Here is something you don't see every day. The intensely unique HMS watch line from true avant garde French watch maker JP Lepine Belharra is not seen very often. This boutique watchmaker hails from Paris, but has Swiss roots and has a handful of carefully crafted underwater machine looking watches. The HMS (probably standing for "Her Majesty's Ship") watch used JP Lepine Belharra's signature case, which is its most standout feature. The case itself is constructed from several parts and have articulated ball-jointed lugs. The cases are 40mm wide and known to be very comfortable. I like the use of contrasting polish and brushed steel. The watches are based on the designs from some of JP Lepine Belharra's ocean themed pen collections. Also notable is that Belharra makes the limited edition Titanic DNA pens for Romain Jerome.
The face is not as "exciting" as the case, but it does not disappoint me. I appreciate how legible it is, and the there is a rich amount of lume covering the surfaces. Further, the number indexes are nice to look at in an almost whimsical manner. The watch is available in various colors and strap options, each with the same nautical theme. Not really sure the movement used. In this version, I suspect it is an ETA 2824-2 or 2892-2 automatic mechanical movement. These are great collector watches from a well-versed independent watch maker. Right now, a black faced JP Lepine Belharra watch is available on eBay for about $2,200, which is a good price given the original retail value and the fact that these watches are very hard to come by.
See Lepine Belharra items on eBay here.
 Wire Photo 1929 Pete Lepine Les Canadiens Hockey  US $9.99
|
 Morigeau-Lepine Baby Crib #792 US $90.00
|
 LEPINE PARIS SILVER KEY WIND CYLINDER POCKET WATCH 51MM US $36.00
|
 Wonderful Black Art Deco Jean Lepine Zig Zag Pen US $19.99
|
 Nursery Furniture - Morigeau Lepine’s 1900 series Crib US $1,600.00
|
 Mother of Pearl Opera glasses Lepine Paris US $38.50 |
Yes, it is possible to create something this ugly, but why?
Hoby,
As is the case with many watches, the subjective eye might deem a particular creation ugly. There have been so many watches that just appall me. The bottom line is that at least enough people liked this design enough to make a watch costing several thousand dollars out of it. Thus, because taste is subjective, it is easy to call this or any watch ugly. My policy is to attack or praise watches more on factual merits and adherence with general design principles. Because this JP Lepine Belharra HMS doesn’t offend notions of symmetry and alike, I can’t attack it and appreciate the fact that the watch industry is robust enough to produce such timepiece creations. Thanks for reading.
Mr. Adams,
I howled!
Thanks for your response! Actually, I was suprised at getting this, it was more of a humorous observation. Also, although you can probably explain it away in a very refined manner, I have noticed that you are not immune to the occasional judgement about appearances. Recent cases in point are the Mobiado phone and the Mark Ecko “Master of Possibilities”. MOP Indeed!
I must say that I am almost as addicted to your blog as I am to watches, and devour each day’s installment with great delight.
Thanks
Hoby
Oh, and one other thing! I bought that Temption Cherubin GDA you wrote about, loved it at first wear, and by the time you posted your article about the Temption Cora I had already bought that for my wife too. You are one of the worst but most fun influences I have ever had!
Hoby
Hoby,
Nice to hear back from you. I am quite flattered by your eloquence and praise. I might just use your description of me as “one of the worst but most fun influences I have ever had” as as a user testimonial
It is really nice to hear that you are enjoying your Temption watch. I will have to comment about this to the president of the company who will be delighted. I am currently interested in purchasing a Temption Cameo. If you ever have an opportunity to photograph your wife and yourself wearing your Temption watches (it could be just the wrists if you prefer), I would gladly display it on the site. Plus, if there is any particular coverage or focus you are interested in reading about, do let me know. Your readership and enjoyment are extremely important to me. Oh, and expect a bit of absence next week as I have been invited to Germany for a little watch adventure. Expect details to come.