Newport Slim Skeleton
An anniversary watch for the 75 years of the HERBELIN maison
In 2022, the French watchmaking Maison HERBELIN celebrates 75 years of heritage and passion. Coinciding with this milestone, the brand announces a new identity
– Michel Herbelin becomes HERBELIN – and unveils an anniversary timepiece in a limited edition of 500 numbered pieces: the Newport Slim Squelette. Elegant in its refined aesthetic, this new watch reveals the intricate heart of its manual-winding mechanical movement with striking modernity. A piece of watchmaking tradition interpreted with a contemporary spirit, it mirrors the first HERBELIN global flagship, which has just opened in Paris, in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
A MINIMALIST DESIGN, UNDER INFLUENCE
Since its launch in 1988, Newport has become an icon, propelling the HERBELIN house onto the international stage. Evolving from the original model, the Newport Slim collection has been entirely reimagined while preserving the essence of its maritime DNA: central lugs and a crown engraved with a marine wheel. Celebrated since its 2021 debut, it stands out with an urban silhouette featuring a minimalist design. Similarly, the Newport Slim Squelette pushes this stylistic exercise even further.
The bezel, already free of its historical screws, remains substantial and is now devoid of the Newport inscription, which has been moved to the case back. The traditional flange also disappears, replaced by a ring simply punctuated by round perforations serving as hour markers. Adorned with the new HERBELIN logo printed beneath the sapphire crystal for enhanced transparency, the ensemble is illuminated by the reflections of the polished stainless steel case. This case, cut into three facets, measures 42 mm in diameter with a mere 7.15 mm thickness.
Completing the pure character of this anniversary piece, the alligator-style leather strap has been coated with a layer of rubber to make it matte and soft. Black with grey stitching, it harmonizes with the dial, offering a striking view of the movement.
A MECHANICAL BALLET
The manual-winding mechanical movement is completely exposed, hollowed out to the maximum. Understated and modern with a grey ruthenium treatment, its skeletonization was developed specifically for the French brand. Echoing the stylized geometry of a balance wheel bridge, an identifiable and iconic element of the Newport collection, it majestically displays the complex orchestration of components and gears, transforming the mechanism into a mesmerizing spectacle for those who appreciate the artistry behind the scenes.
Coming to life with the rhythm of faceted, tapered, black-oxidized hands, this Swiss-made caliber (Sellita) is also visible through a transparent case back. Featuring 19 jewels and generating 28,800 oscillations per hour, it boasts a 45-hour power reserve.
A LIMITED EDITION MADE IN FRANCE
Engraved on the case back with the number X/500, the Newport Slim Squelette cultivates its distinctiveness through its contemporary architecture. Made in France, it was designed, conceived, hand-assembled, adjusted, and controlled in the HERBELIN workshops located in the Jura mountains of Franche-Comté.
Highlighting traditional French watchmaking expertise passed down through generations since 1947, this anniversary watch, released in a limited series, pays a beautiful tribute to HERBELIN's 75 years. Opening a new chapter in its history, the French brand ambitiously looks to the future while drawing strength from its origins, a guarantee of quality and watchmaking expertise.
Features
Case:
- polished 316L stainless steel
polished 316L stainless steel bezel
sapphire crystal; engraved transparent case back Newport
- diameter: 42 mm; thickness: 7,15 mm
Water-resistant 30 meters
- limited edition of 500 numbered pieces
Dial:
- Skeleton
ring with round perforations as indices
steel hands, dagger shape, faceted and tapered, black oxidized
Functions:
Hours, Minutes
Movement:
- Swiss-made manual-winding mechanical movement (Sellita, caliber 11 ½ SW-210 1)
- 28 800 vibrations per hour, 19 jewels
- power reserve of 45 hours
Strap:
black leather alligator-effect with a rubber coating
- pin buckle
