To celebrate 150 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Japan, JEANRICHARD has introduced a series of special release timepieces honoring this relationship. In 1864, the two countries signed a trade agreement and established a friendship that still proves strong today. As a small production item for 2014, JEANRICHARD has intrduced their gorgeous diver model the Aquascope, with a very unique “Hokusai” dial.
The reference to the name Hokusai comes from famous Japanese artist during the Edo period, Katsushika Hokusai. Hokusai created ukiyo-e wood block prints, and became most renowned for his work, Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. The most popular in this series is The Great Wave of Kanagawa. Created sometime in the 1830’s, the image depicted boats caught in a tremendous wave with Mount Fuji in the background. This new JEANRICHARD Aquascope features an engraved dial featuring this illustration.
The 44mm stainless steel case of the Aquascope has a beautiful combination of satin and incredibly high polished attributes. The 60 minute divers bezel is also completely stainless steel with the circular satin finish on the top, and high polish on the teeth of the 120 click uni-directional bezel. Though the case is over 13mm thick and 44mm wide, the pieces short lugs make it very wearable on most any size wrist. The lugs are actually a part of the case side inserts that are attached to the inner cushion case. The JR cases are one of the most elaborate produced in their price range, using over 20 different parts.
The Aquascope will feature a 300m water resistance with screw down crown. The branded crown lacks no detail with JR logo on the end, and a colosseum design on the sides. Sapphire crystal is utilized and has anti-reflective coating to eliminate glare. The overall design is stunning, and the amount of detail expressed throughout is very impressive. I can easily say, the quality standard of JR as a brand is top of the line, even though the prices are modest.
Inside it’s closed case back is the Sellita based, JR60 movement. This modified self-winding caliber has 28,800 bph, 26 jewels, hand winding, hack, and a minimal power reserve of 38 hours. This movement only displays 3 hand time, and a date displayed between 4:00 and 5:00.
The hands and indexes of this model are rhodium coated, beautifully finished and give dominant legibility. A unique aspect to the “Hokusai” model is that the indexes are actually not applied to the actual dial. Instead, they are attached to the chapter ring and float slightly above the dial. This technique allows for the dials engraving to be without interruption and also gives a more three dimensional presence.
Of course, the luminous material on this diver is very strong and bright, providing great night time legibility. The 60 minute mark on the bezel is luminous, as well as all 3 hands and each index. The lume for the index lies in the middle of each index, sandwiched between the rhodium coated attributes.
The strap is black rubber, ribbed and branded with the JR logo. The strap also features a well constructed dual push button deployment clasp, with two steel inserts to secure the clasp to the strap.
The “Hokusai” Aquascopes will come in 4 color variations, with the grey being sold as an exclusive to AZ Fine Time in the US. The MSRP on this piece is $3,300, and is now available at AZFT.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-486-3996 or submit an inquiry through AZFineTime.com.
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