Lebond has carved out a special niche in the watch market. This Spanish brand creates watches for architecture enthusiasts.
In the first two editions, Lebond collaborated with renowned architects. The first model - the Lebond Siza 2023 - was designed by the famous Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza, and the second - the Lebond Souto Moura - was created by another Portuguese, Eduardo Souto de Moura. For the third release, Lebond founder Asier Mateo drew inspiration from the world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí. The new Lebond Attraction watches draw their concept from Gaudí's project - the Hotel Attraction, a building that was never constructed. I managed to find out more about them.
The Story Behind Lebond Attraction
When a large box containing two watches landed on my desk, I was immediately intrigued. I knew the watches would come in a wooden case, but I didn't expect the abstract reconstruction of the Hotel Attraction to be so grand. This demonstrates Mateo's incredible commitment to each release and beautifully embodies the concept of the watches. The new Lebond Attraction model is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death. Instead of choosing one of Gaudi's famous architectural masterpieces, Mateo focused on the Hotel Attraction - an impressive yet unrealized project with a unique history, little known even among enthusiasts.
Antonio Gaudi designed the Hotel Attraction in 1908 at the age of 56. With a planned height of 360 meters, this building would have been the tallest skyscraper in the world at the time. The project was supposed to appear in New York, while Gaudi was working on the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The organic silhouette of the building was ahead of its time and would have made it a futuristic icon on the modern skyline of the Big Apple.
The new Lebond Attraction watches are inspired by the view of the Hotel Attraction from above. This leads to the creation of an original pair of watches, radically different from the first two Lebond models. Furthermore, the time display method using two discs fits perfectly into the architectural concept. This made me want to learn more about these new creations from Lebond.
Construction and Features of Lebond Attraction
The case of the new Lebond Attraction is made from Grade 5 titanium, known for its lightness and strength. The case diameter is 38 mm, thickness is 10.4 mm, and the lug-to-lug distance is 46 mm. The case looks elegant and sculptural, with harmonious proportions. On the right is a small onion-shaped crown. The matte finish of the case creates an expressive yet restrained appearance. For ease of use, the case is coated with an anti-fingerprint coating to prevent fingerprints.
The design of the case, bezel, dial, and glass is inspired by the top view of the Hotel Attraction. It is a multi-layered and detailed construction that immediately attracts attention. On the dial, time is displayed using an hour disc and a minute hand.
The watches are available in two versions: Original Edition and Dark Edition. The first combines gray, silver, and light brown shades, while the second features the same gray and silver tones with the addition of black for a more austere aesthetic. Despite the color difference, the dial design is the same for both versions.
Unique Dial Design of Lebond Attraction
The dial of both models consists of a base white luminescent track with minute scale markings resembling railroad ties. Every five minutes are marked with elongated markers serving as hour indices. Above the base dial is a disc with a luminescent trapezoidal marker indicating the hours.
Above the base and hour disc hovers a white luminescent minute hand, which points to the minute scale. Instead of a traditional second hand, a rotating upper disc subtly showcases the movement's operation. The sapphire glass with the printed brand logo gives the dial an additional level of detail.
Overall, the dial design is modern and original. In the Original Edition, the base dial and discs are made of silver metal with a vertical brushed finish, while in the Dark Edition, they are made of anthracite metal with a similar finish.
The smooth leather strap in light brown nappa leather with a titanium folding clasp is a perfect match for the Original Edition. The Dark Edition comes with a black leather strap with the same clasp.
ETA 2892-A2 Movement in Lebond Attraction
Despite the unconventional time display method, the watches are equipped with the reliable automatic caliber ETA 2892-A2. This movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, contains 21 jewels, and provides a power reserve of up to 50 hours. The movement is decorated with blue screws, Geneva stripes, and perlage. Through the sapphire case back, the caliber is visible in operation, along with a white image of the Hotel Attraction project.
The choice of ETA 2892-A2 is explained by its slim profile, which allows the case to remain compact. As a result, the watches are not only original in design but also very comfortable to wear.
Wearing Experience of Lebond Attraction
Let's move on to the wearing impressions of both Lebond Attraction models. The first thing that stands out is the incredible lightness of the watches, weighing only 33 grams without the strap. However, not only the weight is important, but also the proportions, thanks to which the watches fit perfectly on the wrist. The curved shape of the case follows the contours of the hand, adding comfort.
The time display is original and interesting if you understand the concept. The hour disc and minute hand are a convenient and unusual alternative to the classic method. But the main thing is the connection to Hotel Attraction, which defines Asier Mateo's design decisions.
The matte finish of the case emphasizes the architectural idea, avoiding traditional combinations of polished and brushed surfaces. The Original Edition is especially appealing with its soft tones, which are associated with architectural materials.
Final Impressions of Lebond Attraction
Understanding the concept allows you to appreciate Mateo's work on these two models. My personal fascination with Gaudi's work prompted me to study the history and ideas of the Hotel Attraction. In a conversation with Mateo, we also touched on the Netflix series "City of Shadows" (Ciudad de sombras), set in Barcelona and using Gaudi's architectural objects as key locations.
These watches reminded me of the need to return to my beloved city. Over six or seven visits, I have seen most of Gaudi's works, but now it is time to visit these places again. The new Lebond Attraction is a great reason for this. Architecture lovers, especially those fond of Antoni Gaudi's work, will surely be interested in these watches, available on the brand's official website for €2400 excluding taxes.
The magic of the first two Lebond models, created by legendary architects, is stronger for me. But the story of the new Attraction models is no less romantic. Choosing Gaudi's unbuilt project adds a special level of intrigue.
Magnificent Display Stand
Besides creating watches, Lebond went further and embodied Gaudi's skyscraper in miniature. For true collectors, Mateo offers a handcrafted wooden display stand - a scale model of the top part of the Hotel Attraction. The stand height is 42 cm, and the weight is 3 kg. It accurately reproduces the proportions and geometry of the building.
Each stand takes 20 hours of meticulous work to make. It consists of 12 vertical and 24 horizontal lines. A master from Barcelona carves the body from solid sapele wood, then coats it with matte lacquer for durability. Such a stand can be purchased for an additional €1600 excluding taxes.
Continuation of the Story
The new Lebond watches inspired me to delve deeper into Gaudi's little-known project. The integration of all architectural elements into the watch design shows Mateo's love and dedication, which deserves high praise. Furthermore, the watches are very comfortable to wear. Thus, Mateo has created an excellent third release for Lebond, which will surely interest watch and architecture enthusiasts.
It's nice to see that Lebond continues to release quality watches inspired by the world's great architects. As a great admirer of architecture, I hope the brand will successfully develop this line further.