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 When you arrive at the Manoir du Soleil d’Or, on the heights of Le Locle, where Christophe Claret is based, you probably are not expecting the considerable surprise that this edifice has in store for you. At first sight, this manor that once belonged to an illustrious watchmaker, Urban Jürgensen, shows all the signs of the traditions of “the good old days”. It was purchased by Christophe Claret in June 2003 and meets his requirements for work under conditions that are discreet, well protected or even extremely high security. However, once you are familiar with the feats that are achieved there, you expect to find a trace of modernity somewhere. And indeed, you have just to cross a walkway in glass and steel to reach a building that is much more “high tech” and that houses Christophe Claret’s latest equipment. So much for conservatism!
No introductions are needed for a watchmaker who makes limited series of watches or unique pieces with high added value for the greatest names. “The whirlwind is the simplest complication I offer”, explains, with a half smile, the man who produces movements that include an average of 450 components - a number that can even rise to 1000 parts. The Tourbillon Orbital for Jean Dunand, or the Shabaka (for the same house), the Occhio Ripetizione Minuti, for De Grisogono, the Tourbillon Zéphyr for Guy Ellia or the Opus IV for Harry Winston …. The full list of his milestone achievements since 2000 would be too long to cite in detail. Let us just summarise it with one fact: Christophe Claret is capable of attracting the most demanding clients through time-keepers that respect their DNA while standing out from the crowd because of his untrammeled creativity and audacity.
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