d.freemont Swiss Watches

Affordable Mechanicals by d.freemont    

Reprinted from International Wrist Watch Magazine. #45, 2001

d. freemont combines stylish design and remarkable functionality with exceptional value in their latest creation, the elegant “Semi-Skeleton”.  Through an open balance area for viewing at the 12 o’clock position and a see-through back, you can see that the “Semi-Skeleton” is powered by an altered ETA 2824-2 automatic movement with 25 jewels, which provides superior resistance to magnetism and variations in temperature. 

“People who love watches like to see what’s inside,” remarks David McCready, President of d.freemont Watches.  “And I always say, the Skeleton is the backbone of all watch collections!” 

Another unique characteristic of the “Semi-Skeleton” is its hack feature, which permits the second hand to be stopped by retracting the crown.  When stopped at the 12 o’clock position, the hack serves as a stopwatch via two calibrated scales, the telemeter from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock, and the tachymeter from 9 o’clock to 12 o’clock.

 The telemeter scale, calibrated in miles, can be used to judge the distance of an approaching storm by comparing lightning flashes to thunder.  Calibrated in miles per hour, the tachymeter scale can be utilized to check the accuracy of a speedometer by starting the watch from the 12 o’clock position when intersecting a measured milepost, such as those found on interstate highways.

 Housed in a stainless steel case with screw-down back, the “Semi-Skeleton” features “Platthart” crystals*, exclusive to d.freemont wristwatches.  Water resistant to 150 ft., each watch is serial numbered on the porcelainized dial at the 3 o’clock position and retails for an affordable $390.

 Another new d.freemont creation is a mechanical dual time watch with power reserve indicator.  A nicely finished version of the ETA 2892-A2 movement with 21 jewels is encased in a stainless steel case with a coin edge bezel on top.  The sapphire crystal protects a classic dial with an embossed diamond pattern.  All functions, including the quick-set date, are controlled by the single cabochon topped winding crown.  Blued steel Breguet type hands and applied batons complete the classic look of this affordable watch.

 This wristwatch also shows off its tiny ETA engine via a see-through back.  The case is a medium size at 36 mm and would be an excellent choice for less massive wrists.  Several variations on the theme are available with prices ranging from $590-$670.