It's so hard to talk about this watch without going into the designers history so I highly encourage you to read the brand history section after going through this because this brand has a lot to offer and more people need to know about it!

This watch has such a different vibe than other watches we've had here. It has this playful aesthetic that is so different but gives off a vibe of importance that can't really be described.

Once you see it, you'll get it.

The alarm feature functions flawlessly and the buzzing of a classic mechanical alarm plays so well with trumpeting angel on the dial. The angel itself is so beautiful and really speaks to the design language of Memphis Group that inspired Silberstein. The sun and moon also refers to the GMT function that is given through the 2nd window next to the date, which is probably one of the coolest ways to show a GMT.

There is so much to love about this watch and it's so crazy that a design that came out more than 30 years ago can still feel so fresh even today.

The French watch brand Alain Silberstein was founded in 1990 in Besançon by Alain Silberstein and, his wife, Sylvie. Prior to starting his own brand, Silberstein was an architect and interior decorator who focused on Memphis group design, which is why he refers to himself as the "Architecte Horloger" and is confidently printed below his name on every watch. before starting the brand, he presented his first watch design at Baselworld 1987, the Krono Bauhaus and featured his now iconic design of primary colors and basic shapes that really put the "fun" in "functional." At the time, his designs were seen as outlandish and didn't get a lot of coverage, mainly due to his booth being at the lower Baselworld level with packaging. Little did he know, his brand would get the recognition from other independents.

Alain Silberstein Krono Bauhaus 2.0. - Picture from Christie's

Before getting into that, let's talk more about Silberstein's design language. Silberstein's signature design element was his use of bright, bold colors and simple geometric shapes that is, by Silberstein's own words, heavily influenced by Memphis Group Design. 

Example of a Memphis Group Interior Design Living Room. - From Wikipedia

In the 80's, Silberstein got a group of students and asked them to select which geometric shape goes with each primary color in hopes of finding a direct correlation of color theory and shapes. In the end, the results proved to be random and he ultimately went with his own design. Choosing Yellow for the seconds, Blue for the minutes, and Red for the Hours.

Through the 90's, the brand gained popularity and started to feature increasingly impressive complications and materials. Eventually creating the Krono Bauhaus 2.0 featuring an annual calendar chronograph moon phase featuring the days as simple expressions, where "sad" was Monday and eventually got to happy through the weekend. There were also very limited runs of tourbillon watches which further solidified the confidence watchmakers had for the designer. One of which was a Diver Tourbillon with an underwater motif that recently sold at auction in 2021 for over $100,000.

Alain Silberstein PVD Diver Tourbillon Reference: MTT2-004N - Picture from Phillips

Things were slowing down for the brand in the 2000's. Eventually, in 2009, Silberstein grabbed the attention of MB&F, a luxury independent watchmaker, and together they collaborated and created a number of pieces. Max Büsser, founder of MB&F, truly admired Silberstein's design for its innovativeness and playful nature.

Unfortunately, By 2012, the brand faced financial difficulties and eventually filed for bankruptcy. Silberstein himself left the watch industry but returned briefly in 2016 to collaborate with the French watch brand AWAKE and later in 2019, collaborated with Louis Erard to create a wildly popular and still ongoing series of limited edition watches. through 2023, there's been numerous collaborations with Ressence and Bell & Ross, further validating Silberstein's design language.

INFO

• Model: Alain Silberstein Le Reveil GMT

• Reference: LR23

• Year: Early 2000's

• Dial Color: Silver

• Style: Sports/ Casual

• Bracelet: Original Signed Black Rubber Strap and Original Bracelet

• Sizing: 

  • Bracelet: Full Links (Fits up to 8.5” Wrist)
  • Rubber Strap: Never Cut (Fits up to 8.5” Wrist)

• Box: Yes (Inner Box & Outer Box)

• Papers: Yes

• Other Accessories: Hang Tags, Leather Booklet

This set came directly from the originally owner who never wore it. The owner claims to have received this watch and another Alain Silberstein as a trade for an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. (Ouch.)

The condition of this watch is Fantastic! Near flawless if it weren't for the 2 o'clock crown (Triangle Crown), the red enamel top fell off during transportation of the watch. This can be seen in photos. We are willing to paint in the crown for the buyer if they do so desire.

The watch has been inspected by our professional watchmaker and is running at COSC Standards.

All functions work flawlessly with 0 issues.

• Case Size: 41.0mm

• Lug Width: 19.0mm

• Lug to Lug: 48.0mm

• Thickness: 12.0mm

• Case Material: Stainless Steel

• Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

• Case Back Material: Stainless Steel & Sapphire Crystal (Exhibition)

• Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel (Bracelet), Rubber (Rubber Strap)

• Crystal: Flat Sapphire

• Luminescence: None

• Manufacturer: Corum (in-house)

• Caliber: Corum calibre CO 082 (Based on the Soprod A10)

• Country: Switzerland

• Movement Type: Automatic with Date Indicator

• Jewels: 21

• Power Reserve: ~42 Hours