THE AGE OF PHILANTHROPHY
Design inspired by the trench watches worn by the “poilus” (WW1 infantrymen), a tribute to anonymous heroes who accomplish altruistic deeds on a daily basis and support for causes helping the most disadvantaged. In sum, the magic formula which makes Riskers a highly-desirable brand.
The young brand, discovered on Kickstarter around two years ago, has really spread its wings since thanks to the one-of-a-kind design of its watches and, above all, the stories they tell. Basically, each of the pieces imagined by Riskers – contraction of risk-taker – is associated with an anonymous hero. Chapter 1, for example, is linked to Guillaume d’Aboville who, as chance would have it, ventured off and joined the NGO Enfants du Mékong (Children of the Mekong), an association which the watchmaking firm supports, and went on to become its CEO. Each reference of the collection is dedicated to an individual’s altruism but also makes a commitment to a cause.
Stylistically-speaking, the Riskers draw their inspiration from the trench watches worn by the “poilus”, the infantrymen from the First World War. The 43 mm-diameter steel cases, topped with a domed sapphire crystal, as such boasts the pebble-shaped silhouette of these historic pieces. The guard was redesigned, harmoniously embraces the caseband and encircles the crown set at 3 o’clock. Chapter 1 features a curvaceous dial adorned with a silvery-white hue, with blue Arabic numerals and indexes traced like fine lines running into a central ring and, as such, depicting the contours of a sun. This ever-so delicate face is hovered over by two openworked hands ans a yellow-tipped direct-drive. The date is displayed in a round aperture at 3 o’clock.
This Riskers is driven by a Swiss movement, the automatic STP caliber which delivers a power reserve of 44 hours and wraps round the wrist with a black calfskin strap clasped by an ardillon buckle.
Price: EUR1,430
By Sharmila Bertin