orn at the heart of Villa Sonnenheim, the 1902 Petite Seconde draws its elegance from the soul of this historical place. It represents the timeless refinement dear to the La Chaux-de-Fonds manufacture and, as the prime piece of the 1902 collection – paying tribute to the brand’s foundation – it reflects Schwarz Etienne’s unwavering commitment to Swiss watchmaking tradition. With a subtle harmony between mechanics and design, it seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. According to Schwarz Etienne’s identity, it evolves classical codes by adding contemporary touches, while preserving the brand’s distinctive aesthetic.

At first sight, the dial of the 1902 Petite Seconde captivates with its visual balance. A perfect fusion of aesthetics and technique, it combines proportional precision with ergonomic design, soft contours and elegant lines. Upon closer inspection, a multitude of details reveals itself, illustrating the unique character of the 1902 collection.

Available in three refined shades, Silver, Slate grey, and 4N Gold, each one expressing its own identity as the 1902 Petite Seconde celebrates the art of watchmaking. From the grained centre to the opaline-finished hour ring, each shade skilfully captures the light, offering depth and brilliance. The refined minute track enhances this harmonious set. Each finish offers relief and character, highlighted by diamond-shaped edging for added refinement. At 6 o’clock, the majestic small seconds subdial features a spiral-patterned finish, accented by a delicate, shiny contour and a double transfer, ensuring perfect legibility.

The Lancine-style hands, a tribute to the brand’s heritage, feature a sandblasted face paired with a polished side, ensuring optimal readability from all angles. They harmonize with the polished, curved indexes, animated by captivating light reflections. The Schwarz Etienne logo, in polished applique, crowns this creation with striking refinement and undeniable elegance.

The introduction of Grade 5 titanium marks a new milestone in the manufacture’s evolution. More than just a technical choice, this material symbolizes Schwarz Etienne’s boldness and ambition to establish itself as a key player in contemporary watchmaking. Titanium endows the watch with remarkable lightness and ensures optimal wrist comfort. The 39mm case’s harmony extends into the pure dial’ lines.

This timepiece features a detailed design with balanced proportions. It includes a well-balanced bezel and an innovative assembly case by Schwarz Etienne. The lugs are crafted to provide both comfort and elegance. The case combines polished and satin-brushed finishes, enhancing the distinctive character of the watch.

The set includes a polished and satin-brushed crown engraved with the Schwarz Etienne logo, combining functionality and design.

At first glance, the dial finds its natural extension in the movement’s architecture, where every detail celebrates the fine watchmaking. The six bridges make their return in a fully reimagined structure, embodying Schwarz Etienne’s watchmaking mastery. The ASE 300.00 automatic micro-rotor movement of the 1902 Petite Seconde brilliantly illustrates the brand’s independence and the excellence of its industrial expertise. Its streamlined design showcases six bridges with polished angles. The brilliance of the concave chamfer brings a visual harmony where clean shapes and elongated lines are playing with light. This watchmaking elegance, designed, developed and assembled in La Chaux-de-Fonds, expresses the roots of the manufacture’s expertise.

The refined sandblasted and rhodium-plated main plate interacts with the six bridges, while the concentric circular Côtes de Genève perfect this meticulous work, granting a superb visual coherence. A new ball bearing guarantees optimal winding performance, showcasing the craftsmanship and precision of dedicated artisans.

From design to finish, everything has been thought through and intended to express the watchmaking consistency that defines the manufacture’s spirit. Inspiration drawn from nature reflects the flow of the shapes and forms as illustrated by the micro-rotor adorned with a chevron motif; a subtle homage to the surrounding fir trees. The sunray decoration on the ratchet wheel, as well as the hand-polished teeth illustrate the excellence of the finishing; the true signature of ancestral savoir-faire.

With the 1902 collection, Schwarz Etienne is recognized as a serious player in Haute Horlogerie. The 1902 Petite Seconde, offered in three color variations, embodies the agility and creativity made possible by the manufacture’s independence. Available with an alligator or Barenia calfskin strap, with rubber lining in various shades, Fitted with a delicate titanium pin buckle, is providing a unique and personal experience.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Reference WCL39PSAS16TICUARD

Functions Hours, minutes

• Small seconds at 6 o’clock

Movement

• Manufacture automatic with micro-rotor ASE300.00
• Stop-seconds
• Components : 191
• Jewels : 29
• Power reserve 86 hours
• Frequency 3 HZ (21’600 Alt/h)

DECORATIONS

• Mainplate : sandblasted, rhodium treatment, polished bevels, tone-on-tone engraving
• Bridges : Circular and concentric Côtes de Genève
• Ratchet : diamond drop and soleillage
• Micro-rotor : polished/satin finish, hand polished bevels, chevron motif

Case

• Titanium (39 mm)
• Height:10.90 mm
• Water resistance 5 ATM / 50 m

Dial

• Silver colour
• Schwarz Etienne polished applique

Hands

• Lancine-style hour and minute hands in silver

Strap & buckle

• Blue alligator strap with black rubber lining
• Titanium pin buckle with Schwarz Etienne logo