Elka Watch Co. Introduces Vintage-Inspired Tour des Chavannes Series
Elka Watch Co. introduces the R Series “Tour des Chavannes,” a new collection inspired by the historic tower that once stood in Neuchâtel. The watches combine vintage‑era design cues—such as hand‑drawn lettering, Roman numerals, and a chevé‑style sapphire crystal—with modern technical specifications, including a 40.8 mm stainless‑steel case, 50 m water resistance, and the La Joux‑Perret G101 automatic movement offering a 68‑hour power reserve. Two versions are available: the “Pierre d’Hauterive” model with a beige dial and black hands, and the “1736 Edition” featuring a black dial with rose‑gold hands, both priced at CHF 1,716 (EUR 1,801) excluding taxes. The collection marks Elka’s commitment to Swiss heritage, highlighted by the brand’s new boutique at 16 Rue des Chavannes. While not a limited edition, the watches are positioned as special releases that blend the charm of Neuchâtel’s medieval architecture with contemporary watchmaking craftsmanship, offering buyers a distinctive blend of history and modern performance.
Buying Time Analysis: The story highlights Elka Watch Co.’s revival of historic Swiss heritage by transforming the lost Tour des Chavannes into a contemporary watch series, showcasing the brand’s blend of tradition, innovative design, and cultural storytelling.