The "Black & Rhodium" line of references found in the Mission Collection speaks to the core principles found in the TWC approach to fine watchmaking. Hartwig Balke's first conceived M250 Series that would follow years after his iconic "space chronograph" in 2000 featured the same palette and applications seen in the "BR" references available today.
Towson's new watchmakers were given the privilege to work with Co-Founder Hartwig Balke to kick off 2023. Together, they built fifteen MM250-2-BR timepieces at the TWC workshop in Baltimore, MD.
"BR" Reference Attributes:
Gloss-Coated Black Guilloche-Style Dial
Rhodium-Plated Hands & Hour-Markers
"Blank-Face Moonphase Window"
Skeleton Rotor
Designed, handcrafted, and recommended by the master watchmaker himself - Hartwig Balke. This custom reference variant of the Mission Moon | Series Two features our founder’s signature "black rhodium" composition. The opulent presence on the wrist and consistent pairing of rhodium applications on the dial gives to clear readability and precise measurements in all light conditions.
As a German engineer, Hartwig Balke seeks elegance in his utilitarian-based design language. Consistency across texture, shape and color is a practical means to luxurious ends. Uncalled-for splashes of color, clashing shapes, and impractical contrasts used to achieve aesthetic often jeopardizes utility. A watchmaker who engages in these practices can't consider their product the result of fine watchmaking. The instrument becomes a piece of jewelry rather than a tool in these instances.
"The purpose of design is usefulness. Usefulness includes aesthetics. The instrument made for the wearer's use should be made conscientiously and well, but simple and without anything superfluous."
