What is Maitres du Temps (MDT)? Where did they come from? Why?

A collaboration of genius watchmakers, together with the mastermind of Steven Holtzman, the founder of MDT. Steven has been around the watch business for over 25 years, in recent times he was the US distributor for Roger Dubuis, amongst others. Recognizing in the early days (1999) the amazing watches being created by Roger Dubuis and Carlos Diaz in Geneva. Moving forward to present time, and having spent many months in Geneva and around the watchmaking towns in Switzerland, he has gained a good reputation and forged relationships with many of the worlds top watchmakers. The concept is simple, have a team of the world's finest watchmakers create an extra-ordinary, beautifully executed, timepiece. A synthesis of the watchmakers, to explore what might be possible, and deliver on that.

Chapter 1 is a mighty watch, not only in size and complications, but sheer presence. Including a tourbillon, retro-grade Date and retro-grade GMT functions, a mono-pusher chronograph and possibly one of the neatest complications to come along, rollers on the ends of the case, sporting a patented Moonphase at 12 O'clock and the Day of the week at 6 O'Clock. The design of the case is such that a window has been added into the case between the Day indicator and the tourbillon cage to reveal it's once a minute rotation. The number of individual sapphire crystals in this watch alone are quite something! Finished to a very high degree, the movement is staggering. This first watch of Maitres du Temps, the Chapter One was created by three Master Watchmakers, Roger Dubuis, Christophe Claret and Peter Speake-Marin. Each in their own right fabulous watchmaking talent, when combined and asked to create something, this was their answer, and what an answer it is! Initially made in 18k WG or RG with a silver dial, this Basel trip, I was treated to seeing a new execution, Titanium and rose gold. This piece sporting a black dial is superb.

The next watch, Chapter 2, was shown in Basel for the first time this year. I had the opportunity to have Peter Speake-Marin, talk me through it. This time the watchmaking talent was Roger Dubuis, Daniel Roth and Peter Speake-Marin. This offering from MDT is a little more sober than Chapter 1, both in looks and the wallet. Here a Triple Date self-winding watch with a sub second hand. What is fabulous is that the design of this movement encompasses an instantaneous change for both rollers, one the month the other the Day, together with the Grande Date. Peter filled me in on the design concept behind the 22K gold rotor shaped symbolically like a goblet.

Yes, Peter asked me to model this piece for him...18k RG with the black dial is my speed!

and again:

Now the back side showing that lovely rotor, note the two quick-set correctors on the underside of the case:

Figuratively drinking from the same goblet, these three Masters were inspired to create this, the second Chapter. What I know will come, more amazing timepieces from Maitres du Temps. Steven is a creative fellow, who knows superb watchmaking when he sees it. He has been compelled to create an innovative new exercise in watchmaking. "Masters and Their Craft-A lifelong pursuit of excellence"

Here's The WG Chapter 1 with black dial, another stunning watch. Still, I like the RG marginally better.