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Lot #2683

Alain Silberstein Bodoni Noir Limited Edition

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Introduction

Famed for the signature design that almost all of his watches share, French architect and designer turned watchmaker Alain Silberstein’s timepieces have become increasingly sought-after thanks to their whimsical handsets, colorful designs, and the plethora of complications they often-times feature. Founded in 1987, Alain Silberstein represents the less serious side of watchmaking without sacrificing quality, craftsmanship, or attention to detail – tenants of modern fine horology. By utilizing shapes and colors never seen before in watchmaking, Alain’s design philosophy quickly caught on as collectors saw the value in a unique design language removed from the traditionally conservative styling used by the vast majority of watchmakers. With the brand no longer producing watches of their own, Alain Silberstein’s influence on the industry is now represented through collaborations or discontinued pieces like the “Bodoni Noir” that we have here. Inspired by the Bodoni font, this timepiece hails from a limited edition release of 500 pieces from the mid-1990s. Retaining the essence of Alain Silberstein’s aesthetic in its circular construction, the Bodoni Noir’s display is slightly removed from what Silberstein’s timepieces are known for, as it derives inspiration from the Bodoni font. Featuring large blacked-out Bodoni font numerals and small colorful hands in Silberstein’s signature shapes, the Bodoni Noir retains the essence of Silberstein’s design language but with a subtle twist that is as playful as it is appealing.

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Grade

M 9

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Box and Papers

Est. value range

$2,000 – $4,000

The Details

Brand

Alain Silberstein

Dimensions

38mm x 13mm

Model

Bodoni Noir

Movement

Automatic ETA cal. 2892

Reference

Bodoni Noir

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

Circa 1995

Condition

Near-Mint

Material

Stainless steel

Included

Box and Papers

Dial Color

Black

THE DIAL
THE DIAL

Featuring a style of display that Alain Silberstein's watches don't normally have with its blacked-out numerals, the only way to tell the Bodoni Noir's dial belongs to an Alain Silberstein is through its uniquely shaped and colorful hands, which are smaller here than in his other timepieces.

THE CONSTRUCTION
THE CONSTRUCTION

With its straight lugs and perfectly round case, the Bodoni Noir wears just like any other Alain Silberstein timepiece, even if its display is slightly removed from what the brand is best known for.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
TIMING MACHINE READOUT

This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

Condition

Watch is in near-mint condition, showing little to no signs of wear.

Our Perspective

An intriguing twist on his design language, the Bodoni Noir takes inspiration from an unlikely source and translates it into a timepiece that retain's Silberstein's hallmarks while expanding upon his signature aesthetic.

Sam Hines

Managing Director