If you follow the latest in the world of watches, but you have probably heard of IPF watches more than once and know that the acronym stands for “Imperial Watch Factory”. And that these mechanisms from St. Petersburg, to put it mildly, are a powerful watch trend that threatens to overtake other vintage brands. Why? There are several reasons: both because the history of IPF is deeper and more interesting than the “resumes” of many world manufactures, because it is a completely domestic product (which is very inspiring in the heyday of its fashion), and because this watch can be personalized so much , that no one on the planet will have the same accessory.
Why does a seemingly new watch brand have such a treasure trove of secrets? Let’s talk!
An incredibly interesting story
We were lucky enough to hear the history of the watch brand from the race team themselves – and frankly, it’s one of the most fascinating stories we’ve heard. And the point is not only in the plot (although even that is worth a separate discussion), but in how watchmakers and IPF specialists burn their eyes with pleasant excitement. Because, to be precise, they didn’t quite create IAP – rather, they reinvented it. Who do you mean? Peter I, no more, no less.
The history of the IPF began to be written in 1721, when Peter I founded the famous grinding factory for the production of stone products – these were gifts from the emperor, luxury items and architectural elements for the construction of the northern capital. In Soviet times, the factory became the Petrodvorets watch factory and began producing watches – the legendary Pobeda and Raketa are from here.
Can you imagine how many years this place was the center of high art? So it would be a crime to ignore Peter’s legacy with such a powerful historical base: fortunately, the holy place did not empty and turn into the IPF – the heir to the imperial factory.
closer to the roots
In such a special place, it would be strange to look exclusively at Western techniques and designs, especially when literally under the feet of the masters was a demonstration of the production of absolutely luxurious stone products. It was decided that a small “time capsule” would be placed in each watch model. So now each watch from the factory contains 24 ruby stones and is framed by a beautiful stone ring made of different types of natural stones – lapis lazuli, jasper, obsidian, dumortierite, agate and carnelian.
Each mineral is unique and its pattern is inimitable. This means that each IPF watch is a unique piece and just the perfect way to show someone how important they are to you. Stone decorations can be seen on the dial: the watchmakers assemble the watch in such a way that the ring of stone frames the dial itself like a kind of historical halo.
The visible hand of the master
And of course, it would be a big omission not to create a joint design with the Peterhof museum reserve, where the Peterhof production was located in the 18th century. A golden double-headed eagle is visible on the back of this special watch model, the mechanism is decorated with an official pattern with imperial crowns from the Peterhof State Museum-Reserve as a symbol of the intermingling of the past and the new era.
Only 750 gold is used for the case, assembly is done by hand and the watch can also be engraved (somewhere inside, Carrie Bradshaw is rejoicing, who was so happy to give Mister Big a watch with personal inscriptions). The alligator leather strap is tailored to individual measurements, so the new watch is by no means a domestic museum piece – although its beauty and exclusivity could well be stored under glass – but served its owner.
This is what the idea of IPF watches is for, polished over centuries and the experience of many generations of craftsmen.
Source: The Voice Mag
I’m Tim David and I work as an author for 24 Instant News, covering the Market section. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, my mission is to provide accurate, timely and insightful news coverage that helps our readers stay informed about the latest trends in the market. My writing style is focused on making complex economic topics easy to understand for everyone.
