Originality and tradition embody the Croizé No. 001 by Ludovic Roth and Croizé Watches. What stands out is that the sleek, lightweight automatic movement is unlike any other. With its chic and durable 7,2 mm thick case, it will last a very long time.
« The object's apparent simplicity underscores the incredible technical feat: the back of the watch reveals an ultra-thin movement, one of the thinnest in the world. A basic design that required years of proven subtractive work. »
Ludovic Roth sought to blend design with fine watchmaking to create CROIZÉ No. 001, a "manifesto of sobriety and luxury" for connoisseurs. When Ludovic Roth and Bruno Croizé began collaborating in 2016, the joint project seemed utopian to some. The designer and entrepreneur are preparing to face a closed environment, meeting strict standards, reinforced by centuries of expertise.
First, it was necessary to imagine, according to Bruno Croizé's wishes, a totally unique jewel watch that would reconnect with the essentials of fine watchmaking. It was then necessary to convince the most renowned artisans with inimitable traditions to be part of this adventure.
The Croizé No. 001 (all parts are solid gold except the movement and bracelet) becomes the first model marketed in small series by an insider brand. Born from the unique know-how of the best Swiss artisans (in Fleurier, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Val de Travers and the Swiss Jura) and the tireless development work of the designer who also assumes the overall artistic direction of the project, the watch demonstrates unprecedented technical strength.
« It's not just a watch ", insists the creator, " It's a whole other world, a true statement of luxury and sobriety " Equipped with an ultra-thin automatic movement measuring just 2,6 mm thick, one of the thinnest movements in the world, its extreme finesse is highlighted by the designer's incredible expertise.
« This ideal circle embodies purity. But to achieve this, it was necessary to remove the "horns," those tiny indentations that connect the dial to the bracelet. "This feat was made possible by the design of an extraordinary case. The use of tiny pieces inserted into the bracelet ensures a subtle connection between the bracelet and the case, while conforming to the shape of the wrist to prevent the nappa leather from deforming.
This design of the invisible took years of research and development. Focused on the invisible, I chose this approach of erasure to the very end. The apparent simplicity of the object makes this feat all the more remarkable: the movement is visible on the back of the watch, its technicality and beauty highlighted through the basic design. This simplicity is the result of a process of subtraction, which required years of research and numerous tests. »
Technical characteristics
Crossed No. 001
Presentation The first watch equipped with an iconic movement was the primary goal from the very beginning of the project. Its main characteristic is its thinness. At only 2,6 mm thick, it is one of the thinnest movements in the world. A true technical feat, it considerably reduces the thickness of the watch while ensuring optimal winding. Croizé 001 is a very delicate product. The unique feature of the ultra-thin movement is that it is equipped with a micro-rotor inside the automatic movement. The automatic movement consists of 160 parts and has a 48-hour power reserve. The model is designed and assembled in the heart of Switzerland. The beveling is done by hand and the bridges are carefully decorated. Every detail is important. It is a true masterpiece of complexity beating at the heart of the case, combining technology and tradition to give time an extra touch of soul and poetry.
Controller Diameter: 39 mm / Thickness : 7,2 mm / Telescope : Domed sapphire crystal / Open bottom: Screwed with tempered mineral glass / Material: 18k 4N gold / Produced in small series in a prestigious factory, each case is tracked and recorded in the brand's workshops.
Dial Diameter: 34,4 mm / Thickness : 0,4 mm / Material: Silver / The dial is rounded in shape, in brass with a white silver opaline background / A sub-dial at 6 o'clock indicates the movement of the small seconds / The appliques and the alternating index are in 18 ct gold.
points called "threads" are classic in style, their straight and regular shape forms a small point at the end of the body. They are made of solid 18K gold.
Mouvement Functions and complications: hour, minute, small seconds at 6 o'clock / Diameter: 33 mm / Thickness: 2,6 mm / Power reserve: 48 hours / Number of components: 160 / Jewels: 29 / Frequency: 3 Hz (21 A/h) / Balance type: variable inertia with gold weights / Chronometry: variable inertia balance / Fast-rotating barrel, ceramic ball bearing, 600-sided circled gears, blocked flat-head screws, hand-beveled bridges, rolled pivots and shoulders / A symbol of innovation, the movement created by a Swiss manufacturer combines brass and steel.
Micro-rotor One of the key features of this ultra-thin movement is the placement of the micro-rotor inside the automatic caliber. This special structure has significantly reduced the thickness of the watch, making it only 2,6 mm thick. The micro-rotor thus designed and marked with the Croizé logo allows the movement to be wound unidirectionally. Its semicircular shape underlines the simplicity and purity of the watch.
Bracelet Material : calfskin / Color: black / Width: 19 mm / Clasp: gold pin buckle / Bar: gold bracelet finish / Custom-made by a French company, reflecting traditional know-how.
Or The case, appliques and hands, pin buckle and bar are made of 18K gold, a shade somewhere between rose gold and yellow gold. This makes the model sparkle differently depending on the lighting.
About Ludovic Roth Studio
Over the course of his fifteen years of professional experience, Ludovic Roth has developed a wide variety of projects in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Combining contemporary technological processes with artisanal expertise, exploring and reinventing form, he offers a fresh and responsible perspective on the design of objects and spaces.
A 2008 graduate of the Ecole Bleue (Campus d'Excellence Métiers d'Art et Design – Manufactures des Gobelins), he became a project manager for renowned designers such as Mathieu Lehanneur and Fabrice Berrux. At the same time, he co-founded the industrial design agency Arro Studio with Erik Arlen before opening his own design studio in 2021. www.ludovicroth.com
About Croizé Watches
Founded in 2021 by Bruno Croizé, the eponymous brand embodies watchmaking expertise in a tangible way. After years of reflection, its philosophy is based on three pillars: heritage, expertise, and transmission. It is the object that takes precedence over the brand. Croizé Watches seeks to return to the origins of fine watchmaking through its works, to return to elegant and pure jewelry watches that transcend time and generations. www.croize-watches.com
André Tirlet
