When you're passionate about watches, sometimes new brands catch your eye on Instagram.
The recently introduced Arche by the French watch design studio Laps is a great example of this phenomenon. The bold case design and asymmetrical dial immediately caught my eye. However, I don't always turn to new brands, as there are many new releases daily. Fortunately, some time after Arche appeared in my feed, representatives from Laps contacted me and offered to let me see the watch in person. I'm glad they did, because Arche completely matches my preferences.
Laps is not new to the market; this year the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary. However, Arche is the first watch in the new Studio collection. Unlike the previous Editions collection, which focused on graphic dial design, Studio focuses on the overall design of the watch. Additionally, Arche is the brand's first mechanical watch, whereas models from Editions are equipped with quartz movements. This also means a higher price segment: quartz watches ranged from 140 to 205 euros, while Arche is priced at 860 euros. Enough introduction, let's take a detailed look at the new Arche watch from Laps.
Design and Construction of Laps Arche
As noted, the design of Arche is inspired by architecture, particularly bridges; the word "arche" in French means "arch" or "bridge." This inspiration is especially noticeable when looking at the watch from the side. Vertically satin-finished lugs attach to a 37.5 mm diameter case, resembling bridge supports. They follow the contours of the wrist, but their edges are sharp, like a knife blade. The case itself is round with vertical satin finishing.
The bezel on top is slightly smaller than the case, creating a stepped effect, with a polished bevel and vertical satin finishing. All these sharp edges and various finishes give the Arche case an expressive and strict look.
Meanwhile, the distance between the lugs is 44 mm, and the thickness is just under 10 mm, making the watch compact on the wrist. Arche comes with a calf leather strap of your choice and a classic pin buckle matching the case color.
Since Laps focuses on design rather than watchmaking, choosing a reliable Japanese Miyota 9015 movement is a logical decision. It runs at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, contains 24 jewels, and provides a power reserve of up to 42 hours. The movement is visible through a translucent case back. Note that this side of the case is also finished with satin and polish - a detail many brands ignore. Water resistance is 50 meters, making Arche suitable for everyday use.
Original and Asymmetrical Dial Design
Let's move on to the dial, which initially caught my attention, especially due to the asymmetrical applied indices and hands. Each hour marker features three-dimensional "bricks," except for the 4 o'clock position, where there is a diamond-shaped date window. The asymmetry creates the impression that you're looking at the dial from a certain angle or even from multiple sides simultaneously. Like the case, the hour and minute hands have sharp edges, with a satin surface and polished bevel. Even the gear cover is finished with the same treatment.
Instead of minute markers, a steel flanged ring insert with radial satin finishing on top and a polished bevel is used. This seamlessly ties the dial design to the case. Color options include textured ivory or green, as well as glossy black and blue. It's hard to choose, but the sculptural design, in my opinion, pairs best with a dark dial. The textured ivory looks great in person, but the contrast of glossy black highlights the sharpness of the design even more.
Laps Arche on the Wrist
Up to this point, I tried to remain objective, but I really liked Arche, and I am not alone in this opinion among colleagues at WatchTested. The 37.5 mm diameter fits perfectly on my 17 cm wrist. The watch is neither too big nor too small, thin, and looks very solid. Ultimately, the case design most resembles classic field watches, but with a modern architectural accent. The finishing is also impressive, especially for watches in this price category.
What I particularly like about Arche is the originality of the design and the harmonious combination of the dial and case. It's clear that the watch was considered as a whole, not just a separate case and dial. The asymmetrical indices and hands are something I haven't encountered before, and the execution of the date window deserves respect and can serve as an example for many brands. Laps decided not to hide the date but to make it an integral part of the dial design. On the horizontally applied date disc, a small Easter egg is even hidden. This deserves a separate "bravo"!
Of course, the Miyota movement is nothing special, but on the other hand, it helps keep the price at an acceptable level. Everything else is top-notch for this price point, including the thoughtfully designed pin buckle - a detail many brands forget in the final refinement.
Order and Delivery
So, I am quite impressed with the new Arche. I believe it's an excellent debut of mechanical watches from Laps, and I look forward to further developments from the studio. Arche can now be ordered for 860 euros, and deliveries will begin after September 1st. If you want to learn more, visit the brand's official website.
Leave comments on how interested you are in Laps Arche as much as I am.