The world of haute horlogerie has been graced once again by a name that resonates with history and expertise—Edouard Koehn. This independent watchmaking brand, founded in homage to the illustrious watchmaker of the same name (1839-1908), has made waves since its revival in 2020 by industry stalwart Bernard F. Fleury. Known for his previous role as CEO of the renowned Vulcain brand, Fleury's fascination with Koehn’s legacy ignited a modern renaissance for this venerable name, signaling a merging of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

A Heritage Revived

Fleury's journey began when he stumbled upon an original Edouard Koehn timepiece at an auction. Captivated by its history and the brand’s potential, he acquired the rights to the name in 2015. Under his guidance, Edouard Koehn has produced pieces that blend classic elegance with advanced technology, creating a niche in a world saturated with mass-produced timepieces.

Stunning Design Features

The Legacy Rattrapante introduces a 40mm case crafted from durable 316L stainless steel. Its design echoes the aesthetics of the historic pocket watch, complete with rectangular pushers and a fluted crown that features a coaxial pusher for the rattrapante function. One of the standout features of this watch is its astonishingly slim profile—though it has a thickness of 14.60mm, careful design choices ensure it feels more streamlined on the wrist. Additionally, the watch boasts a water resistance of up to 50 meters, making it both stylish and functional.

Impressive Mechanism

At the heart of the Legacy Rattrapante is a meticulously developed automatic split-seconds chronograph movement, originating from a Valjoux 7750 base and reworked in collaboration with Concepto. This upgraded movement features an intuitive 60-minute counter situated prominently at 12 o'clock, ensuring legibility and efficiency, while maintaining the charm of the original 1900 pocket watch dial layout. It boasts a robust 48-hour power reserve and operates smoothly at a frequency of 4Hz, all visible through a beautifully designed exhibition case back showcasing traditional finishing techniques like Geneva stripes and blued screws.

The Exceptionally Versatile Rattrapante Function

The split-seconds functionality sets this chronograph apart, allowing the wearer to time two events concurrently with two overlapping seconds hands. The rattrapante hand can be stopped to capture an intermediate timing, while the trotteuse keeps going. A second press of the rattrapante pusher catches the stopped hand up to the moving one, making it an essential tool for precision timing—whether for sporting events, culinary timing, or any scenario where split-second decisions matter.

Exquisite Dial Design

Complementing its exceptional mechanism, the dial of the Legacy Rattrapante showcases hand-crafted grand feu enamel from Donzé Cadran. Adorned with classic black Breguet numerals against a pristine white background, the dial is designed to ensure clarity and depth. Red accents provide a vibrant contrast, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Controls for activating the chronograph and the rattrapante functions are thoughtfully placed at 2 o'clock and through the coaxial crown pusher, respectively.

In conclusion, the Edouard Koehn Legacy Rattrapante Chronograph is not just a timekeeping device; it is a celebration of horological artistry, historical reverence, and technological advancement. For connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, this piece represents not only a connection to the past but also an investment in the future of independent watchmaking. Don't miss your chance to experience the luxurious blend of history and innovation—this watch is destined to be a collector's dream!