Brellum has consistently impressed watch enthusiasts with its commitment to craftsmanship and precision, and their latest offering, the Duobox 39 Ice Blue Mother of Pearl Chronometer, is no exception. This timepiece represents a harmonious blend of refined aesthetics and robust engineering, housed within a moderately sized 39.5mm stainless steel case. The most striking feature is undoubtedly its ice blue mother-of-pearl dial, which subtly shifts in appearance under varying light conditions, making it an adaptable accessory for any occasion. Designed with versatility in mind, this model is poised to attract a diverse audience, from discerning collectors to those seeking a unique everyday watch that performs as beautifully as it looks. Limited to just 46 units, it stands as a testament to Brellum's dedication to exclusivity and meticulous attention to detail.
Beyond its visual appeal, the Duobox 39 excels in functionality and reliability. It is powered by a COSC-certified La Joux-Perret L100 automatic chronograph movement, known for its exceptional accuracy and 60-hour power reserve. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, revealing intricate decorations like Geneva stripes and blued screws, which underscore the watch's mechanical sophistication. Equipped with 100 meters of water resistance, this chronometer is built to withstand various activities, from daily wear to more adventurous pursuits. The inclusion of both a stainless steel bracelet and a white calfskin strap further enhances its adaptability, allowing wearers to customize its look to suit their personal style or the demands of any environment.
Design and Craftsmanship of the Duobox 39
The Brellum Duobox 39 Ice Blue Mother of Pearl Chronometer stands out with its meticulously designed 39.5mm 316L stainless steel case, complemented by a lug-to-lug measurement of 48mm, offering a comfortable fit for a wide range of wrist sizes. Despite its 15.3mm total thickness, which includes dual box-style sapphire crystals on both the front and back, the watch maintains a sleek profile of 11.05mm for the case itself. This thoughtful construction ensures both protection and an elegant appearance, with anti-reflective coating enhancing legibility. The watch’s robust build is further evidenced by its 100-meter water resistance, making it suitable for both formal settings and aquatic activities. The five-row stainless steel bracelet, featuring polished central links and brushed outer links, offers a refined, Jubilee-esque aesthetic, secured by a flush-fitting butterfly clasp. Additionally, the watch comes with a white calfskin strap and a pin buckle, providing versatility in styling.
The centerpiece of the Duobox 39 is its ice blue mother-of-pearl dial, which presents a dynamic interplay of color and texture. While the dial occasionally reveals a subtle translucence under certain lighting conditions, it predominantly appears solid and porcelain-like, avoiding excessive shininess that might detract from its elegance. The dial features applied, polished indexes with Super-LumiNova for enhanced readability in low light, alongside luminous hour and minute hands. Angled metal borders elegantly frame the chronograph sub-dials for 30 minutes, 12 hours, and running seconds, all meticulously rendered with black ink for numerals and scales. A noteworthy detail is the date window at 6 o'clock, which seamlessly integrates with the dial's color scheme, offering clear legibility without disrupting the overall design harmony, making it a truly balanced and sophisticated chronometer.
Precision Engineering and Versatility
At the heart of the Brellum Duobox 39 Ice Blue Mother of Pearl Chronometer lies the La Joux-Perret L100 caliber, a movement celebrated throughout the watch industry for its exemplary performance and accessibility. This automatic chronograph movement, visible through a sapphire-enhanced case back, showcases bespoke decorations that elevate its aesthetic appeal. The movement features a 4N-gold-plated winding rotor, intricate Geneva striping, delicate perlage, and blued screws, all contributing to a visually stunning mechanical display. Beyond its beauty, the L100 caliber is a COSC-certified chronometer, ensuring exceptional timekeeping accuracy. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a substantial 60-hour power reserve, making it both reliable and convenient for everyday wear. This high-performance movement underscores Brellum's commitment to combining sophisticated design with superior mechanical integrity.
The Duobox 39’s thoughtful design extends to its wearability and universal appeal. The watch’s overall thickness, while seemingly substantial at 15.3mm, is cleverly mitigated by the domed sapphire crystals and downward-curving lugs, allowing it to sit comfortably and conform gracefully to the wrist. The integrated bracelet, with its female end links, ensures a smooth and continuous flow from the case, enhancing its ergonomic qualities. The subtle and adaptable nature of the ice blue mother-of-pearl dial ensures that this timepiece transcends gender-specific aesthetics, making it a versatile option for anyone seeking a blend of elegance and functionality. Priced at CHF 3,190 (or CHF 2,950 for export), this limited edition of 46 pieces offers a compelling non-mainstream alternative that rivals offerings from much larger, more established watch brands, presenting a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to own a distinctive and meticulously crafted chronometer.