LORigE

a gradual ramping-up

Dan Diaconu

In 2022, Lorige is stepping up its production. After the BL-Endurance Gris Circuit and the Bleu 24H, the young French brand is going for something new this year in the form of a stunning watch: the BL-Endurance Hyperblack. As the name implies, the omnipresent black colour permeates the mysterious and prestigious persona of this timepiece. As with the two previous models in the collection, its case is machined using brake pads from the world of motor racing. We're not talking just any brake pads! For this timepiece, the material used is the same as that of the awesome Peugeot 9x8. This prototype, powered by a hybrid engine, is destined to make its mark on the circuits of major endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting this summer. Its chiselled, sleek, elegant

design is accentuated by a monochrome layout. This aesthetic option also heightens the perspective of the BLEndurance Hyperblack. Hence, its 51.6x43.6x10.5mm barrel-shaped case and dial, both machined in carbon/ carbon, are a single component. The striated pattern inherently found in the high-tech composite contributes to this distinctive architecture. Combined with a grade 5 titanium bezel with diamond light coating (DLC) treatment, the combination shelters a pair of stylized hands pointing to an hour circle of black physical vapor deposition (PVD) coated numerals. The energy display with a greenyellow touch along with the white luminescent hands and markers add to the contemporary look of this series. All time information is powered by the selfwinding LOR-PR01 calibre. Assembled

iTs cHisEllEd, slEEk, ElEganT dEsign is accEnTuaTEd by a monocHromE layouT.

THE carbon/carbon adds a TEcHnical, aEsTHETic ToucH To THE bl-EndurancE HypErblack.

waTcHEs-nEws.com x lorigE with 294 components, it delivers a minimum of 45 hours of power reserve. The rarity of the available brakes means that only a limited edition can be produced. Only 24 pieces will emerge from the workshops. With the introduction of this timepiece, Lorige is also pleased to present its new ambassador, Paul di Resta. Building on his experience at Le Mans, the Scotsman was appointed last year as the official Peugeot driver for the Hypercar program. The champion will be wearing the BL-Endurance Hyperblack on his wrist during his many appearances on the Sky Sports channel and during the events of the Sochalian brand.

Lorige's pursuit of sporty elegance also extends to a limited eight piece high-end timepiece combining an exceptional calibre with a new carbon case shape. "This will be a central tourbillon, developed by Pierre Favre and Dominique Renaud. The concept remains the same with Formula 1 brakes this time and with an historical driver. The series will be extremely limited due to the small quantity of brakes we have in our possession. Only two watches will be produced this year and the other timepieces will be released progressively over the following years", explains Emeric Paraud, co-founder of the company. To discover it, as for the 9x8, a certain amount of patience is required. The second half of 2022 promises to be quite exciting.