Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1528557
CHIFFRE ROUGE RETURNS DIOR'S WATCH By Anne Lee Phillips Clockwise from top left: The limited-edition Dior Chiffre Rouge watch. The interchangeable strap embellished with cannage. The automatic mechanism visible from the back. Coveted Zenith El Primero movement. A rose-gold bumper adds to the architectural asymmetry. C ult-classic watch collectors are rejoicing at the release of eight new models of Dior's sporty and elegant Chiffre Rouge, 20 years after its original launch. Why eight? That was Christian Dior's favorite number, naturellement. The number is emblematic in the watch itself, as eight is the only numeral in the date display to appear in the vibrant shade, like a marvelous monthly lucky charm. The design hovers between traditional and contemporary, with architectural asymmetry via a subtly enlarged and tapered right side, the red crown uniquely poised at 4 o'clock. The second hand and sub-dial hands are also in the intense hue, a striking effect alongside the Dior house code of cannage, or caning, on the dial and on the oscillating weight. The watch is equipped with an automatic mechanism manufactured in Switzerland, visible on the back thanks to a sapphire crystal, and is fitted with a variety of calibers, from tourbillon to chronograph with coveted Zenith El Primero movement. The first five models were released in February, the sixth in July, and now, the final two models are available in a limited edition of 100 each: the 38mm with a macro cannage rubber interchangeable gray strap and the 41mm with a precious interchangeable gray strap, each rendered in steel and rose gold. From $11,200, at the Dior boutique, dior.com.