Sharing my journey of finding the perfect vintage movement for my new release.
Hey guys,
I'm Stijn, the founder of Méraud and a passionate collector of timepieces. Méraud is basically the result of my hobby getting out of hand...
I wanted to share with you my journey of searching for the perfect vintage movement for my new piece. After a 2-year search in Switzerland, I am proud to say that I have finally found what I was looking for.
Since the Bonaire launched I already had the idea of creating a manual chronograph. In 2019 I started drawing the design and then I was looking for a chronograph movement that met certain criteria: it had to be swiss made, manual wind, visually stunning, reliable and affordable. I had been in touch with the movement manufacturer Eterna, La Joux Perret, some others as well. The issue with Eterna was that they had financial trouble during covid so I had to skip it and La Joux Perret was just too expensive to be able to create a timepiece that would still be affordable. I also didn't want to end up with an automatic movement that had the rotor taken off.
It eventually took me two years to find the right one, but I'm glad I did. I ended up bumping into a batch of new old stock Landeron 248 calibers. Enough to produce 200 watches and keep extra stock for repairs or servicing. Plus it matched the vision I had. The calibers are completely overhauled and I had the logo engraved on the bridge. It was worth it to go the extra mile.
The beauty of vintage movements is that they bring history and character to a watch, and I was determined to find the caliber that would perfectly complement my design and vision of the brand.
I thought I'd share this with you, fellow collectors and enthusiasts, as I know how much we all appreciate the story behind the timepieces we wear. I hope you find this journey as exciting as I did! Being a collector, I love the thrill of the hunt :-).
I'll post some more info in a few days on the Méraud Antigua, which is the name of my new model. :-)
Cheers!
Stijn
My watch journey started when I was 19y old, around 2007. I wanted to buy a proper watch and got an Omega Seamaster. I think I shouldn't have done that as it made me become a watch freak. I love watch...
I like the design of your previous project Bonaire. I’ll be following to see what the Antigua will be like. Best of luck launching the next one!
I like the design of your previous project Bonaire. I’ll be following to see what the Antigua will be like. Best of luck launching the next one!
Thanks a lot! Much appreciated :-)
Welcome to the forum!
Looks great and thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing the final product.
Welcome to the forum!
Thank you!
Looks great and thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing the final product.
Thanks! I'm looking forward to release it and receive all the feedback :-)
I really enjoyed the look of the Bonaire but sadly never got to see it in person. Very much so looking forward to the Antigua.
Might you be at the next windup watch fair?
I really enjoyed the look of the Bonaire but sadly never got to see it in person. Very much so looking forward to the Antigua.
Might you be at the next windup watch fair?
Thanks! It's something that is on my list! I tried last time but couldn't get hold of W&W. The one in NY is what I aimed for.
Thanks! It's something that is on my list! I tried last time but couldn't get hold of W&W. The one in NY is what I aimed for.
Tagging the two W&W guys on the site.
@buettner @zachweiss
We see them around pretty often!
Tagging the two W&W guys on the site.
@buettner @zachweiss
We see them around pretty often!
Thanks for the tag @Edge168n!
We happen to have a couple of @stijn_b 's watches in house at this very moment! Can't wait share our thoughts on them soon.
@stijn_b I'll shoot you an email right now and put you in touch with the right people on my end ;)
Thanks for the tag @Edge168n!
We happen to have a couple of @stijn_b 's watches in house at this very moment! Can't wait share our thoughts on them soon.
@stijn_b I'll shoot you an email right now and put you in touch with the right people on my end ;)
Haha no worries! Looking forward to your thoughts!! 😅
Excellent! While the Landeron is not the best of the vintage chronograph movements, I would take it over a Seagull any day of the week.
Now you have teased us with the image of the movement...since the watch is launching in 5 days time...how about teasing us with an image of the dial as well?
Dag Stijn! So great to have yet an other Belgian brand/creator among us. @Gwatches from Gavox joined the community a few weeks back 🙂 looking forward to the release!
Dag Stijn! So great to have yet an other Belgian brand/creator among us. @Gwatches from Gavox joined the community a few weeks back 🙂 looking forward to the release!
Thanks @Gauthier , great to hear! Michael (Gavox) and I know each other!
Hey Stijn! Very much looking forward to how this design turns out and getting my hands on it 😎👍
Hey Stijn! Very much looking forward to how this design turns out and getting my hands on it 😎👍
thnx buddy!
This is beautiful! I am eager to see what the front looks like, I have a deep love for chronographs with rotating bezels. 😀
This is beautiful! I am eager to see what the front looks like, I have a deep love for chronographs with rotating bezels. 😀
Then I think you might like it!
It's now live! So happy to finally share, it's such a relief. I also posted a new topic with some photos!