by its mainplate and bridges made from Grade 5 titanium coated with DLC carbon. This construction enables the movement to withstand magnetic fields up to 2,000 Gauss and accelerations up to 5,000G. With a power reserve exceeding 100 hours and accuracy surpassing the Swiss COSC standard, the Golden Tiger stands as a masterful timepiece, not just powered by a great movement but embodying a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.Â
For more watch reads, click here.
