Luxury Brand Scalfaro launches Line of mechanical Watches designed by Yacht Designer Espen Oeino

Sept. 7, 2009 - PRLog -- WORLD PREMIERE: SCALFARO FOR ESPEN ØINO EDITION

SCALFARO COOPERATES WITH YACHT DESIGNER ESPEN ØINO


SCALFARO – CONTEMPORARY LUXURY
Since its foundation in 2001, SCALFARO has made a name for itself as the pioneer of “CONTEMPORARY LUXURY” adding an innovative yet highly sophisticated facet to the world of fine watchmaking.

In its Swiss Ateliers the family-owned company manufactures mechanical masterpieces by combining traditional artisan techniques with the latest modern-day technology. Scalfaro’s extraordinary design language is completed by flawless workmanship and keen attention to detail.

“Four Generations – One Passion” - Alexander and Dominik Kuhnle are proud to dedicate their energy, skills and passion to continue their family’s longstanding tradition in the luxury universe.

Dominik and Alexander Kuhnle
Owners of Scalfaro (click to enlarge)

ESPEN ØINO INTERNATIONAL
In the world of superyachts Espen Øino is recognized as one of the leading naval architects. He is the ingenious spirit behind some of the most famous yachts of our times incl. true milestones of yacht history such as the stylish “Skat“, the luxurious Kismet (both Lürssen/Germany) and the sleek “Silver“ (Hanseatic Marine/Australia).

The dynamic Norwegian has earned the trust and loyalty of the most discerning yacht owners that continue to entrust him with truly spectacular projects pushing the limits of engineering, but also entering new waters in regard to more eco-friendly yachting. Espen Øino’s work – his design studio is based out of Monaco - has been rewarded with several prestigious international awards.

Espen Øino
Designer (click to enlarge)

HISTORY OF THE SCALFARO FOR ESPEN ØINO EDITION
The three passionate entrepreneurs first met during the Monaco Yacht Show – the central event of the superyacht industry – and it was not long until a vivid exchange of ideas and thoughts on design philosophy and technical particularities of their respective fields began.

They were amazed by the similarities in the creation process of a new yacht and a new timepiece and the challenges involved. In both fields, design and functionality, as well as the “packaging” of different volumes, dynamic lines and the overall harmony of the object have to respect numerous technical specifications and physical proportions.

As a matter of fact, the founders of Scalfaro have always had a very close connection to yachting as well as modern yacht design and derived several of their design principles from it; for example Scalfaro’s typical multi-level case architecture which breaks up the volume of each timepiece into several levels and surfaces and thus makes it appear very harmonious.

At the end of said Monaco Yacht Show the group of pioneers took the decision to enter a cooperation which had never been done before: For the first time in watchmaking history a yacht designer was to create a new timepiece together with a team of master watchmakers.

The result is a truly maritime watch which – in a very sophisticated way - communicates worldly elegance, seaworthiness as well as watchmaking excellence. A number of refined details make the “Scalfaro for Espen Øino“ Edition - limited to 100 pieces - a rare and impressive design object which will delight watch collectors and maritime spirits alike.

The Scalfaro for Espen Øino Edition Chronograph
(click to enlarge)

TECHNICAL INFO
The design and construction of the solid 44mm watchcase was inspired by a porthole. The various surface-finishings of the case with its numerous polished facets and brushed tables create a strong three-dimensionality and makes the timepiece sparkle in the sun like a diamond.

The dial design is functional, but refined including its two-tone colour concept. The multi-level construction of the dial is in perfect harmony with the clear design- language of the watchcase. The diamond-polished hands are filled with luminous material (Luminova) and thus guarantee good readability at night.

The hand-finished inner bezel of the dial - visible through the scratch-resistant and anti-glare treated sapphire crystal – is engraved with the hour numbers as well as the name “Espen Øino“. Two coloured ceramic cylinders are set into the bezel as a subtle reference to maritime symbolism – a red ceramic element at 9 o’clock (signal sign for larboard) and a green ceramic element at 3 o’clock (signal sign for starboard).

Inside the timepiece – you could say “in the engine room” – ticks a highly refined Swiss Manufacture chronograph movement visible through the Sapphire crystal caseback. It has been finely tuned and decorated by hand with Geneva stripes, Perlage pattern as well as blued screws. The chronograph function enables the mechanical measurement of time-periods of up to 12 hours. The V-configuration of the three subdials as well as the date indication at 6 o’clock complete the well-balanced design of the dial.

On the outside of the watch, you can see the logo of the Espen Øino Design Studio which has been integrated into the solid stainless steel case at 6 o’clock with the help of Scalfaro’s innovative technique of coloured “Ceramic Intarsia” blending steel and ceramics.

The numerous components of the highly complex watchcase are screwed together with Scalfaro’s very own ScalfaScrews inspired by a winch. Seaworthy water-resistance is guaranteed by the “Scalfaro Multi-Step Protection“-System (SMSP) which protects the gaskets from direct water-contact in combination with the solid screw-down crown.

The natural rubber strap with its smart folding buckle integrates into the watchcase via two prolonged logs with polished facets and matt-finished tables. The logs together with the slightly lowered middle-part are an abstraction of the stern of a superyacht. The refined weight-balance of the watchcase as well as its curved design guarantee a very comfortable fit of the watch on the wrist.


LAUNCH
The exciting collaboration of Scalfaro and Espen Øino has resulted in a truly extraordinary timekeeper which will have its official debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2009.

The recommended retail price will be Euro 6.950,-.

Further details see www.scalfaro.com

or write to press@scalfaro.ch for further press material (images, technical data,...)

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About SCALFARO – CONTEMPORARY LUXURY:

Since its foundation in 2001, SCALFARO has made a name for itself as the pioneer of “CONTEMPORARY LUXURY” adding an innovative yet highly sophisticated facet to the world of fine watchmaking.

In its Swiss Ateliers the family-owned company manufactures mechanical masterpieces by combining traditional artisan techniques with the latest modern-day technology. Scalfaro’s extraordinary design language is completed by flawless workmanship and keen attention to detail.

“Four Generations – One Passion” - Alexander and Dominik Kuhnle are proud to dedicate their energy, skills and passion to continue their family’s longstanding tradition in the luxury universe.

Website: www.scalfaro.com