highlights


Ebel revamps the Beluga

Pусский
May 2008


Modernizing a product can sometimes be as much of a challenge as creating something entirely new. A designer can only play with the smallest of details to update a product, paying particular attention not to eliminate any of its original beauty. It is no easy task, but when it is done correctly, the results are stunning. This year sees the redesign of Ebel’s reputed ladies’ watch, the Beluga – an excellent example of an exceptional redesign
The Beluga was created in 1985 and was soon to become an iconic ladies’ model for the brand, with its curves, hidden crown and graceful design. In 1998 a steel model with diamonds was launched - one of the first collections to combine steel with diamonds - a combination that has since become commonplace. However, after 22 years without the slightest modification, the Beluga was starting to lose a little of its charm so the brand’s designers were given the task of revitalizing it, with some quite amazing results.


Ebel


“We took the heritage of the watch and made it more sculptural, more sensual,” explains Marc Michel-Amadry, Vice President Marketing. “We lifted the angle of the bezel by 17 percent to optimize the sparkle of the diamonds. We tried many different angles, but 17 percent was the perfect elevation.” There are seven different sizes of diamonds that progressively decrease in size from the centre, creating a softer effect. The crystal is elegantly curved and coated on both sides with an anti-reflective treatment; the triple-row bracelet has been subtlety redesigned with a raised central link at 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock and the applied round dots and numerals have been replaced with square diamond hour-markers that light up the dial - all these delicate modifications have a powerful effect on the contemporary appearance of the watch.
The collection will only be produced with diamonds and comes with dials in silver, anthracite or pink mother-of-pearl. There will be two sizes, a Medium version (30.5mm) and a smaller, Lady version (26mm). The model photographed left is the 38mm Beluga Caviar, a limited edition of ten pieces, with 16 black diamonds and 62 white diamonds – proof that an old classic can be masterfully modernized.


Source: Europa Star April-May 2008 Magazine Issue