This is one of 10 examples of Morteau-based watchmaker Florente Lecomtes Series N1. It features a 42mm stainless-steel case with a frosted golden dial with an open work mainspring barrel. The watch is powered by a manually wound calibre which is a thoroughly re-worked and finely decorated iteration of the ETA 6497. The owner has the option to engrave their name on the movement side at additional cost.

Florent Lecomte began his career as a teacher at the Lycee Edgar Faure in Morteau in 2006 he had previously studied and taught industrial product design and only discovered watchmaking after his transfer to the Morteau school. Following two years of training, he specialised in teaching students about mechanical watches with complications. Lecomte's pupils have included the likes of Remy Cools and Tho Auffret, some of whom have struck out on independent careers of their own. Lecomte's own independent journey began in 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown. As of today, he has produced three different watch series in limited numbers, making this a rare chance to obtain an early and fine example from a flourishing independent maker.

The Series N1 was Lecomtes first attempt. Cased in stainless-steel and measuring 42mm across, central to the offering is the open-worked mainspring barrel and the richly textured, frosted golden dial. The watch was produced in a now closed series of just 10 pieces. He has created a small number of unique iterations of the Series N1, like one we have offered in the past.

This example was one of the last produced in the regular series. The case features a rounded bezel with a flat facet as it meets the similarly straight line of the midcase. The domed sapphire crystal follows the curvature of the bezel, issuing almost organically from it. On the right flank of the case lies the well-proportioned, onion-shaped crown. The lugs, marginally stepped from the case, narrow dramatically and curve down to meet the curvature of the wrist. Their 22mm distance is furnished with a black alligator-grained leather strap secured by a simple pin buckle. The caseback is screwed on and is devoid of any engravings. All parts are evenly polished.

The dial plays out against a frosted golden backdrop. At 12 lies the circular brushed time display. On it lies a sector style chapter of minute batons. The arrow-style hours and feuille-style minutes hands are heat blued through a traditional "lampe alcool" technique, where they are tempered above a gas lamp or similar source of heat. Contiguous to the time display is the plaque with the serial number out of 10.

Just above 9 oclock lies the subsidiary seconds register. It wears a similar appearance to the primary time display and is plied by a proportionally oversized heat-blued indicator with a rounded counterweight. Anchoring the mainspring is a bar bridge, arranged transversely across the southern portion of the dial. The bridge wears a brushed appearance while the countersink on the jewel (on which the mainspring pivots) is hand polished. The bridge is adorned with anglage, with this hand finishing extending to the open-worked barrel.

On the movement side, Lecomte employs a thoroughly reworked manually wound calibre ETA 6497. A sandblasted texture is visible throughout, while all edges are sharply bevelled, and the wheels feature circular graining. Perlage can be seen on the baseplate, while each of the screws are black polished. The original owners name as well as the words Finitions main - Morteau" are engraved below the balance wheel, indicating that the watch was hand finished and created in France. The new owner will have the opportunity to engrave their name on the movement side at additional cost. The watchmakers mark is also engraved in black.

This example of the Series N1 comes with its full set of box and paperwork. It represents the seminal work of one of Frances most accomplished independent names.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Florent Lecomte Series 1 will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Florent Lecomte Series 1 is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show light superficial marks consistent with minimal wear over time. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections and have been well preserved.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.