2022 LMM-01 x The Archiwatch Limited to 250 38mm
Ref: LLM-01
Specification
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold with its original Merci Instruments x Archiwatch box and paperwork. The watch comes paired with a 19mm black NATO strap. The watch is from December 2022 and is sold in worn but very fair condition, as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Q9HznYcnv7YbphujoZA1vB8NtTJybQNF?usp=drive_link
4K YouTube video, skip to 31:48 - https://youtu.be/jLLegPMeQrE
The Watch
Here, we have a collaboration between two unique Parisian companies, Merci Instruments and The Archiwatch. The 2022 LMM-01 x The Archiwatch is Limited 02 of 250 pieces, this design is the direct result of ideas from Richard Ménasé and Gérard Gerbi, who envisioned a timepiece that an Italian architect in Milan during the 1960s would have worn. The curvaceous 38mm brushed stainless steel case sits comfortably on your wrist with tapered drilled lugs, the flowing lines lead to a lug-to-lug length of 47mm and a case thickness of 10mm; on the right side is a crown with a coin edge for grip. A stepped smooth bezel holds a double-domed mineral crystal above a grey dial. A wide outer minute and seconds track creates a pleasing vintage aesthetic, long stick hour markers perfectly balance the clean dial, distinctive applied Breguet “12” and elegant steel polished Dauphine hands are complemented by a blued tapered sweeping second hand, taking this sophisticated dress watch up a level, at 6 o’clock printed “Merci Instruments The Archiwatch” “fab. Suisse” complete this collaborative vintage-inspired timepiece. On the reverse, a screw-down solid case back with Merci Instruments and The Archiwatch logos engraved, inside a manually wound Sellita SW210-1, 19 jewels, beating at 28,800 beats per hour; this quality Swiss movement has hacking seconds for your convenience. The watch comes paired with a 19mm black NATO strap and comes with its Merci Instrument x Archiwatch presentation box and paperwork.
Personal Note
This design is the direct result of ideas from Richard Ménasé and Gérard Gerbi, who envisioned a timepiece that an Italian architect in Milan during the 1960s would have worn. Featuring the beautifully applied "12", this simple yet elegant dail really captures the design perfectly on and off the wrist. Personally, I'd play around with straps for this one, a nice grey suede or dark brown leather would look incredible. Don't hesitate to add this watch to your collection!
The Brand
In 2009, Marie-France and Bernard Cohen established Merci Instruments. The couple is also known for founding Bonpoint, a children's clothing brand. In 2013, Gérard and Danielle Gerbi acquired the French company. Gérard, an enthusiastic watch collector, fulfilled his dream of designing his own watch when they launched their first timepiece in 2017. Merci Instruments operates as a brand housed within the Parisian concept store Merci, which is known for its selection of home, fashion, and lifestyle products. This unique brand sees itself very much like a magazine and prioritises handmade items, small producers, and timeless design. Although not a traditional watchmaker, Merci recognised the demand for watches and developed Merci Instruments to cater to this demand. The brand's philosophy centres on producing well-crafted, timeless designs that steer clear of fleeting trends. While Merci does not manufacture the timepieces, they collaborate with established watchmakers to bring their designs to life. The LMM-01 model, celebrated for its clean and functional aesthetic, stands out as one of its most popular offerings, and French President Emmanuel Macron has worn its watches. The Archiwatch is an independent online watch dealer based in Paris, France, owned and managed by Richard Ménasé. Formerly known as "Harbor Watches," this well-known dealer has a reputation for curating some of the best vintage and collectable wristwatches. They offer a wide range of watches, from small independent manufacturers to highly valued brands. He previously served as Co-Founder and Art Director at Horare.com, where he led the sale of over 1000 vintage and collectable watches worldwide from 2015 to 2019. Today, Archiwatch designs their timepieces incorporating elements inspired by the classic vintage watches they have sold over the years, such as the Patek; they have collaborated with Merci Instruments, producing limited editions, and Richard Ménasé produced 25 Anonymous watches in eight dial configurations. His flair for design will continue to expand the number of watches they have to offer.