In a historic first, Dolce&Gabbana have introduced an inaugural haute couture watchmaking creation: the Monreale.
Monreale, a city in Sicily, Italy, steeped in history and artistry, now becomes synonymous with Dolce&Gabbana’s move into haute couture watchmaking. In a debut that resonates with elegance and innovation, the renowned fashion house unveils its Alta Orologeria (haute horlogerie) creations, each a testament to timeless beauty and unparalleled craftsmanship. At the heart of this horological marvel lies the Dolce&Gabbana 13.03 calibre, a Swiss-made movement meticulously crafted to pay homage to the artistry of watchmaking. This manual wristwatch, adorned with a minute repeater and flying tourbillon, transcends mere timekeeping to embody a narrative of art, excellence and passion. The exterior of the timepiece is a canvas of exquisite detailing and precious materials. Hand-engraved and boasting a 46mm diameter, the case epitomises artisanal mastery, housing a mesmerising micro mosaic dial adorned with mother of pearl, malachite, jasper, glass and gold leaf. Two diamonds, totalling 0.30 carats, grace the bezel, adding a touch of opulence to the design. Secured with an alligator strap and gold safety clasp, every aspect of the Monreale exudes luxury and style. Delving into the technical intricacies, the Dolce&Gabbana 13.03 calibre powers the timepiece with precision and finesse. With a tourbillon rotating at one revolution per minute, the movement comprises 315 components, ensuring optimal performance and a power reserve of approximately 90 hours. Vibrating at 21,600 times per hour, the balance-spring maintains a seamless rhythm while the minute repeater strikes the hours, quarters and minutes with orchestral precision.
The minute repeater, a hallmark of complication, orchestrates a symphony of sound with each activation. From the low notes marking the hours to the alternating tones of the quarters and the precise strikes for each elapsed minute, this mechanical marvel pays homage to the art of auditory craftsmanship. The flying tourbillon, a nod to Abraham-Louis Breguet’s ingenuity, transcends the confines of gravity to ensure impeccable timekeeping. Rotating on its axis with each passing minute, it mitigates the effects of gravitational force, resulting in unparalleled accuracy and precision. Beyond its technical prowess, the Monreale is a masterpiece of functional design. With intuitive adjustments facilitated by the crown and slider, every interaction with the timepiece is a seamless blend of form and function.
Dolce&Gabbana’s debut with the Monreale is a celebration of artistry, heritage and innovation. From its handcrafted exterior to its meticulously engineered movement, each element embodies the brand’s commitment to excellence, offering discerning collectors a masterpiece worthy of admiration.