Birchall & Taylor: Reference 1 | Cream Enamel Dial
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$7,775 CAD
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*Applicable taxes, import fees, and shipping not included
The Reference 1 is a rare gem from two classically trained Canadian watchmakers, who first brought their vision to life in a converted Toronto peanut factory. This is No. 008 of a limited production run, and a rare chance to own a piece from a short-lived but important chapter in modern Canadian independent watchmaking.
THE WATCHMAKERS
It started in a tiny Swiss village, where two Torontonians—Charles Birchall and Brad Taylor—crossed paths in an elite watchmaking program led by the legendary Henrik Korpela. Years later, after honing their craft with the likes of Roger Smith and Patek Philippe, they reconnected back home on Canadian soil, and set out to build something of their own.
The result was Birchall & Taylor and their debut: the Reference 1. A blend of Swiss precision and Canadian soul, it marked a bold new entry into independent watchmaking. The duo has since parted ways, with Taylor continuing under his own name, but this watch remains a quiet triumph of the vision and craft of these two young visionary watchmakers.
THE WATCH
The Reference 1 is powered by the Vaucher 5104 micro-rotor movement—used by names like Parmigiani, Hermès, and Richard Mille—and finished with a stunning cream grand feu enamel dial produced by none other than Donzé Cadrans in Le Locle. If you are not familiar with the delicate art of enamel dial production, I highly recommend reading this article from A Collected Man...it will blow your mind.
At 38mm wide and only 9mm thick, it wears with quiet confidence and elegance. Hinting at the story behind this watch, the dial proudly bears the word “Toronto” at 12 o’clock (Canadian pride on full display), with “enamel” printed just beneath the small seconds at six o’clock (enamel pride on full display).
This is No. 008 of a limited production run and a rare chance to own a piece from a short-lived but important chapter in modern Canadian independent watchmaking.
CONDITION
Impeccable overall condition with only light surface wear around the case and a small scuff on the lower side of the polished bezel—nothing distracting and easily refinished if desired. The green alligator strap remains in excellent shape with just one extra hole added by the previous owner. Comes complete with full box, papers, instruction booklet, branded micro-fibre cloth, and warranty card.
SPECIFICATIONS
• Case: 38mm stainless steel, 9mm thickness
• Movement: Vaucher 5104 micro-rotor, chronometer-rated
• Dial: Cream grand feu enamel by Donzé Cadrans
• Hands: Purple steel hands
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
• Crystal: Sapphire front and back
• Strap: Green alligator leather (original)
• Water resistance: 30m
• Numbered: 008
• Limited production
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