L’Essentiel is independent Swiss watchmaker Hervé Schlüchter’s debut watch: a 39 mm hand-wound “philosophical regulator” that separates the hours, minutes and seconds across three displays. Monochrome reported in June 2023 that the limited 25-piece edition had sold out at CHF 78,000; that is a historical launch report, not confirmation of current availability or resale value.
What is Hervé Schlüchter’s L’Essentiel?
L’Essentiel is the first watch in Schlüchter’s Tree of Life concept, a planned series about the passage of time through childhood, parenthood and grandparenthood. Schlüchter associates this first piece with childhood and its capacity to inhabit the present. The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry had profiled the planned project in 2022, before the watch’s launch.
The maker calls L’Essentiel a “Régulateur Philosophique”—a philosophical regulator. Schlüchter says he thinks of it not simply as a watch but as a “philosophical mechanical instrument.” Its unusual display and inscriptions connect that idea to the physical act of reading time.
How does its regulator display work?
Instead of placing hours, minutes and seconds together on a conventional dial, L’Essentiel gives each its own indication:
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- Hours: A rotating aventurine disc carries a 24-hour scale and day/night indications.
- Minutes: A central hand points to the minute track.
- Seconds: A separate small display sits at six o’clock.
The maker describes a guilloché German-silver central dial and a white grand feu enamel minutes-and-seconds subdial. The hands are flame-blued steel. Two Latin inscriptions add to the watch’s theme: “Hodie Nunc,” translated by the maker as “today and now,” and “Amor Gratia,” or “love and gratitude.”
Case, movement and specifications
The figures below are from Schlüchter’s official product page, which identifies the limited subscription edition as 25 pieces.
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| Specification | L’Essentiel |
|---|---|
| Case | Three-piece stainless steel |
| Case diameter | 39 mm |
| Case height | 10.37 mm |
| Water resistance | 3 ATM (30 m) |
| Crystal | Sapphire, anti-reflective treatment on both sides |
| Strap | Hand-sewn black alligator with red alligator lining |
| Movement | HS-01, hand-wound |
| Movement dimensions | 34.60 mm diameter; 7.38 mm height |
| Components and jewels | 189 components; 27 jewels |
| Frequency | 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz) |
| Power reserve | 60 hours |
| Additional feature | Stop-seconds lever |
The watch’s hand-finished materials and its separated time displays support the maker’s stated philosophical intent, rather than treating the regulator layout as a purely decorative complication.
Who is Hervé Schlüchter?
Monochrome’s 2023 launch article reports that Schlüchter spent much of his career with Bovet, later managing its Tramelan manufacture, and spent time with Philippe Dufour refining his craft. The publication describes his Biel/Bienne workshop as small and says he makes most components himself, with cases and a few movement components as exceptions. These career and workshop details are Monochrome’s account.
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Phillips’ 2024 profile likewise identifies L’Essentiel as Schlüchter’s first official watch and discusses its regulator display in the context of independent watchmaking. That profile offers background, not a current price guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What was the price, and is L’Essentiel still available?
Monochrome reported on 21 June 2023 that the 25-piece edition had sold out and listed its price at CHF 78,000. This is the reported launch-era price and sellout status. The maker’s product page confirms the limited subscription edition but does not establish present inventory or a current price. No current resale transaction or listing is established here, so the launch figure should not be read as today’s market value.
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Sources
- Hervé Schlüchter: L’Essentiel — maker’s specifications and design description.
- Monochrome Watches, 21 June 2023 — launch coverage, reported price and sellout.
- Phillips, 2024 profile — maker and independent-watchmaking context.
- Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, 2022 workshop profile — planned Tree of Life concept.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
