The Christophe Claret brand belongs to the exclusive circle of independent watch manufacturers capable of mastering the entire production chain of an Haute Horlogerie watch – from the original idea through to final adjustments. Never has an emerging brand offered such proof of its expertise. Following the success of the DualTow – the premiere Christophe Claret timepiece introduced for the 20th Anniversary of the Manufacture in 2009 – and the unbelievable reception given to the Adagio – the second model presented in Geneva in January 2011 – , Christophe Claret plays another card with its third creation, the 21 Blackjack. A real miniature casino, it matches grand complications with the world of gaming, in the process creating a new watchmaking paradigm : the interactive watch.
With the 21 Blackjack, Christophe Claret has propelled informed enthusiasts into the fourth dimension ! In addition to transparency, relief, and the passage of time, here he adds the sensory effects of Black-jack, roulette and dice. An unprecedented upmarket toy for aficionados, expressing a kind of watchmaking that has cast off its inhibitions. To start there is dice. This game features a pair of miniature dice, 1.5 mm on each side – and incidentally, perfectly legible – which are located in a cage at the 4 o’clock position on the side of the case and, visible through a sapphire crystal, offering the oldest game of chance. When shaken in their tiny capsule, the dice can be used by one or more players, for a game of craps, for example. Next, roulette : on the back of the watch the winding rotor, which is visible through a glareproofed sapphire crystal, serves as the roulette wheel. Once set in motion by one or two undulatory movements, the wheel turns for a few moments before stopping.
But these games are only a playful warm-up for the king of all card games, Black-jack.  Black-jack appeared in France in the 18th century under the name of “21,” and consists of drawing cards to equal or to come as close as possible to 21 points. If the player goes over 21, he “busts” (loses). Across the table, the dealer follows the same rules. The winner takes the stakes. Until now, no one has ever had the idea and the ability to adapt this complex Black-jack card game to an automaton watch.  On the lower part of the dial, between 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, the player’s four cards appear in windows. Two are visible, the other two hidden by shutters. On the upper part of the dial are three additional windows for the dealer’s cards, one of which is visible, the other two also hidden by shutters.
Playing could not be easier! A pushpiece at 9 o’clock arms a spring that triggers, all at once, the seven discs on which the cards are printed. Made of solid gold to impart the ideal weight and inertia, these discs each rest on a double set of ceramic ball bearings. After a few seconds, they are randomly stopped by a jumper-spring. The extremely delicate symbols and numbers on each card are made with successive transfers, requiring that they be fired in a dedicated oven once for each colour. At this stage of the game, three cards are face up: two of the player’s cards and one of the dealer’s. The next step is delightful. If the player is going to hit, he presses the pushpiece at 8 o’clock, engraved with the word “player.” One of the shutters then opens, revealing his card, and at the same time, in a supremely refined touch, the “Hit !” chime will resonate. Each time a shutter opens, whether for the player or the dealer, the note will sound. The striking mechanism’s hammer and bell are visible through a side window at 2 o’clock.
When the player’s turn is over, the dealer can take a turn, always following the strict rule “Dealer must draw on 16 and stand on 17” – a rule which is even written out on a small plaque affixed to the dial in one version of the 21 Blackjack ! The dealer operates the pushpiece marked “dealer” at 10 o’clock to open one of the two shutters. Now all that remains is to count up the points and determine the winner. The dealer has some 216 different card combinations; the player no less than 4096; for a total of 884,736 ways to win or lose.
Such a complex automaton watch was bound to house an exceptional movement. This Manufacture Calibre BLJ08 is a self-winding COSC chronometer-certified movement comprising 501 parts and two barrels ensuring a power reserve of about 72 hours. In addition to the casino games and chime, it displays hours and minutes.

 

Christophe Claret creates tomorrow’s watches
The Neuchâtel mountain region is home to almost one-third of Swiss watchmaking workforce, and thus to a body of expertise and skills that is unique in the world. That is precisely why Christophe Claret chose to set up his business there 22 years ago.
Nonetheless, the master-watchmaker would never be content with merely redoing things that have already been done. He is resolutely oriented towards invention, constantly pushing the envelope, exploring uncharted territory and suggesting original ways of reading the time. Within the Manoir du Soleil d’Or, everything is organised in such a way as to ensure that ideas flow freely, are confronted with those of others and thus forged through such constant contact between different skills.
Christophe Claret watches are an inspired reflection of watchmaking genius expressed through its most powerful manifestation: perpetual emotion. Playful, creative and unconventional, these “machines” are highly complex and original models intended for devotees of rare and subtly offbeat products that are nonetheless firmly positioned in the sphere of Haute Horlogerie.
In his constant quest for three-dimensional innovations, Christophe Claret draws upon the best of traditions in order to forge his own legend. Like the great great star chefs who practice the art of high gastronomy by working with classic products, he creates tomorrow’s watches while respective the immense legacy of Haute Horlogerie. His credo : “In watchmaking, everything has already been done, and everything has yet to be invented.”