Last month was the annual watch show known as Baselworld. In the run up to the show, we had a lot of press releases coming in on things that were to be announced. Then of course as the show got underway, there was another tidal wave of information. This meant that there was a watch I had intended to write about that unfortunately got lost in the shuffle. While Baselworld is now behind us, I think its still worthwhile for us to take a look at the Savoy Epic Vault.
Now, if you are like me, you probably have not heard of the Savoy brand before. It’s a company based out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, founded by Pascal Savoy in 2004. Prior to that startup, Savoy was the US president of Hublot, so he’s definitely got some experience in the watch world. Watches from the company have been available since 2011, and here we are, talking about one that caught my eye.
That watch, of course, is the Savoy Epic Vault. What first caught my eye with this particular watch was the black and red color palette, especially with the red accents on the side of the 44mm case (what can I say – it’s reminiscent of both the A-Team van and Kitt from Knight Rider). A closer look at the dial then reveals that there is a bit more to this watch – for instance, where are the hands?
Rather than using a handset, the Savoy Epic Vault relies on a three-disc system to indicate the time. The outer disc contains the hours, the next disc in is the minutes, and then the smallest one near the center of the dial would be for the seconds. While the hour disc has just a small window (ala jump hour display), the inner two discs are fully exposed. To my eye, this is was wise choice to make, as having just small windows for all three discs would have made for a sort of ugly dial. Here, while the numbers do make things busier, it’s done well.
Speaking of the numbers, they are treated with lume, so you should be able to tell the time in the dark (until the hour changes, that is – one drawback of the hour disc being covered, I suppose). Given that all of the time elements are read down from the 12 o’clock position, it’s a bit surprising to me that the Savoy Epic Vault has numbers and indices on the rehaut/chapter ring. You don’t have any hands pointing at it, so it seems like this was almost a left-over from a different watch design. I think this part of the watch would perhaps be better served by those elements being removed – or at least removing the numerals.
Tucked inside the case is a STP1-11 Swiss automatic movement, which is visible through an exhibition caseback. While I cannot say that I’ve experienced this particular movement (which comes from Swiss Technology Production, owned by Fossil), it is a welcome change to see the brand use the automatic. Going through their materials, most of their watches utilize quartz movements, with a lot of focus on the design of the watch. Here, by incorporating an automatic – and going with the discs – is more of a jump to create a higher-end piece, in my estimation.
Which is not to say that the Savoy Epic Vault is particularly an expensive watch. Pricing for it will range from $1,800 – $2,100, depending on which particular variant you choose (there are 4 versions, as well as options for straps or a bracelet). Sure, it is a bit outside of what we normally feature here on WWR, in terms of price range, but it’s a visually-striking watch.
We’ve taken a look a disc-driven watches before as well, and this looks to be an intriguing entry into the category. We are working to get a review sample in of the Savoy Epic Vault so we can give you a hands-on impression, likely closer to the expected availability of October 2015. In the meantime, let us know in the comments if this is a style of watch you would consider putting on. savoywatches.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Savoy Epic Vault
- Price: $1,900 – $2,400
- Who we think it might be for: You’re looking for a watch that is a bit more luxurious, but still want it to stand out from whatever your friends and coworkers might be wearing
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: This would be very temping, for sure, as this is a design that grabbed my attention right off the bat
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: Clear the numbers (if not the indices as well) from the rehaut/chapter ring
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: The red accents on the side of the case, plus the switch to using three discs to indicate the time
Tech Specs from Savoy
- Case: 44mm stainless steel (316L), PVD black or IP plating with rubber accent inserts. Exhibition back.
- Movement : STP1-11 caliber Swiss automatic movement. 28.800 vibrations per hour.
- Dial: Conceived of 3 layers with custom made rotating discs replacing the traditional hands. Hour and minute numbers alternating with raised indices. Hour and minute numbers and indexes treated with superluminova.
- Crystal : Anti-reflective curved sapphire crystal with 5 anti-reflective coatings.
- Strap: High-grade interchangeable rubber, genuine leather or stainless steel (316L) metal bracelet with patented screwed inserts system when available.
- Buckle: Logo engraved stainless steel custom-made deployment buckle with push button release.
- Water resistance: 10 ATM / 100 m / 330 ft.
- Warranty: 2 years international.
