In the world of Horology there is a constant push and pull between tradition and innovation, where the tides of creativity challenge the bedrock of established norms. Enter the
Bausele x Seconde/Seconde/ Perspective, a watch that doesn't just tell time but invites its wearer to delve into a narrative of depth and dual meanings. A timepiece that is as much a conversation starter as it is a precision instrument, designed to challenge our perspectives.
Bausele, an Australian brand whose name is an acronym for 'Beyond Australian Elements', has its roots deeply embedded in the Australian landscape. Founded in 2011 by Christophe Hoppe, the brand has taken inspiration from Australia’s rugged beauty and has distinguished itself by encapsulating natural elements within its watches. Each piece carries a story, a fragment of the land, making it not just a timekeeper but a keeper of time and place.
Courtesy of Bausele
Seconde/Seconde/, a pseudonym for French artist Romaric André, is known for his irreverent approach to watch customization, often injecting humor and contemporary commentary into his works. His ethos is about altering the narrative of timepieces, sometimes with a single, simple intervention that changes the entire context of the watch. It’s this ethos that brings us to the collaboration that has produced the Bausele x Seconde/Seconde/ Perspective, a limited edition that carries the imprint of two visionaries in the watchmaking world.
From the outset, this watch captivates with its striking aesthetics. The deep black of the 316L surgical grade sandblasted stainless steel case, coated with black IP, suggests an object of utility and strength, while the blue accents on the dial radiate with an almost electric vibrancy against the black backdrop. The choice of black and white dials offers a nod to the classic, while still breaking waves with its contemporary design elements.
A closer look reveals the finesse of the double-domed sapphire crystal, which lies over the dial like a clear ocean surface under which the time-telling components move with the fluidity of sea life. This crystal is not only scratch-resistant but also features five layers of anti-reflective coating, ensuring that the watch’s face remains legible in the glaring Australian sun or the subtle light of a moonlit beach.
The watch’s crown is another chapter of the story altogether. It doesn’t just allow for time adjustments but showcases a unique fill of Kimberley red dirt, a hallmark of Bausele’s connection to the Australian terrain. It’s a feature that reminds one of the raw and unyielding landscapes from which this brand draws its inspiration.
Courtesy of Bausele
Moving to the back, the case is as robust as the front, with engravings that carry a special message from Seconde/Seconde/ x Bausele, marking the collaboration as one of substance and shared values. It’s a narrative that continues even out of sight, on the skin of the one who wears it.
For the collector and the enthusiast alike, the Bausele x Seconde/Seconde/ Perspective is not merely a watch. It is a testament to the art of watchmaking, a narrative object that goes beyond mere time telling. Each of the limited 50 pieces is a canvas where the wearer is invited to reflect upon the dual perspectives in every story, especially in our relationship with the natural world. The fin-shaped second hand, a playful yet profound design choice, asks the question: is it a shark or a surfboard fin? It depends on your perspective, your mood, your vibe. It’s a design that does not dictate but rather invites interpretation and introspection.
The luminous hands and numerals glow with a surety and clarity, powered by Super Luminova®. Whether it's the dead of night or the
Deep Blue sea, the watch continues to perform, to glow, to guide. And with a water resistance of 200 meters, it’s as comfortable in the surf as it is on the shore, a true diver in spirit and functionality.
But it’s not just about the aesthetics or the specifications. It’s about how this watch fits into the grander scheme of a collector’s narrative. Each piece, with its numbered engraving, tells of exclusivity and craftsmanship, of a story that is shared by only fifty people around the world. It’s a conversation of rarity, of art, of perspective.
Courtesy of Bausele
The dual straps add another layer of versatility and consideration. The light blue Velcro strap echoes the playful elements of the sea and sky, while the black rubber Tropic strap speaks to a more traditional, rugged functionality. Both are a testament to Bausele’s commitment to sustainability and adaptability, offering options for different environments and preferences.
The watch face itself is a study in design, where functionality meets artistry. The two-sandwich dial is a modern interpretation of depth and dimension. Super Luminova® not only ensures visibility in low light conditions but also adds an element of visual pleasure as the numerals and inner ring come alive in the dark, glowing with an ethereal presence.
The fin-shaped second hand is where Seconde/Seconde/ stamps his signature wit. At first glance, it’s an abstract representation – is it pointing to a shark lurking within the deep or to a surfboard, the epitome of beach culture? This ambiguity is deliberate, encouraging the wearer to engage with the watch on a personal level, interpreting its design based on their experiences and perspectives.
The case size and dimensions are thoughtfully crafted to balance presence and comfort. At 39.5mm, the case diameter hits the sweet spot for a wide range of wrist sizes, while the 9.5mm thickness (without the glass) ensures that the watch retains a profile that's noticeable without being overbearing. The lug-to-lug measurement of 47.5mm gives the watch a substantial footprint, while the 22mm lug width opens up a world of strap options for the enthusiast looking to personalize their piece further.
Courtesy of Bausele
Water resistance is a critical component of any diver's watch, and the Bausele x Seconde/Seconde/ Perspective is equipped to handle depths of up to 200 meters. It's a feature that speaks not just to the watch’s ability to accompany the wearer on aquatic adventures but also to its construction's integrity. The screw-down crown, a standard in ensuring water resistance, is made exceptional by the red earth from the Kimberley region, visually connecting the watch to the Australian continent's heart.
This timepiece is more than just a bearer of moments; it is a canvas of expression and a beacon of functionality. The two straps that come with the watch reflect this dual nature. The light blue Nato strap, elastic and vibrant, adds a playful, casual touch. In contrast, the black strap, made of recycled material, offers a more subdued and environmentally conscious choice. Both straps are easy to swap, allowing the wearer to match their watch to their mood or attire with ease.
In crafting the Bausele x Seconde/Seconde/ Perspective, it is evident that every choice made was intentional, from the selection of materials to the finishing touches. The 316L surgical grade stainless steel provides a foundation of strength and corrosion resistance, essential for a watch that's built to face the elements. The black IP coating adds a layer of durability and gives the watch a sleek, modern aesthetic that stands out in a sea of traditional designs.
Courtesy of Bausele
The process of sandblasting the steel case and case back lends a matte finish that's both tactile and visually appealing. It provides a contrast to the sheen of the sapphire crystal and the luster of the Super Luminova®. The tactile experience of the watch is just as important as the visual, and the attention to these details does not go unnoticed by the wearer.
The Bausele x Seconde/Seconde/ Perspective is a limited edition series, with each piece numbered 'One of 50'. This exclusivity is part of the allure, offering not just a watch but a piece of a narrative that only a select few can claim to share. It's a story of craftsmanship, of art, of a meeting of minds between a watchmaker and an artist, all distilled into a piece that sits on your wrist.