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LE BARON ‘1865’
A TRIBUTE TO THE ROOTS OF EXCEPTIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTSFounded in 1865 in the Belgian city of Liège, Lebeau-Courally has grown into one of the world’s most reputed houses for exceptional arts and crafts. Originally specialised in bespoke collectors’ hunting arms with unique engravings – each commission demanding up to 1,000 hours of work – Lebeau-Courally has extended its activities to watches and luxury leather goods for some time now. But it has done so with one singular vision: every object must be fully handmade in Lebeau-Courally’s in-house ateliers.
THE FUSION OF METIERS D’ART
To commemorate and celebrate its 150th anniversary, Lebeau-Courally now presents a unique watch that pays tribute to its roots: Le Baron ‘1865’. This highly elegant automatic chronograph with a case in black DLC-treated steel features a dial with ‘Tapisserie de Liège’ engraving. This classic engraving showcases the passion for craftsmanship and the art of detail characteristic of Lebeau-Courally’s exceptional hunting arms atelier in Liège.
AN ICONIC DESIGN ENGRAVED IN TIME
The art of engraving is embedded in the DNA of the Belgian city of Liège. The origin of the ‘Tapisserie de Liège’ goes back to 19th century England where ‘anglais’ - small and complex curls and rings - were engraved into hunting rifles. Belgian artists such as Hippolite Corombelle adopted the style, made it their own and further perfected the craft. The typical ‘Tapisserie de Liège’ is still characterised by ‘anglais’ in a complex composition with acanthus leaves, roses, ribbons and small natural ornaments inspired by the famous Louis XVI style. Sometimes carved elements, such as oak leaves or laurel leaves, are added as well. Lebeau-Courally’s craftsmen still apply this engraving by hand with hammer and fine burin onto forged steel to achieve a highly vivid and detailed relief.
The ‘Tapisserie de Liège’ design in silver featured on Le Baron ‘1865’ stands out against a black background and adds an extra dimension to the extraordinary watch face.
Allies in excellence, Lebeau-Courally and Rolls-Royce Wraith
”There’s a sense of effortless grace and elegance, but at the same time something more contemporary and daring,”, says Rolls-Royce Director of Design Giles Taylor about the new Wraith model. The Rolls-Royce Wraith is undoubtedly a car that will astonish everyone who has the honour to see it and the privilege to drive it.
The boldness in design and the refinement in engineering and finishing of this car have raised the bar in bespoke car manufacturing once again. In the same way as Lebeau-Courally has always cherished the shared philosophy of excellence in watch making and manufacturing bespoke hunting guns, it has brought Lebeau-Courally and Rolls-Royce together in a series of unique events.
Both luxury brands will collaborate in hosting a select audience at a few remarkable appearances in the weeks and months to come. During these rare events, guests will be able to become acquainted with Rolls-Royce’s dramatic Wraith model and Lebeau-Courally’s bespoke Le Comte watch model.
Both brands have enjoyed each other’s company at similar events and will probably work closely together in the future for jointly hosted shows and presentations.A chronograph inspired by the art of speed
In the spirit of crossovers and the fusion between different arts, crafts and skills, Lebeau-Courally embraces its partnership with the Phoenix Audi R8- racing team, of Enzo Ide and Anthony Kumpen. This duo made an impressive debut on the Belgian race tracks and participated in the Blancpain Endurance Series and FIA GT series earlier this year.
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This partnership has inspired Lebeau-Courally to create Le Baron DLC, a functional chronograph that embodies the excitement of speed. With its black watch face with white contrasting hands and dial, black ”diamond-like carbon” treated case and black rubber strap, this watch exudes the spirit of victory on the racetrack. The red start/stop button at 2 o’clock invites the wearer to trip the chronograph and challenge speed. Le Baron DLC is a remarkable tribute to the racing track. It’s made for those who celebrate the speed of life.