Svend Andersen’s output is as creative as it is varied, ranging from automatons to incredible enamelled pieces, and the watchmaker is well-known as a champion of independent watchmaking, as one of the co-founders of the AHCI.

The history of the Jour et Nuit stretches back to the 90s, and began life as a unique piece made by Svend Andersen in 1995 for a private client, Walter Hasberger, with the unusual day/night display combined with a minute repeater. Over the course of its lifetime, the piece has taken several forms, including a different version under Cartier, the Pasha Jour et Nuit in 1998, before being transformed into the Grand Jour et Nuit in 2000. This particular example is part of the "pre-series" Jour et Nuit models, produced between 1998 and 1999, and fewer than 10 pieces were created as part of this.

The design of the dial is especially unusual, with a 24-hour arc set across the top of the dial, an upper scale indicating 0600 to 1800, and a lower scale representing 1800 to 0600, dividing day and night neatly across both timescales, with the indexes taking the form of black Breguet numerals against a brushed gold background. The traditional two hands are still present, but travel across the dial at opposing ends, with a sun motif shown as a plain circle on one of the hands, and a crescent moon featured on the other, mimicking the celestial bodies travelling across the sky. A seconds sub-dial is placed at 6 o'clock, with the Arabic numerals against a similar brushed background and overall integrating smoothly against the rest of the dial. Meanwhile, three cartouches are placed symmetrically, in a triangular fashion across the dial, stating the name of the piece and the manufacture.

Overall, the watch has a monochromatic appearance, with the base of the dial in a deep black with a barleycorn guilloché motif. When paired with the white gold accents, the watch has a refreshingly modern, understated look that complements the 43mm case size.

The watch is powered by an adapted Victorin Piguet pocket watch calibre, originally a minute repeater movement that Andersen worked on to transform into a jump hour with day/night display. Turning the watch over, we see a beautifully decorated movement, with perlage on the baseplate and Côtes de Gèneve across all the bridges. Each of the edges are also sharply bevelled, demonstrating a real attention to craft and detail throughout.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Andersen Genève Jour et Nuit will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This Andersen Genève Jour et Nuit 573 is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show light signs of wear only on the extreme surface of the material, consistent with minimal wear over time, with a light scratch visible on the caseback. The dial and movement are free from any signs of imperfections and have been well preserved. The hallmarks between both sets of lugs and on the buckle are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.