Video: "Seven Seas" - a collector's item

Is it possible to offer something more for the anniversary of a magazine than an outstanding anniversary issue? You can, according to BOOTE EXCLUSIV editor-in-chief Marcus Krall and Andreas Hentschel, founder of watch manufacturer Hentschel. To mark the 25th anniversary of BOOTE EXCLUSIV, the two Hamburgers developed an anniversary watch with a limited edition of 100 pieces. The "Seven Seas" demonstrates its connection to the superyacht scene not only through its materials, but also through its design, which matches the most exquisite locations ...

BOOTE EXCLUSIV: Hamburg is not exactly known as a watch metropolis. Now the BOOTE EXCLUSIV anniversary watch is being created here. How does that fit together?

ANDREAS HENTSCHEL: Well, we have been active as clockmakers in Hamburg since 1987, and the history of clocks in Hamburg begins even earlier, around the year 1820. When trade from Hamburg, Bremen and Lübeck slowly began to extend overseas, clocks became important for navigation, for determining longitude. The observatory, the German Naval Observatory and the watchmaking school were founded in Hamburg - all with the aim of being self-sufficient in time measurement in Germany. There were more chronometer specialists in Hamburg than in Geneva. And Alexander von Humboldt also expressly praised his Hamburg chronometer in his notes. It is perhaps interesting to know that a watch was more expensive than a ship in those days.

BOOTE EXCLUSIV: Those days are over.

ANDREAS HENTSCHEL: Of course, especially in your segment. Nevertheless, yachts and watches are certainly comparable. Every watch from Hentschel is unique, discussed with the customer and manufactured in personal dialogue. Just like in a shipyard, we as watchmakers have direct contact with the customer and create their own personalised product.

BOOTE EXCLUSIV: I assume that yacht owners are also among your customers.

ANDREAS HENTSCHEL: Of course. Some of our customers have recognised this connection, and that's another reason why I became aware of BOOTE EXCLUSIV. The aesthetics of your magazine are a perfect match for our maritime, classic watches. These are two worlds that belong together.

BOOTE EXCLUSIV: What characterises the "Seven Seas", the watch for the 25th anniversary of BOOTE EXCLUSIV?

ANDREAS HENTSCHEL: First of all, only 100 of them will be built, which makes them very exclusive. The case is made of very robust ship's propeller bronze, which we tested together with the Alfred Wegener Institute. The bezel of the "Seven Seas" has elements of a compass so that the watch can also be used for navigation after a little practice. We can engrave coordinates on the case back on request.

BOOTE EXCLUSIV: Is the "Seven Seas" intended to be carried on board or ashore?

ANDREAS HENTSCHEL: Both, it is waterproof up to 50 metres. Nevertheless, I associate the design more with sundowners on board, club nights or strolling around exquisite locations.

BOOTE EXCLUSIV: What else is included in the scope of delivery?

ANDREAS HENTSCHEL: Two saltwater-resistant interchangeable leather straps and an extremely high-quality box. Deutsche Werkstätten Hellerau, one of the world's best-known interior designers of superyachts, has developed packaging especially for the "Seven Seas" that has never been seen before for a watch - a real little piece of furniture.

BOOTE EXCLUSIV: Where can interested parties view the "Seven Seas"?

ANDREAS HENTSCHEL: The best place to see it is at the Hentschel watch manufactory in Hamburg-Eppendorf. We will also be showing the watch at the BOOTE EXCLUSIV anniversary celebrations during the Monaco Yacht Show.

BOOTE EXCLUSIV: Is there a delivery time?

ANDREAS HENTSCHEL: I estimate that we need about four weeks to produce a "Seven Seas" from the time we receive the order.

BOOTE EXCLUSIV: There are quite a few watch buyers who see watches as an investment. Would you also recommend the "Seven Seas" for them?

ANDREAS HENTSCHEL: It is a fact that we have seen the highest ever increase in the value of watches. Nevertheless, it is difficult to make serious predictions. A small production run, a classic design and a good price-performance ratio at the time of purchase are of course not really bad prerequisites for our "Seven Seas".