ArtyA Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy

In the realm of haute horlogerie, where timekeeping transcends mere functionality and evolves into an art form, ArtyA has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship. Their latest masterpiece, the Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy, is a testament to their relentless pursuit of innovation and their mastery of sapphire crystal. This timepiece isn't just a watch; it's a symphony of light, mechanics, and artistry, meticulously crafted to capture the essence of purity and the dynamism of the ocean.



Before delving into the intricacies of the Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy, it's essential to understand the brand behind this horological marvel. ArtyA, founded by Yvan Arpa, has always been a disruptor in the watchmaking industry. Arpa's philosophy is rooted in a fusion of art and watchmaking, a belief that a timepiece should be more than just a functional object; it should be an expression of individuality and creativity. This ethos is evident in every ArtyA creation, from their bold use of unconventional materials to their audacious designs that challenge traditional norms.



One of ArtyA's defining characteristics is their pioneering use of sapphire crystal. In 2016, they were among the first brands to embrace this material for watch cases, recognizing its potential to revolutionize the way we experience mechanical movements. Sapphire crystal, with its unparalleled transparency and scratch resistance, offers a window into the heart of a watch, allowing the intricate ballet of gears and springs to take center stage. ArtyA's mastery of sapphire crystal has been honed over the years, and the Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy represents the culmination of their expertise in this domain.



The Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy is a feast for the eyes. The first thing that strikes you is its ethereal transparency. The sapphire crystal case, meticulously crafted from a single block of sapphire, seems to dissolve into thin air, leaving the intricate mechanics of the movement suspended in a mesmerizing void. It's like peering into a miniature universe, where time is measured not by hands on a dial, but by the rhythmic dance of gears and springs.



The watch's openworked architecture enhances this sense of transparency. Every component has been skeletonized to the extreme, revealing the inner workings of the movement in all their glory. The bridges, meticulously beveled by hand, create a sense of depth and dimension, while the gears, with their intricate teeth and polished surfaces, glint and shimmer as they interact with each other. It's a testament to the skill and precision of ArtyA's watchmakers, who have transformed a functional mechanism into a work of art.



The dial, or rather the lack thereof, further accentuates the watch's minimalist aesthetic. The hour markers are laser-engraved on the inside of the upper crystal, creating a sense of depth and allowing for an unobstructed view of the movement. The hands, crafted in a sword shape with brushed and diamond-cut finishes, glide effortlessly over the mechanical landscape, their movements a constant reminder of the passage of time.



The watch's case, designed by the young and talented Jérémie Arpa, is a masterpiece in its own right. Its fluid, organic lines, reminiscent of the rolling waves of the ocean, create a sense of dynamism and movement that complements the watch's mechanical heart. The case's curves and contours play with light, creating a mesmerizing interplay of reflections and shadows that change with every subtle shift of the wrist. It's a testament to the power of design to elevate a functional object into a piece of wearable art.



At the heart of the Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy beats a new 'Time Only' 3-hand manufacture movement. This movement, entirely designed and crafted in-house by ArtyA, is a testament to their commitment to innovation and their pursuit of horological excellence. It's a movement that has been reimagined from the ground up, with every component meticulously engineered to optimize performance, reliability, and aesthetic appeal.



One of the movement's standout features is its redesigned barrels. These barrels, equipped with longer and finer springs, work in parallel to ensure a smoother and more linear release of energy. This translates into improved accuracy and a more stable power reserve. But the barrels aren't just functional; their elegant curves echo the flowing lines of the case, creating a visual harmony that speaks to ArtyA's holistic approach to design.



The escapement, the heart of any mechanical watch, is the star of the show in this movement. Suspended in mid-air, it oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz, its intricate movements a mesmerizing spectacle. The balance wheel, reduced in size for optimal chronometric performance, features microgram-weighted regulating screws arranged in an inverted, mirrored symmetry. This meticulous attention to detail is a hallmark of ArtyA's craftsmanship, where even the smallest components are treated with the utmost care and precision.



The movement's architecture is a marvel of engineering and artistry. The plates, arched and beveled by hand, create a sense of space and openness, while the skeletonized components reveal the intricate interplay of gears and levers. It's a movement that invites you to explore its depths, to trace the flow of energy from the barrels to the escapement, to witness the precise choreography that gives life to this timekeeping instrument.



ArtyA's mastery of sapphire crystal extends beyond the case to the chapter ring. This innovative design feature, laser-engraved on the inside of the upper crystal, enhances the watch's transparency while ensuring perfect legibility. The numerals, seemingly floating in mid-air, add another layer of depth to the watch's mesmerizing display. It's a testament to ArtyA's ability to blend art and functionality, to create a timepiece that is both visually stunning and eminently practical.



The ArtyA Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy isn't content with merely being a visual spectacle; it backs up its aesthetic appeal with an impressive mechanical prowess. The watch's new 'Time Only' movement is a testament to ArtyA's dedication to horological innovation. It's a movement that has been reimagined and refined, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in terms of performance, efficiency, and visual impact.



At the core of this movement lies a pair of redesigned barrels, working in tandem to deliver a smoother and more consistent flow of energy. The result is a power reserve of at least 72 hours, ensuring that the watch keeps ticking reliably even after days of inactivity. But it's not just about longevity; these barrels, with their graceful curves and intricate engravings, are a visual delight, adding another layer of complexity to the watch's openworked architecture.



The escapement, often referred to as the heart of a mechanical watch, takes center stage in the Stairway to Heaven. Suspended seemingly in mid-air, it oscillates at a brisk 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour. This rapid beat not only contributes to the watch's accuracy but also creates a mesmerizing visual effect as the balance wheel and pallet fork dance in perfect synchronicity. The balance wheel itself has been meticulously crafted, with microgram-weighted regulating screws ensuring optimal performance. It's a testament to the watchmakers' skill and dedication that even the most minute details have been attended to with such precision.



The movement's architecture is a symphony of form and function. The plates, arched and beveled by hand, create a sense of depth and openness, allowing light to penetrate every corner of the mechanism. The skeletonized components, stripped down to their bare essentials, reveal the intricate interplay of gears, levers, and springs. It's a visual feast for any watch enthusiast, a chance to witness the inner workings of a timekeeping marvel.



But the Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy isn't just about showcasing its mechanical prowess; it's also about enhancing the wearer's experience. The chapter ring, laser-engraved on the inside of the upper crystal, is a testament to ArtyA's innovative spirit. This design not only ensures perfect legibility but also maintains the watch's uninterrupted transparency, allowing the movement to remain the focal point.



The watch's case, measuring a comfortable 40mm in diameter, is crafted from a single block of sapphire crystal. This material, renowned for its hardness and scratch resistance, ensures that the watch will retain its pristine appearance for years to come. The case's flowing lines, inspired by the graceful curves of ocean waves, add a touch of dynamism to the watch's overall aesthetic. It's a case that is both visually striking and ergonomically comfortable, a perfect complement to the watch's intricate mechanics.



The Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy is more than just a timepiece; it's a wearable work of art, a testament to ArtyA's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological innovation. It's a watch that seamlessly blends technical prowess with aesthetic appeal, a symphony of sapphire and mechanics that is sure to captivate the hearts and minds of watch collectors and enthusiasts alike.



Every element of the Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy speaks volumes about ArtyA's dedication to craftsmanship and exclusivity. The watch is limited to a series of just 99 pieces, making it a rare and coveted collector's item. Each piece is meticulously hand-finished, with every bevel, polish, and satin-brushed surface reflecting the watchmakers' unwavering pursuit of perfection.



The watch's strap, crafted from supple black nubuck leather, adds a touch of understated luxury. It's a strap that is both comfortable and durable, ensuring that the watch can be worn and enjoyed on a daily basis. The buckle, an exclusive ArtyA design, is available with or without black PVD treatment, allowing the wearer to personalize their timepiece.



The Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy is a testament to ArtyA's ability to create timepieces that are both technically impressive and aesthetically captivating. It's a watch that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in watchmaking, a symphony of sapphire and mechanics that is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its limited production run and meticulous craftsmanship, it's a watch that is destined to become a treasured heirloom, passed down from generation to generation.



The ArtyA Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy is priced at CHF 44,900 (approximately USD 52,689), reflecting its exclusivity and the exceptional level of craftsmanship that goes into each piece. It's a watch that represents a significant investment, but for those who appreciate the artistry and innovation that ArtyA embodies, it's an investment that is sure to pay dividends in terms of both aesthetic pleasure and horological satisfaction.