Chess-themed Watchmaker Von Doren to Release New Mechanical Chronometer
Oyvind Von Doren Asbjornsen, a watchmaker and avid chess player, wasn’t satisfied with simply slapping a rook or a bishop on a watch and calling it a chess-themed timepiece. In 2019, his brand, Von Doren, based in Oslo, released a collection of two quartz watches in brushed steel called the Reti.
Named after Richard Reti, an Austro-Hungarian chess master known for winning a match in just 11 moves in 1910, the Reti collection features chess notations for the 11 moves instead of conventional hour markers on the dials. The 225-piece limited edition quickly sold out, prompting Von Doren to announce the release of a new 42-millimeter mechanical chronometer version of the Reti this fall, featuring a movement made by Swiss manufacturer ETA.
The new Reti will retain the notations from the 1910 game on the dial and will have the moves engraved on the case back, allowing wearers to replay the historic game. Additionally, the watch will include a secret design element that has yet to be revealed.
Priced at around 1,500 euros ($1,614), the new Reti will be available for purchase at Von Doren’s store in Oslo and through its website. Mr. Asbjornsen, also a filmmaker and television producer, expressed his love for chess through his documentaries on Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian grandmaster currently ranked as the world’s top player.
The Reti was originally created as the official watch of Norway Chess, an annual tournament where Von Doren has been the official timekeeper since 2017. Steve Huyton, author of “Independent Watchmakers,” praised the watch for its subtle integration of chess symbols while maintaining a traditional aesthetic, calling it a delicate balance integral to its success.
With the upcoming release of the mechanical chronometer version of the Reti, Von Doren continues to cater to chess aficionados and watch enthusiasts alike, offering a sophisticated timepiece that pays homage to the game of kings.
