Belgium-based watch company Méraud has just released their second timepiece and first-ever chronograph, the Antigua.
This new launch follows the release of Méraud's long-sold-out debut Bonaire, an elegant 39mm dive watch. The Antigua takes Méraud to the next level. Inspired by the golden era of chronograph watches, it houses a NOS (new old stock) movement, the revived Swiss Landeron 248 and encompasses design details evoking maritime racing heritage.
The quest for the right movement turned into a two-year hunt through Switzerland. The well-respected caliber 248 was one of a family of cam switching chronograph movements widely used in the 1960s by notable brands such as Heuer, Nivada and Wittnauer. It has 41 hours power reserve. All movements have been overhauled and Méraud made sure enough of them are left in case of a service or repair.
The Antigua is Swiss Made and designed in Belgium, inspired by the founder’s fascination with vintage watches and meticulous attention to detail. His goal is to create exceptional, yet affordable vintage-inspired timepieces.
“This watch represents a historical movement in the watch world, as well as my connection to the coast and eternal love for the open sea,” says Busschaert.
The name is an ode to the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta in the Carribean, one of the most renowned classic races worldwide. The subdial timer located at 3 o’clock can be used to countdown to the start of a race, allowing boats to build-up speed close to the starting line. A classic regatta oozes luxury and finesse, characteristics embodied by the design of Méraud’s Antigua, which is both elegant and functional.
The Antigua has a slim and sleek profile. It measures 13.5mm high (both crystals included) and 39mm in diameter (40mm bezel). The case is made out of 316L stainless steel with a mix of linear, circular, high-polished and brushed finishes. The refined chamfers on the lugs, drilled lug holes, and dodecagonal case back shape reflect the same design language as the Bonaire. The uni-directional rotating bezel has lume and contains a scratch-resistant sapphire, designed for an active lifestyle.
The dial design comes in two variants, deep Miho Black and cream-colored Soft Sand. It’s a two-layer dial with subdials. A tachymeter on the outer step features art deco numerals and returns in the “big-eye” 45-minutes subdial. The applied hour indexes are faceted and polished and the dots are finished with “Old Radium” Swiss Super-LumiNova®. The large dauphine minute and hour hands are combined with an orange “lollipop” seconds hand, also filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova®. The pastel-colored running seconds hand at 9 o’clock is inspired by the shape of a nautical compass.
Each movement comes with a unique “Méraud” engraving on the bridge, visible through the see-through back case.
The leather straps are made in collaboration with Molequin, the Belgian watch strap maker known and recognized for its outstanding quality, craftsmanship and “less is more” approach. The Antigua is presented on a quality top-grain buffed nubuck strap. It’s soft and silky to the touch, but equally resilient. The watch comes with an additional tropical rubber strap and a stainless steel bracelet is available as an optional extra. Straps can be easily interchanged thanks to the drilled lugholes.
The limited edition Antigua is the fruit of a three-year process. Its understated design makes it sporty, elegant and refined all at once; the perfect wrist companion for your day-to-day, as well as your adventurous activities.
Due to the limited movement availability there are only 200 pieces available. Get yours now at www.meraud-watches.com.
Méraud is an independent watch brand founded by Stijn Busschaert, an avid watch collector and one of the leading members of Belgium Watch Club.
What's the actual status of this movement? They state they kept enough back to cover service parts. How many pieces need to go back for work before they can do nothing but wash their hands of the owners?
I appreciate the charm of using a NOS movement, but see no value in it as an owner of a new watch.
Nice idea. Nice looking movement with a bit of charm. Case shape is great. The dial design falls a little flat for me; feels very Dan Henry but not in a good way.
These watches look stunning, especially the white dial one. The caliber is interesting too. I'm wondering if the quality justifies the high price. It's a fairly unknown brand and the full payment is upfront.
A forum community dedicated to watch owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about watch collections, displays, watch winders, accessories, classifieds, and more! We welcome all manufacturers including Casio G-Shock, OMEGA, Rolex, Breitling, Rolex and Tudor, Seiko, Grand Seiko and others.
