It is believed that poker has ancient roots that go back nearly 1’000 years, crossing continents, cultures, and lifestyles. Historians say that the game can be traced to a domino-card game played around the 10th-century for a Chinese emperor, other claim originating from the Persian card game «As Nas» which would set us back to the 16th century. In Europe, it is though that poker originated in France during the 17th century and was named Poque. Whatever history and lineage you want to attribute to this historical game we can all agree that currently, the epicentre where this game has gained most of its popularity is Las Vegas. Historical hotels like The Flamingo remind us of how local and international gamblers loved the game during the 60’s and 70’s.
The present limited-edition Christophe Claret Poker is playful cocktail of Swiss Haute Horlogerie, poker and roulette, that added together create a truly unique timepiece, a definite conversation starter and possible friendly gambling accessory.
Such is the complexity and sophistication of the watch’s movement that it allows to faithfully replicate a Texas Hold’em poker game for up to three players, packing a total of 98’304 possible combinations on its dial, as well as in game features such as flop, turn and river to recreate a complete 52 card game.
To play a poker game and commence each betting round, the center pusher located at 9 o’clock must be pressed, spinning its integrated four rotating discs on which the playing cards are printed. A signature element found in Christophe Claret’s poker watch is the chiming function, this cathedral gong is activated each time one of the three pushers are pressed. Friction dampers randomly abrupt the rotating discs, determining the combination each player is dealt with. As per strict traditional rules of Texas Hold, each player is dealt with two cards, ingeniously visible through a set of windows present on the dial that allow only the holder of said cards to see them. A total of five cards can be seen by all three players on the dial allowing for a sequence of flop, using the pusher located at 10 o’clock, and turn or river, using the pusher located at 8 o’clock. However, if a game of poker on a long flight was not exactly what one was hoping for, by simply turning the watch on its caseback sits a perfect example of a roulette wheel, where that complimentary in-flight lunch or dinner can be disputed over a red or black.
Being a definite «game changer» this watch nicely merges playfulness and unusual complexity. Uniting other collectors together, this timepiece can be a perfect example of a watch that creates conversations, gives you a little sense of casino, and be used to solve some unfinished bets amongst collectors.
The present watch is being sold to benefit The One Drop Foundation, a charity striving to provide safe drinking water to all communities.