Azimuth’s Round-1 White Jade. Printed on the dial: the hour numeral eight, “fabrique en Suisse” meaning “Swiss Made” and “Azimuth pour Jade Culture” or “Azimuth for Jade Culture”. The dark stain between the nine and ten o’clock positions is a natural blemish on the stone. Estimated pricing at around US$5,600 or S$7,000. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Photo taken with a Leica D-Lux 5
It is relatively easy for watch collectors to suffer from “dial fatigue” especially when visually “dulled” by models that seem to undergo only slight modifications to their dials year after year.
Well, for “jaded” souls, how about a full jade dial? That is exactly what Azimuth will be launching in July 2013.
The entire dial is cut and produced by jade specialist Jade Culture in collaboration with Azimuth. What is striking is the use of white jade, hence the name: Azimuth Round-1 White Jade.
The jade dial shown to us was creamy milk white and it was simply attractive. [Yes, we do love milk.]
The name “jade” is derived from the Spanish words piedra de ijada which means “hip stone” in English. Piedra means stone while ijada refers to a side or flank. This is because the “hip stone” or jade is perceived to be a protection against and cure for kidney diseases, according to the comprehensive book Gemstones of the World by Walter Schumann.
The estimated pricing for the Round-1 White Jade is around US$5,600 or S$7,000. From what we understand, only 20 pieces will be made.