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MICRO MONDAYS: The Brellum Duobox LE.8 Chronometer artfully balances tradition and modernity MICRO MONDAYS: The Brellum Duobox LE.8 Chronometer artfully balances tradition and modernity

MICRO MONDAYS: The Brellum Duobox LE.8 Chronometer artfully balances tradition and modernity

Thor Svaboe

This is not the first time we’ve shown you a watch from Switzerland’s Brellum, an independent brand created in 2016 by fourth generation watchmaker Sébastien Muller. And although this is our Micro Mondays feature, Brellum is really established enough as a small manufacturer to deserve to be called an atelìer, with an exclusive production of 299 pieces per year. Brellum specialises in a chronograph-focused range brimming with panache that dances on the line between vintage and contemporary. The new Brellum Duobox LE.8 Chronometer showcases the brand’s strengths in a COSC-certified grey chronograph enlivened with a lunar touch of blue.

Packing a good deal of functionality into its 41.8mm case, the LE.8 is based on the Valjoux 7751, a COSC-certified chronometer movement that delivers a full moonphase indicator and triple calendar within this domed, anthracite dial.

Brellum Duobox LE.8 Chronometer

A closer look reveals a cool, stealth twist to the hardened, DLC-coated case. There is a broadening sweep of polished bevel that accentuates the suave line of the lugs, while the pump pushers sit next to a large crown with grip-friendly serrations and an intricate engraved logo.

William Wood Triumph

The dial has an elegant complexity with the dark background of an anthracite sunburst dial, visibly separated into an outer date track with a separate pointer, doubling up as indication for the chronograph seconds. The broad split sword hands are just one of the contemporary details that juxtapose against the traditional polished Roman numerals and feuille hands for the small registers. There is a lot to be said for a design that manages to give subtle hints of the traditions behind the vastly complex triple calendar layout, but also retains a modern edge with its monochrome grey and silver aesthetic.

Brellum Duobox LE.8 Chronometer

The small variations in font size and frames for the three multi-tasking registers are a wise choice that only underlines the tough yet formal vibe of the LE.8. My favourite detail on the anthracite dial would be the classically shaped moon phase cut-out in the 6 o’clock register, with a rich blue background offering a touch of colour under the sapphire box crystal.

Brellum Duobox LE.8 Chronometer

Yes, there’s a lot going on here. But Brellum’s artful configuration manages to ensure that a dial with eight hands and pointers is still balanced and easy to read, while also exuding a touch of mid-century panache.

Brellum Duobox LE.8 Chronometer

Turn the Brellum Duobox LE.8 Chronometer around, and you are faced with the 7751-based Brellum Calibre BR-751-TCMP. A numbered and skeletonised rotor gives us a twirl while also revealing the beguiling details within. The COSC-certified calibre is intricately decorated by Brellum, with the classic details of blued screws, perlage and Côtes de Geneve. With just 15 pieces available, this isn’t a watch that’s likely to remain in stock for long.

The Brellum Duobox LE.8 Chronometer, price and availability:

The Brellum Duobox LE.8 Chronometer is CHF 3,350 on a leather strap, limited to 15 pieces.

For more details, visit Brellum right here 

Made in partnership with Brellum. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.