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Thomas Mercer to Unveil Glass Chronometers at MYS
Thomas Mercer, a British company specialising in the design and production of bespoke chronometers, has teamed up with Czech glass artist Jan Frydrych to create an exclusive range of marine and table chronometers.
The collaboration will see the talent of Jan Frydrych amplify the beauty of the Thomas Mercer mechanisms in a stunning fusion between glass art and precision horology.
The first piece of the collection will be unveiled during next month’s Monaco Yacht Show where it will be displayed at the booth of Crystal Caviar, a leading name in the manufacture of bespoke chandeliers, decorative glass and crystal furniture for the interiors of yachts, jets and residences worldwide.
Thomas Mercer CEO Alessandro Quintavalle says: “It is truly a privilege for Thomas Mercer to collaborate with a world-class artist such as Mr Frydrych. His creative talent and his sophisticated techniques will open a further dimension to our timekeepers, elevating them to the universe of art pieces and presenting chronometry in a revolutionary way."
Jan Frydrych added: “As a clock collector I have always been fascinated by marine chronometers as the finest expression both of horology and of the invention that solved one of the greatest challenges of mankind: calculating longitude at sea.
“It is thus a great pleasure to collaborate with Thomas Mercer, the leading name in the field and still manufacturing these timepieces the same way they were made two centuries ago. I am sure the reflecting techniques of my works will further enhance the unique specifications of their mechanisms such as chain-fusee drive and spring detent escapement.
Often referred to as a modern day Leonardo Da Vinci, Frydrych’s diverse interests include mathematics, sculpture, design and horology. For his glass sculptures, he used complex techniques that combine basic geometric forms such as spheres, cylinders, cubes and cones with metal microlayers and colourful glass sheets to create illusory inner architectural spaces.
Established in London in 1858, Thomas Mercer is a name forever synonymous with the marine chronometer, the instrument invented in the 18th century to determine longitude at sea.
The collection will be on display at the Monaco Yacht Show between 27 – 30 September.