First revealed at Baselworld 2017, the AK-06 was the first major rethinking of the AKRIVIA aesthetic that maker Rexhep Rexhepi brought into the world in 2013 with the AK-01. It is notable, not only because of the redesigned case, but also as the first AKRIVIA to do without a tourbillon, which up until that point, had been integral to the independent atelier’s identity. In its standard configuration, the AK-06 would be produced in stainless steel and titanium, with 25 examples in each metal.
This example in stainless steel case wears an early serial number. The AK-06 is 41.5mm wide and 9.9mm tall. Rexhep achieved this while retaining much of the complicated construction. On the wrist, the upturned U-shape profile – repeated in the ear-like inserts in the midcase – further minimise the case dimensions. Thoughtful details such as the swooping forms of the bevelled edges and alternating brushed and polished edges are also employed to accentuate the tonneau shape.
The central portion of the case, marked by the barrel-like form that holds the dial, is slimmer. However, the ellipse shape of the bezel, an AKRIVIA hallmark, remains. Seen from the top, the case and form of the ear-like details, are satinated. Both these parts also feature wide bevels that are mirror-polished. On the crown side, the ear-like insert acts as a protector. The signed crown wears an ergonomically-minded petite tapisserie texture.
The barrel-like form holding the dial and the movement, continues on to the movement side. The caseback is stepped in the centre, a detail that further lightens the profile view of the case. The display caseback is secured by four screws, with the AKRIVIA and AK-06 marks laser-engraved on it. The caseback is evenly vertically satinated. The 21mm lugs are fitted with a brown leather strap, with red leather lining, and secured by a stainless steel signed pin buckle.
The calibre AK-06, developed and crafted by Rexhepi, is partially open-worked, with the mechanics behind the power reserve indicator and the zero-second reset put on display on the dial side. The power reserve dial, centrally positioned, is flanked by the twin racks that work in opposition to each other, to display the 100 hours of reserve.
In addition to the exposed keyless works, the functioning of the zero-second reset is also visible through the subsidiary seconds register. Employing the basic principle of a chronograph, it features a heart-shaped cam that worked in conjunction with two symmetrical arms held by tension spring. Pulling the crown out to set the time springs the seconds hand to the zero position, aiding precise time setting.
The top half of the watch face wears a plate decorated with an intricate hand-hammered pattern, while the bottom half exposes the grey, rhodium plated baseplate of the calibre. The racks of the power reserve mechanism are black polished while details such as the serial number and the numerals on the subsidiary seconds register are hand-engraved. Such engravings are a hallmark of a small number of early examples of the AK-06 series. The teeth of the racks, as well as some of the gears of the keyless works, wear a warm gold tone.
The stainless steel hands are heat blued, while their tips and bases remain untreated. While the hour hand features Rexhepi’s take on the observatoire style, the minutes and seconds hands have spade tips.
The manually wound calibre AK-06 is remarkably symmetrical, furthering the design vernacular Rexhepi has established with his watchmaking. This symmetry makes it easy to follow the logical flow of the wheels of the drive train. All wheels are anchored by independent bridges, with the one on which the balance wheel pivots featuring a tip that is black polished. The edges of the bridges are beautifully hand-finished, with the wide anglage mirror-polished. The centre wheel bridge wears poli bercé finishing giving it an organic, rounded appearance. The fourth wheel bridge is also mirror-polished. The screws as well as the pivot jewels feature deep countersinks that have also been treated by hand.
The AK-06 represents an inflection point in the journey of one of the most feted young independent watchmakers. It benefits from his superlative skill with classical finishing as well as his avant-garde vision of fine watchmaking. It is best viewed as a bridge between the AKRIVIA line and the classical pieces the watchmaker makes under the Rexhep Rexhepi brand.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this AKRIVIA AK-06 will be subject to 20% VAT
