The Valbray Oculus V.02 Grand Dateur lineup: Gold Tie, Cool Blue, Nautic, Safari, Road 66

Valbray is a young independent watchmaking brand based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Despite having its debut in 2009, Valbray already managed to earn the recognition and respect of the industry.

The Valbray story started when the young engineer Côme de Valbray, with an expertise in the mechanics of photography and optics, met with the talented designer Olga Corsini. They’ve both had an extensive experience in the luxury industry and shared their passion for the horological world.

With Valbray, they’ve set out to create watches with playful design, with interaction and, quite literally, with a twist. The result of their work is the obturator mechanism which is directly inspired by the camera diaphragm, a micro-mechanical masterpiece applied to watchmaking.

The obturator

The four positions of the obturator on the Valbray Oculus V.02 Road 66

Composed of 16 extra thin blades, integrated in a rotating bezel of 45mm in diameter and 7mm in width, the obturator will open and close with the rotation of the bezel. The thin blades are protected by three layers of protective coating, in order to maintain their elasticity, color and resistance to rubbing.

At maximum aperture, the blades completely disappear under the bezel revealing a different underlying dial. For example if we take a look at the Oculus V.02 series, such as the Road 66, at the first step (30°) a delicate petite seconde appears. Next, at 60°, we’ll see an imposing gande date; finally, at 90° we can enjoy the entire dial with indexes, minute paths and numbers. The Road 66 changes from a sophisticate « two-hand » to a « grand dateur » ready for the adventure!

Valbray Oculus V.02 Road 66

Valbray Oculus V.02 Road 66 with its obturator fully closed and fully open

Symbol of the American dream, the mythical Road 66 is, nowadays, travelled for the pleasure of a sense of freedom, a memorable discovery and a new adventure. Inspired by this legendary road, this new watch pays tribute to it and invites, through its innovative diaphragm, to a sublimely nostalgic travel.

Elegant and sportive

As autumn and its November blues are coming, Valbray reveals to the public an ideal new creation for this season, the Road 66. Marked by a touch of nostalgia, this timepiece both refined and dynamic, suggests a high contrast between its polished steel case and its black PVD sun polished bezel.

Its colors and finishing offer a design reflecting the Road 66 and thus sweeps us in an adventurous road trip. The orange, carefully chosen, evokes the deserts sand illuminated by the rays of the setting sun on the horizon of this legendary road. The black and white recall an intriguing tarred road embellished by its infinite white lines.

An original strap

The micro perforated lambskin strap on the Valbray Road 66.

The strap is realised in micro-perforated lambskin and is equipped with a double orange stitching. It symbolises the vintage car seats with defined seams and rebounded forms as well as the old motorcycle gloves.

This model owns a pass buckle in polished steel, where the strap falls to hang with a button. Authentic and lightweight, this closure reinforces the sporty side of the timepiece.

By its design and colours, the Road 66 is inspired by the famous road as well as the contemporary world and thus, invites us to a new travel full of strong emotions. So, ready to take the road?

You might want to take a look at the Moment of evasion, a blog about memories and sources of inspiration for the terrific people at Valbray.

Technical specifications

Oculus V.02 Grand Dateur – Road 66
Progressive display : hours, minutes / big date / little seconds.

Case on polished and brushed stainless steel and 43 mm bezel black PVD treated.

Multi-layered Dial;
Mechanical auto winding Swiss movement;
44 hours of power reserve.
Water resistance 5ATM;
Black lamb micro perforated strap with orange stitching;
Limited and numbered edition of 66 pieces.

Available in Paris at Chronopassion Boutique – Price € 8.900

Update: Meet Valbray at Salon QP in London

Inevitable event of London, the QP Salon will animate the watchmaking planet in the impressive Saatchi contemporary art gallery in the heart of London from November 7 – 9. A great opportunity for watch enthusiasts and collectors to discover and meet the haute horlogerie brands. Thanks to this first experience at the QP Salon and the recent aperture of FROST of London, as a new point of sale, Valbray asserts the will to unveil its universe and to reinforce its presence on the london territory.