Meet Vincent Calabrese: The Visionary Behind NHC Timepieces
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
In the realm of haute horlogerie, few names resonate with the same blend of innovation, artistry, and philosophical depth as Vincent Calabrese. Co-founder of the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI), Vincent Calabrese is renowned for his innovative approach to horology. A self-taught watchmaker hailing from Naples, Italy, Calabrese has spent decades challenging the conventions of traditional watchmaking. His journey led to the creation of Nouvelle Horlogerie Calabrese (NHC), a brand that epitomizes his unique vision of timekeeping.
Born in 1944, Vincent Calabrese's fascination with timepieces began at the tender age of 14, when he started repairing watches in his hometown. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to push boundaries, he moved to Switzerland in 1961 to immerse himself in the epicenter of watchmaking. Over the years, Calabrese collaborated with renowned brands, including Corum, where he developed the iconic Golden Bridge movement—a linear, baguette-shaped movement that became a hallmark of innovation.
In 2004, Calabrese founded Nouvelle Horlogerie Calabrese (NHC) to realize his vision of creating timepieces that transcend mere functionality. NHC watches are not just instruments to measure time; they are expressions of art, philosophy, and cultural diversity. Each piece reflects Calabrese's commitment to innovation and his belief that watchmaking is a form of storytelling. Two of his notable creations, the Beauty Fuel and Central Power watches, exemplify his commitment to blending technical mastery with elegant design.
The Beauty Fuel watch is designed with the modern traveler in mind. It features a dual time zone display, allowing the wearer to simultaneously view local time and the time in another location. This functionality is achieved without compromising the watch's readability or elegance. Additional features include a date display, day of the week indicator, and a power reserve indicator shaped like a matchstick, all harmoniously integrated into the dial. The watch is powered by a Swiss Automatic ETA 2892A2 movement, offering a 42-hour power reserve. Its case, available in stainless steel or 18ct red gold, measures 40mm in diameter and is complemented by a genuine leather strap.
The Central Power watch symbolizes energy through its design and functionality. At the heart of this timepiece is a unique power reserve indicator that sweeps an arc of 166°, providing clear and precise information about the remaining energy. This feature ensures the wearer is always informed about the watch's performance.
In addition to the power reserve gauge, the Central Power includes a day/night indicator and a date display, all elegantly arranged on the dial. The watch is powered by the Swiss Automatic ETA 2892A2 movement, offering a 42-hour power reserve. Its case, available in round or tonneau shapes, measures 40mm in diameter and is paired with a genuine leather strap
Both the Beauty Fuel and Central Power watches showcase Vincent Calabrese's dedication to creating timepieces that are not only technically impressive but also artistically refined. These watches reflect his philosophy of integrating functionality with aesthetic harmony, offering wearers a unique blend of innovation and elegance. The timepieces reflect Vincent Calabrese's journey from a young watch repairer in Naples to a visionary watchmaker in Switzerland is a story of passion, resilience, and unyielding creativity. Through NHC, he continues to redefine the boundaries of watchmaking, offering timepieces that are as intellectually stimulating as they are visually captivating. For those who seek more than just a watch—for those who seek a narrative, a philosophy, and a piece of art—NHC by Vincent Calabrese stands as a beacon of innovation and individuality.
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