DeWitt Shines In The Glow Of Watch Dealer Shapur In San Francisco Hands-On

It moves whenever the 59-hour power book declines and if the barrel is wound, it slides on its longitudinal axis. The screw features simple movements but manipulated in terms of precision engineering.The dial is totally hand-crafted designed to please the high standard of finishes adopted by the Manufacture. The dial includes characteristics typical of this DeWitt original. Unconventional as it seems, legibility is quite made easy. Two discs at 9 and 3 o’clock indicate the hours and minutes rotating around a fixed central slice. Subsequently a reverse triangle points to the mark. We see a lot of gears on the dial, highlighting its mechanical character, it’s great to observe.While the dark dial balances the cool effects of the gold and steel interplay, the 42.5 millimeter diameter around case creates a more holistic subtle comparison using the impressive combination of gold (18 carat rose gold) and black rubber. Additionally, there are two little “W” signatures found on the crown and also on the buckle.The Geneva-based manufacturer modified the normal DeWitt 5050 automatic motion to give power for the Academia Endless Drive. This was completely done by hand, thus we can only surmise to the meticulous skills of their new craftsmen. The accommodated caliber is created of 320 parts such as the variable-inertia balance and it surpasses at 21,600 vibrations per hour enough for this to crank up 59 hours of electricity reserve.The new Academia Endless Drive wears on a black satin calfskin leather strap secured by a rose gold double folding clasp with a “W” signature. It retails for Swiss Francs 39,000 as of this writing.

DeWitt Shines In The Glow Of Watch Dealer Shapur In San Francisco Hands-On

DeWitt Shines In The Glow Of Watch Dealer Shapur In San Francisco Hands-On

Thursday was a nice day in San Francisco, and I was excited about being invited to meet with Mr. Pierre Halimi Lachorlotte at Shapur here in San Francisco. Pierre is the General Manager of DeWitt watches here in America, which is a humble title for President of North American Operations. Another reason I was excited was the opportunity to see Shapur’s new and larger retail location, which just happened to be across the street from its previous location. I recall walking by the high-end watch shop often, gazing longingly into the windows, and always being encountered by a friendly associate upon entering – regardless of my attire.

Shapur’s new space is divided between two floors, and they have now added more brands to their showroom. Adding more soon as I understand. I would suggest that Shapur’s major competitor in San Francisco is Shreve & Co., a fight Shapur is winning in my opinion based upon selection, atmosphere, and employee amicability (though they do carry different brands).

As I walked upstairs that day I was immediately greeted by Pierre. I am not at the point where I can afford a DeWitt watch (in fact I might never be at that point), but that didn’t stop them from treating me like a valued client. My enthusiasm for talking about watches was enough, and for that I was genuinely touched. My typical experience with high end watch dealers consists of them briefly acknowledging me, and faster still dismissing me as a non-sale for the observable future. That day was different, and I wanted to make the most of it.

DeWitt Shines In The Glow Of Watch Dealer Shapur In San Francisco Hands-On

DeWitt Shines In The Glow Of Watch Dealer Shapur In San Francisco Hands-On

Shapur and DeWitt treated me fondly, as an colleague almost. My time there was precious, and a major reason for my visit was the DeWitt WX-1 Concept watch. The $650,000 timepiece creation that materialized a few months ago. The watch deserves a full length article alone, which you can view here. Suffice to say, I had my time with novel watch, and there is much to say about it. The majority of its charm and intrigue exist on a far deeper level than its Jules Verne inspired spaceship looks.

It may seem odd how I place emphasis on my treatment by the watch retailer and company, but it is important to place it in perspective. We are talking about timepieces which on the low end are roughly $20,000. On the high end… well I already mentioned the price of the WX-1 watch. Compare that with how you are treated at an expensive car dealer. Are you given the time of day? DeWitt has watches that cost an equal amount to a brand new Lamborghini or Ferrari, and not merely the “entry-level” models. It would be no surprise, even expected, for DeWitt to treat any non-potential customer, as so many other pretentious companies do. Though this was not the case as I have mentioned, and this attitude is not the status quo for the industry. I cannot commend them enough for their maturity, and foresight that true public relations is with the entire interest public, and not merely an ultra limited demographic.

I have precious few minutes to spend at the meeting at Shapur due to an appointment back at the office, so I wanted to make the most of it. While Mr. Halimi attended to other guests, I took notice of the other DeWitt watches presented. Chronographs, perpetual calendars, and tourbillons (or combinations thereof), where among the offerings. Also on display were the new DeWitt Tourbillon Force Constant and Night Chronograph in Rose Gold (wonderful for its “propeller” seconds subdial). The 15 or so watches represented a significant portion of the DeWitt watches that come to America each year. The brand typically produces about 1000 examples of its watches annually, most of which are not US bound. This was a rare opportunity to become acquainted with the brand by sampling so much of it.

DeWitt Shines In The Glow Of Watch Dealer Shapur In San Francisco Hands-On

DeWitt Shines In The Glow Of Watch Dealer Shapur In San Francisco Hands-On

No other watch brand I know of resembles the unique looks of DeWitt. Frankly, it is hard to copy them, though I am sure many have tried. The construction and time involved in making their watches is intense. As I admire a perpetual calendar model I notice the moon on the moonphase indicator looks like a pearl, underneath a darker pearl layer, set against a lustrous painting meant to resemble stars. The effect is nice, classy, and very difficult to reproduce. Materials on these watches blend well, and the squared alternating material pattern on the bezels (an iconic DeWitt look) is set together so well. Having handled enough watches, I can tell the quality of these watches is more than just the raw materials put into them. A deep sense of craftsman-like affection is apparent in the perfect fit and finish of each watch. Perhaps it is a shame that one must invest this kind of money to get a item that is put together so well, but I am relieved that in this world of mass production and disposable goods, such things still exist that are put together by hand, with skill and knowledge accumulated in over two centuries of practice.

The young associate at Shapur enthusiastically discusses the DeWitt watches, and how they sell. He mentions the fact that many younger buyers are drawn to the DeWitt pieces. This fact does not surprise me, save for the reality that DeWitt watches are hard to come by, and you have to actively look for them. What I means is that most DeWitt buyers learn about them through investigation and discovery. You’d have to be looking at a dedicated watch magazine to know about DeWitt, or be lucky enough to visit one of the rare locations that carry them. Otherwise, the uninitiated consider something like Rolex, when the opportunity presents itself to buy a nice watch. Mr. Halimi of DeWitt is particularly proud of the fact that DeWitt buyers are watch lovers, learning about the brand, and making a conscious decision to acquire a DeWitt after considering the alternatives (at least from a price perspective). This is certainly not how an average business person would respond, and I am comforted by the fact that DeWitt, is not an average business. For it if was, my impression is that the watches would unfortunately not be the same (because quality and profitability are typically not in accord); another reason I am so drawn to the watch industry.

I will go back to Shapur – more often now most likely at their enhanced location. Their new shop is a nice place to look at nice watches, and they are a friendly conglomeration of family and dedicated employees. I am sure I will make an excellent customer once I am able to make the occasional investment in their goods.

You can find DeWitt, among other beautiful watch brands at:

Shapur Mozaffarian
272 Post St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-1200