Baselworld 2010: Stepan Sarpaneva
By Don Corson
(Revisons and additional material by Melvyn Teillol-Foo)
Stepan showed 2 new models this year a divers watch and a "one hand" watch.
This divers watch in titanium has the unique featue that the inner besel is turned using the nrmal crown in the intermediate position.
In these pictures it is impossible to read the time on the following watches, in reality it was, however.
The time is shown on a ring which shows through the window at the bottom. There are symbols every 15 minutes along with the hours. If you are into the Sarpaneve moon face, this is your watch.
Korona K1, diamond coated dial in rust
Korona K1, diamond coated dial in black
Korona K1, diamond coated dial in imperial blue
The K3 Harvest Moon
The K3 Red Gold
Two new models from S.U.F. Helsinki.
As you can see these models are starting to take on some of the design elements of the Sarpaneva watches.
EDITOR'S NOTE
Sarpaneva has 'found himself' over the last year as an artist watchmaker rather than a manufacturer.
After a tough year with 'investors' and business relationships that did not work out, Stepan has searched his soul and is almost ready to admit that he had been in denial. No doubt a talented watchmaker who has worked with the best e.g. Piaget and Kari Voutilainen, he may be persuaded to embrace the artistic side that he has suppressed but inherited from his late father Pentti Sarpaneva......
He has decided to reduce his output by doing most things himself, to his timeline and design standards. He revealed some ideas that we cannot publish yet but look really good for a very niche clientele.
We tossed a few ideas about and one of the questions was, "If you had complete freedom to produce any watch design, what would a PuristS Sarpaneva watch look like?"
In a typical Finnish fashion (and Voutilainen is the same!), he asked the question back: What would PuristS want to see in a Sarpaneva Art Timepiece?
So, dear PuristS.....we need suggestions. You never know: we may make one if there is interest......
Would it be steel or precious metal?
Round or other shapes?
Moon face or not?
Would you want the moon to finally smile?
Regards,
Melvyn Teillol-Foo