Continuing Moritz Grossmann‘s strong run of form in 2019 is the release of an extremely smart-looking watch, the Moritz Grossmann 37 Arabic Black & White watch (reference MG-002267). The name says it all. This is a black and white take on Moritz Grossmann’s established Arabic numbered dial, and it works very well, indeed. The high-contrast display is supremely legible, and the elegant hand-finished, hand-polished hands, stand out sharply against the dark background. Proudly printed along the minute track between 7 and 5 are the words, “Made in Germany” — a badge of honor, as well as a reassuring fact.
The 750 white gold case of the Moritz Grossmann 37 Arabic Black & White measures just 37mm across and 9.2mm in height. The dial itself is crafted from solid silver, hammering home Moritz Grossmann’s belief that every part should be created from the finest materials and treated with the utmost care and respect to result in a timepiece befitting the name of the brand.
The movement used in the Moritz Grossmann 37 Arabic Black & White watch is the manually wound manufacture caliber 102.1, crafted from German silver. This 188-component movement has been adjusted in five positions. Present, as always, is the traditional German top plate, which covers three-fifths of the movement. The remaining space is dominated by a hand-engraved balance cock, with a fine regulation screw system that has to be seen up close to be admired. More impressive, still, is the painstakingly hand-finished regulating arm that sits on top of the balance cock. Next to the balance cock is a smaller escape wheel cock, which has also been treated to some exquisite scrollwork done by hand.
The movement is fitted with Moritz Grossmann’s signature violet screws and transparent jewels, giving the whole affair a distinct and characterful appearance. With a slower-than-average operating speed of 21,600vph, caliber 102.1 can offer 48 hours of power reserve. The languid balance and the rest of this hand-finished delight is visible through a sapphire caseback window.
Affixing this piece to its wearer’s wrist is a hand-stitched alligator leather strap fastened by a signed ardillon buckle in 750 white gold. The Moritz Grossman 37 Arabic Black & White is an unlimited model and priced at €23,000. This is exactly the kind of watch I’m holding out for Moritz Grossmann to make in stainless steel so that it might be a more realistic addition to the ever-lengthening wish list. Learn more about the craftsmanship of Moritz Grossman at grossman-uhren.com.