MATWATCHES

Without sacrificing any of its military pedigree, the California collection is opening a new chapter in the history of MATWATCHES by expanding its design parameters and style brief. Combining strength of character with elegance, these watches with a more civilian look offer neo-classical styling to active urban wearers. They retain the MATWATCHES DNA and drive to explore new horizons, while preserving the intrinsic energy of its watches. After extensive design research, and in order to reflect the mood of the era, MATWATCHES presented its first California model in 2014. With a self- winding Swiss mechanical movement (ETA 2824-2) which is both robust and accurate, it was initially designed as an “État-Major” military staff watch, and boasts all the distinctive traits of an all-purpose timepiece which is equally at home in the office, on a motorcycle ride or as weekend wristwear. Its 11.5mm deep barrel-shaped case (39mm in diameter) is beautifully understated. Refinement is implicit, but the large dial aperture and broad strap deliver a strong visual impression on the wrist. An instantly recognisable and iconic contribution to the collection, the California features both Roman and Arabic numbers on the dial like certain combat watches. Discrete but easy to read, refined but robust, it is ideal for everyday missions; its cleverly designed short lugs provide optimal comfort and the vintage-style strap sits perfectly in the watch case middle. It epitomises a spirit of freedom and sophisticated elegance which make it a highly versatile, very cosmopolitan and stylish watch for all occasions.

The GIPN French police intervention units were formed in 1972. To celebrate their fortieth anniversary, the GIPN opted to partner with MATWATCHES once again. The Furtive watch was developed exclusively for the GIPN and the key criteria in the specification were robustness and legibility. The dial markers are applied in subdued colours for high legibility/low visibility, thus ensuring total discretion. The time is easy to read by day and night as the hands, indices and bezel marker are coated with Super-Luminova C3. It is fitted with an automatic Swiss movement and an ultra-thick anti-reflective sapphire glass, and is watertight to a depth of 300m.

Military uniform has always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the fashion industry. Military apparel has to be simultaneously functional and tactical, while expressing its own distinctive style. This approach also applies to watchmaking: military watches have always been a key source of creative input for contemporary watch designers. As a brand, MATWATCHES is uniquely placed in France to draw on this heritage. Following the success of the “État-Major” 39mm diameter military staff timepiece, MATWATCHES was keen to develop a sport-chic watch drawing on the brand’s core aesthetic and historic design features. The 42.5mm diameter Urban Club watch therefore revisits the very neo-vintage lines of the California in a larger and more contemporary format. It has been styled for action men who enjoy sport, the good life, yachting, and long weekends on the coast. In this respect, it can claim an illustrious pedigree in the history of sports timepieces. It features a 2.8mm domed sapphire glass, is watertight to a depth of 200m, and comes with a set of three interchangeable straps (black tactical, tawny leather, and genuine rubber). As a nod to the MATWATCHES brand’s military roots, the crown is positioned at 9 o’clock to give this sporty yet traditional timepiece a uniquely authentic allure when worn. Elegant and reliable, it complements every wrist and can deservedly claim to be a fully-fledged all-terrain watch. It ticks all the new sport-chic classic boxes.