Moritz Grossmann presents the 37 Arabic Vintage
A captivating stainless steel model with a universal format and fine details that pay tribute to the craftsmanship of the manufactory
True beauty lies in the details. In those small elements that are given so much attention and so lead to the creation of something exceptional. With the new 37 Arabic Vintage by Moritz Grossmann, this is evident not only in the dial, whose creation and manufacture was carried out with the highest degree of precision, but also in the aesthetics of the mechanics – the movement visible through the sapphire crystal back – whose construction and finishing were lavished with just as much care and attention by the manufactory. Whether viewed from the front or back, at Moritz Grossmann, a watch is an absolute treasure from every angle. Value of this magnitude is a direct result of the craftsmanship cultivated in the workshops. This is clearly evident in the fine handcrafted finish on the movement and in the design of the dial, which enchants with its velvety matt surface and the fine brushed finish on the numerals, scales and historic Grossmann logo, all of which contribute to the charming, vintage look.
When it comes to Arabic numerals, it is not just about the curved yet simple aesthetic form that delights with its symmetry and can be adapted to suit various styles; it is also the fact that Arabic numerals stand for progress and the achievements of science and culture.
After all, the numeral system originated almost 2000 years ago in India and continued to develop, spreading across Asia to the Occident and finally conquering the world. Its greatest achievements were the ordering of digits in positions and introducing the digit zero, which was described in the book “Kleines Mathematikum” as “one of humanity's most brilliant inventions”.
In this respect, the system of Arabic numerals is similar to the art of watchmaking: the mechanics in watchmaking were also developed over several centuries and made progress in astronomy, physics and navigation possible, ultimately paving the way for the way we lead our lives today.
Science, the art of watchmaking and craftsmanship
In the new Arabic 37 Vintage by Moritz Grossmann, both science and watchmaking combine in the most exquisite way – they merge to form a model of timeless beauty that is intended to last for centuries.
A dial of classic beauty
One of the most striking features of the watch is the anthracite-coloured dial in untreated German silver: the matt, velvety hue shimmers in a variety of shades of grey, an effect created by the deep engraving on the dial, or, to be more precise, the black engraving. This involves the surface being thermally treated, giving the untreated German silver an almost grainy structure and a dark hue that dampens the incident light. This results in an effect similar to that seen on velvet fabric, whose fibres scatter reflections and can look lighter or darker from different angles. On the dial, this gives rise to a perfect background for the raised numerals, scales and historic Grossmann logo, which is designed in the “M. GROSSMANN” typography style from 1875.
The curve of the numerals is another nod to the classic art of watchmaking. Like the scales and the logo, they have been finely brushed, further accentuating the subtle effect of the dial. The straight hands in polished steel are a calm point of focus within this dynamic shape. They are crafted by hand and easy to read accurately, a task aided by the finely crafted minute scale.
The charm of the mechanism
Part of the Moritz Grossmann manufactory's philosophy is a focus on the aesthetics of the mechanics. The 37 Arabic Vintage incorporates the manufacture calibre 102.1, which has the classic basic structure of a 3/5 plate and combines a diameter of just 26 mm with a height of 4 mm. It works with an uneven escapement specially developed for this mechanism size as well as a modified regulation. The typical Grossmann structural components and High Artistic Finish can be admired through the display back. This includes the fine cuts and decorations on the components, the hand engraving on the balance cock and the plate and screwed gold chatons for some of the jewels.
The perfect complement: a leather strap in vintage brown
The stainless steel case, with its brushed surface shimmering in an elegant grey, is complemented beautifully by a brown strap made from high-quality Kudu leather.
