Having already been revealed as a one-off for Only Watch 2021 – that sold for a record CHF800,000 – the Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain II (RRCCII) has now made it into regular production, albeit as a limited edition.

The standard RRCC II is identical to the example made for Only Watch, save for the dial. Inside is the RRCC02, an all-new calibre with twin going trains as well as an independently-driven deadbeat seconds with hacking and zero-reset functions. And the dial is a two-piece affair in fired enamel – black for the platinum model and translucent white for the gold.

Initial thoughts

With the first edition having become the signature watch of Akrivia, it’s no surprise that the RRCCII continues down the same road in terms of design. But the RRCCII is not just a facelift; it is an entirely new watch. The movement is a new construction in both layout and complications, while none of the case components are interchangeable between the two generations.

At the same time, the movement decoration – the most easily observed quality of Akrivia watches – has been refined. It is impressively executed and even exaggerated in some respects. The bevelling on the bridges, for example, is remarkably broad for a relatively thin watch.

The degree of technical advancement from the first to second editions is impressive and demonstrates Mr Rexhepi’s pursuit of progress despite his brand’s tremendous success.

The RRCC02 is instantly recognisable as a new calibre with its twin barrels

Over on the front, the changes are more gradual but once again show the evolution of the brand’s style. The enamel dials for both versions have nuances in their design and finish that were not found on the dials of the first generation.

The dial on the gold model, for instance, is not a bright, glossy white, but is instead slightly translucent and matched with deep purple hands. And the platinum version has a grey enamel register finish with a hand-engraved gratte pattern.

The platinum model has a black enamel dial with a seconds sub-dial in translucent grey enamel revealing the “grated” engraving below

Same but different

With almost the same dimensions, the RRCCII is almost indistinguishable from its predecessor except when compared side by side. The RRCCII retains the same 38 mm diameter, though it is slightly thinner at 8.75 mm.

The overall form and design of the case has been preserved, though every element has been refined. The lugs, for instance, are slightly slimmer and gain a more pronounced curve. And the bezel has been narrowed, giving the case a more elegant profile.

In the same vein, the dial continues with the sector-inspired design of the original, but with a few tweaks. The markings on the main dial are finer, while the markings on the seconds register have been made heavier.

The dial is still traditional fired enamel, but its construction has been improved to do away with the retaining ring for the seconds, which is slightly recessed and soldered to the main dial.

The pink gold model has a white enamel dial with hands heat treated hands to a purple finish

The most substantive improvement is in the movement, which is an entirely new calibre developed to inherit the aesthetics of the original but nothing else. Even the balance wheel is entirely new, having been designed to be similar in size yet boast higher inertia.

While the original was a single-train movement, the RRCC02 has twin mainsprings and twin going trains. One train powers the escapement, while the other supplies energy to the independent jumping seconds.

The seconds, however, does more than just jump. It also features a hacking, zero-reset function: pulling the crown to set the time stops the seconds and sends it back to 12 o’clock.

And of course the decoration has been enhanced. The bridges have anglage so wide that the bevelling is broader than the straight-grained flanks. Another flourish is the black polished steel bridge for the seconds wheel, which complements the black polished steel cap for the balance cock.

Key facts and price

Akrivia Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain II
Ref. RRCCII

Diameter: 38 mm
Height: 8.75 mm
Material: Platinum or 18k rose gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: RRCC02
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds with hacking and zero-reset functions
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Hand wind
Power reserve: 82 hours

Strap: Calfskin with pin buckle

Limited edition: 50 in each metal
Availability: Direct from Akrivia
Price: On request

For more, visit Akrivia.com.