Made in Spain and powered by rebuilt vintage Omega movements, Atelier de Chronométrie’s watches recall Swiss watches of the 1930s and 1940s. Having launched variants in steel, and even one with a revolving cloisonné enamel dial, Atelier de Chronométrie (AdC) has just unveiled a pair of watches created for Shellman, a respected watch retailer in Tokyo.

Founded by vintage watch dealer Santi Martinez, his wife Montse Gimeno, as well as watchmaker Moebius Rassmann, AdC specialises in timepieces that look and feel vintage, save for the movements inside that are artfully designed and wonderfully finished. Its tasteful watches are a perfect fit for Shellman, the small but influential outfit located in the posh Ginza district of Tokyo.

Established in 1971 by Yoshi Isogai, Shellman is highly regarded for its top quality vintage watches and was one of the first retailers of Philippe Dufour anywhere in the world. Alongside Dufour, Shellman is also the retailer of independent labels like Beat Haldimann, Svend Andersen, and now, Atelier de Chronométrie.

The Atelier de Chronométrie #6 is a 35mm watch in 18k grey gold, with a two-tone sector dial and blued steel leaf hands.  The case design is inspired by 1930s gentleman’s wristwatches, explaining the single-stepped bezel with a flat front and the narrow case band.

Inside is a movement that started life as a 1950s Omega cal. 266, but entirely revamped by AdC. Twenty-six components of the movement are hand-made from scratch, while every component is decorated by hand to a high degree. The parts made by AdC include the bridges and cocks, which are made of ARCAP, a hard alloy made up of nickel, copper and zinc, as well as the free-sprung balance wheel that has two adjustable masses made of 18k gold.

Admittedly the #6 wristwatch is fairly similar to earlier AdC watches, which is where the Atelier de Chronométrie #7 stands out. Though it has design elements found in other AdC timepieces, the #7 is the first time they have been combined in this manner.

The #7 is in old school 18k yellow gold, and slightly larger at 37mm in diameter. The dial is black “gilt” with applied Breguet numerals matched with solid yellow gold hands.

The movement is identical to that in the #6, but because several components are hand-made and also finished by hand, the aesthetic is intentionally varied. The shape of the barrel bridge, for instance, is different, as is the finishing on the crown and barrel ratchet wheels.

Note the gold chaton for the jewel within the black-polished steel cap on the escape wheel cock

Key facts AdC #6

Diameter: 35mm
Material: 18k grey gold
Water resistance: 30m

Movement: Hand-wound and based on Omega cal. 266
Frequency: 18,000 beats per hour
Power reserve: 38 hours

Strap: Calfskin with hand-made 18k grey gold buckle

Key facts AdC #7

Diameter:37.5mm
Material: 18k yellow gold
Water resistance: 30m

Movement: Hand-wound and based on Omega cal. 266
Frequency: 18,000 beats per hour
Power reserve: 38 hours

Strap: Calfskin with hand-made 18k yellow gold buckle

Price and availability

The AdC #6 and #7 are available only at Shellman in Tokyo, but similar models are available direct from Atelier de Chronometrie, starting at €38,000 in stainless steel.