Rarely do we see anything brand new in watchmaking, but with its collection of Lensman 2 Exposure timepieces, it seems that Horage has achieved exactly that.
Comprised of a group of engineers and designers, Horage is entirely focused on generating new products based on radical design and sophisticated engineering, while observing traditional watchmaking values.
With a goal to create a new complication, the ‘Exposure’ function of the Lensman 2 simplifies the process of calculating the exposure of an image, making it the perfect timepiece for any photographer using a manual camera.
The bidirectional rotating bezel takes on the role of exposure calculator, with ISO (film speed) settings ranging from 25 to 12,800 and aperture (f-stop) settings ranging from f/1.4 to F/22. Both of these figures are prominently displayed for easy reference, and the lighting conditions (represented by icons) and shutter speed are engraved on an inner dial ring.
When the ISO markings on the bezel are rotated to align with current lighting conditions, the optimal shutter speeds and f-stops are revealed, allowing the wearer to calculate the optimal shutter speed and aperture for their camera’s exposure.
The aesthetic of the Lensman 1 tourbillon from 2022, which pays homage to professional cameras that were frequently cased in black, is carried over to the Lensman 2 but with two lighter dial colour options of yellow and silver also available.
The watch is made up of a dual material design, consisting of an outside shell of Grade 5 titanium and an inner case of black anodised aluminium, combined to achieve a hybrid, bi-metallic exo-skeleton case.
As a result, the piece has a unique geometry and, because of the engineering demands, Horage brought the full production in-house at their new partner plant Paoluzzo Ag in Biel, Switzerland.
The highly polished Grade 5 titanium bezel that sits on top of the case unites high watchmaking with the classic design elements of medium-format cameras.
Both the function and aesthetic redefine what a modern-day tool watch can be, while the compact profile and lightweight materials result in a timepiece that is extremely comfortable to wear.
The new watch is powered by the COSC-certified K2 micro-rotor movement from Horage’s Supersede watch, which has been updated to incorporate the Lensman 2 Exposure’s new 24-hour GMT function.
The GMT hand is filled with Super-LumiNova and moves in one-hour increments independent of the main hands. The second time-zone is read via the Arabic numerals surrounding the inner dial.
The galvanic black K2 calibre with silicon ecapement and Horage’s trademark grid pattern and Côtes de Genève, can be viewed through the watch’s exhibition caseback. The back is also engraved with the phrase: “You don’t take a photograph, you make it”.
Supporting the Horage project is legendary photographer Brian Griffin, who was named “Photographer of the Decade” by the Guardian in 1989 for his pictures of musicians such as Depeche Mode, R.E.M., Iggy Pop, Ringo Starr, and Peter Gabriel.
Among his many accolades, Mr Griffin has been awarded the Centenary Medal by the Royal Photographic Society in recognition of his contribution to the art of photography and has been inducted into the Album Cover Hall of Fame.
In recognition of his work and his support, a special edition Lensman 2 Exposure has been created bearing the caseback legend “Believe in your light. Brian Griffin.” The tungsten rotor of the standard model is replaced by a platinum rotor and the dial has a classic silver finish.
Customers will also have the option of selecting one of four limited-edition photo box categories: Music, Film, Portrait, or Artist Selection. Each photo box contains four images chosen from Griffin’s archive and signed and numbered by the artist.
The pricing policy of the Lensman 2 is an interesting one. VIP pre-orders between May 9 and May 12 will be charged at CHF 4,900 for the Standard Edition Lensman 2 and CHF 5,900 for the Brian Griffin Special Edition Lensman 2.
‘Early Bird’ pre-orders between June 6 and June 9 will see a price of CHF 5,450 for the Standard Edition Lensman 2 and CHF 6,450 for the Brian Griffin Special Edition. Other special offers are available and can be discovered at horage.com
*** Incidentally, if the name Horage sounds familiar, it is because it is part of the team behind K1 – the movement that Bremont bought lock-stock-and-barrel to transform into its ENG300 calibre.
