Sapphires together with platinum are one of the most sought-after alliance amongst Haute Joaillerie timepieces. Blending intricate mechanics with luxurious aesthetics, renowned brands such as Patek Philippe, Rolex and Audemars Piguet have been elevating their complications, integrating sapphires into their designs such as the Patek Philippe ref. 5374 minute repeater perpetual calendar, and sometimes unique special-orders such as the “John Mayer” Royal Oak perpetual calendar 26574BC with sapphires that was spotted on the musician’s wrist.

Capturing the celestial gem in perfection, Concord was ahead of times and created the present one-of-a-kind Concord Saratoga Splendour Sapphirus in platinum in the 2000s. Symbolizing beauty, heaven and wisdom of those who wore it, the present minute-repeating timepiece flaunt extravaganza elegantly. Boasting a total of 9.93 carats with trapez sapphires and diamonds, the dial alone totals 18 sapphire baguettes (1.25 carats) and 188 pavé diamonds (1.76 carats). The gem-setting on the platinum case is expectational from the lugs down to the slider of the minute-repeater. Legibility is also cleverly enhanced with the use of the vibrant blue sapphires to differentiate hours and even segments of the power reserve of its striking mechanism.

Its mechanical movement proudly numbered 1 of 1 is nothing shy of excellence. Observed with exceptional finishing, the quality suggest it may have been crafted by master Christophe Claret. Christophe Claret is one of the pioneer movement specialists in watchmaking, having been a manufacturer of complicated movements for nearly thirty years. For most of that time, its clients have been other watch brands – officially the company says it has supplied movements to over 20 brands – but since 2009 Christophe Claret has made watches under its own name. Most of those watches have been costly complications like repeaters and tourbillons.

Kept in this private collection for more than two decades, the Concord Saratoga Splendour Sapphirus is in ‘like-new’ condition waiting for its next owner to cherish its rarity.