Introducing Charles Berret's DARTH Collection: Reinvention of Vintage Horology

Charles Berret unveils its freshly launched DARTH Collection, consisted of a limited edition (100 pieces) of ASTERIA, DARTH and ARROW. 

Born in London, Charles Berret is an attempt to reinvent vintage horology and encapsulate modern savoir-faire. Launched in 2023, the DARTH Collection is inspired by Gerald Genta's design, breathing in a Sci-Fi aesthetic and refining with modern technology. With a limited edition of 100 pieces, the Collection presents 3 different interpretations.  

 

Photo: From the left featuring ASTERIA, DARTH and ARROW

ASTERIA - Meteorite Dial (Customisable with Engraving)

One of the three pieces in the DARTH Collection is ASTERIA. Deriving its name from the Greek mythology, ASTERIA embodies ethereal connection to the cosmos.

 

At the heart of the ASTERIA lies a dial like no other. We have meticulously sourced a rare and mesmerizing material from the depths of space - a genuine meteorite. Each piece of this extraordinary meteorite unveils an intricate tapestry of nickel-iron crystals that have formed over countless millennia, creating in the magnificent Widmanstätten pattern. ASTERIA's meteorite dial is a testament to the celestial beauty forged over millions of years. The gaps between these celestial formations are filled with plessite, crating a mesmerizing display of cosmic artistry. 

If you want to hold the stars in your hand, this is your piece.

Asteria with its display caseback demonstrating its delicate Swiss movement made of  solid tungsten rotor

Crafted from the stars, each meteorite dial has its unique Widmanstätten patterns

 

DARTH/ ARROW - Onyx Black Porcelain Dial 

Our DARTH Collection also includes two other masterpieces, DARTH and ARROW. Both pieces took inspiration from the sleek metallic shine and bold accentuation on blackness in Sci-Fi discourse.  The cave-in sides of the watch took inspiration from the spaceship. Adorned in an elegant onyx black porcelain dial and visible through a display caseback, their Swiss-made movement with a solid tungsten rotor transcends its functional purpose and exudes unparalleled aesthetic charm.

Darth's crown with Charles Berret's Logo

Darth's finely polished case taking the caved-in shape of spaceships in Sci-fi discourse

With a solid tungsten rotor and an impressive power reserve of 68 hours, DARTH/ ARROW effortlessly powers its precise and dependable movement.

 

Darth (sword hands) with Steel bracelet

DARTH with Khaki leather strap

 

DARTH with steel strap

ARROW with rubber strap

The Story behind DARTH

Charles Berret’s DARTH was born from a collaboration between trauma surgeon Dr. Charles Yeung and OldWatchJason (OWJ), a trusted name in the vintage watch industry since 2015. During a gruelling 32-hour-on-call, Dr. Yeung received a patient suffering from shortness of breath as a result of a traffic accident. On his way escorting the patient to the CT suite for a tomography scan of his lungs, Dr. Yeung was trapped in the lift with the patient’s vitals gradually began to plummet and the monitor’s alarm sounding to signal its low battery. Teetering on the brink, Dr. Yeung noticed the Polerouter he was wearing and recalled the piece had been the reliable companion throughout his shift and was the only tool available. Relying on the old-school method of counting pulse in 15-second interval and estimating patient’s heartrate, Dr. Yeung realised the patient was bradycardic with a heart rate of 32 and gradually slowing down. Once the lift door was opened, Dr. Yeung decided to cancel the CT scan and head straight to A&E department for resuscitation.

It was the Polerouter that offered both technical and emotional support at one of the most highly pressurised situations when all electronic tools fail. This experience inspired Dr. Yeung to reinvent the Polerouter with a contemporary twist, allowing daily wear without worries about water resistance, movement reliability and scratches on the crystal. DARTH is created to withstand the rigors of everyday use and to celebrate the savoir-faire of vintage horology which continues to be a symbol of resilience at the darkest hours.