ZIMBALI–000
time, unrefined.
Only 12 pieces limited worldwide.
Inaugurating the Maison’s philosophy of an intentional life, this watch honours those who embrace unconventional paths.
Nestled along the warm coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, Zimbali, the valley of flowers, is a place where nature arranges itself with quiet, unhurried beauty. It is from this landscape that the Zimbali collection draws its soul. The case follows nature's own geometry: a form that breathes, its curves unfolding with the same ease as a hillside. Soft transitions, a silhouette that slopes with intention, naturally sitting against the wrist. The proportions were not engineered so much as discovered. To wear a Zimbali is to carry something of that place with you, its warmth, its stillness, and the particular kind of beauty that can only be understood when experienced.
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Price: CHF 40,000 (excluding VAT)
50% deposit to secure your piece.
Kindly Note: The Zimbali–000 is now available for pre-order. The images shown are of the Zimbali–000 prototype; the final design may vary slightly.
a
journey from
the
desert
to the snow
ZIMBALI–000
midnight desert
A collection inspired by the legendary tale of Sundiata Keita—known as the Lion King. In the 13th century, Sundiata united twelve distinct tribes to establish the Mali Empire, a civilisation that grew to be the largest and most prosperous of its era, renowned for its immense gold wealth and visionary leadership.
Portraying the unifying spirit of Sundiata Keita; a man who, despite family conflict, rose to kingship and built one of West Africa’s most prosperous empires, back when trade routes and wealth flourished long before modern navigation. His triumph laid the foundation for his nephew, Mansa Musa, whose reign became a symbol of vision and prosperity. This piece draws from that heritage and cultural imagery, to highlight the value of generational legacy, and the strength found in unity. While greatness begins with the individual, it is forged through collective strength and harmony. Not built over-night, but a journey that unfolds slowly.
INDEXES
twelve tribes, twelve hours
From mine to wrist. The hour indexes formed from 24-carat gold pebbles, each raw and irregular in shape. These natural fragments pass through a rigorous selection process before being individually hand-set onto the dial. Making no two dials the same.
Their asymmetry is intentional, reflecting the organic nature of gold in its purest form, and the truth that unity does not require sameness. Only shared purpose.
DIAL
natural beauty in its rawest form
The landscape dial of the Midnight Desert features a unique sand-textured surface of desert dunes. Its subtle variations in tone and depth, deliberately unpredictable, introduce a tactile topography that captures and reflects light.
state of the art finishing
MOVEMENT
The calibre FM01, visible through the sapphire case back, reflects an uncompromising dedication to aesthetic and mechanical excellence. Developed in collaboration with Manufacture Fleury, this hand-wound movement pays tribute to the enduring heritage of Swiss watchmaking.
Delicate waves of Côtes de Genève sweep across the bridges, which are further refined with meticulous anglage. Perlage embellishes both the front and back of the main plate, creating a subtle interplay of textures. Crafted from 4N rose gold, the base and bridge plates enhance the movement’s depth and luminosity, inviting admiration from every angle.
CASE
peculiar silhouette
The Midnight Desert is encased within the distinctive 40mm Zimbali case, forged from solid 18-carat rose gold. Its sculptural form sits on the wrist, embodying refined elegance and prestige. Every edge, every angle, and each contour is hand-polished with expert craftsmanship, offering a tactile richness.
Crafted using artisanal machinery preserved through generations, the case’s sides catch the light with a mirror-like polish, contrasting beautifully against the softly brushed satin finish of the case back.
technical specifications
MOVEMENT
Base Calibre: FM01
Mechanism: Hand-wound mechanical movement
Power Reserve: 40 hours
Material: 18-ct 4N rose gold main plate & bridges
Frequency: 4 Hz, 28'800 Vph
Diameter: 23mm
Thickness: 3.75mm
Precision: -10/+10 sec/day, after casing
BRACELET
Bracelet: Chocolate brown Alligator leather
Clasp: Standard Maison Amahle pin buckle
Clasp Material: 18-ct rose gold
Style: Interchangeable system.
CASE
Size: 40mm diameter
Thickness: 9.1mm
Material: 18-ct rose gold
Water Resistance: 30m (3ATM)
Decoration: Alternate polished and satin finishes
GENERAL
Function: Centre hour, minute, and seconds hands.
Number of Jewels: 17
Top Crystal: Sapphire with scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coating
Bottom Crystal: Sapphire with scratch-resistant coating
DIAL
- 24-ct gold hour markers set by hand.
- Midnight sand textured, matt finish.
- Stainless steel hour hands.
- Red colour tipped second-hand.
- 18-ct gold plate material.
FINISHING
Perlage: main plate, front and back
Côtes de Genève: main plate
Anglage: bridges
Snailing: crown and hour wheel
warranty & quality standards
We have committed ourselves to an uncompromising set of standards. Going beyond the “Swiss Made” label, all our watches are 100% manufactured in Switzerland. Adhering to the highest levels of savoir-faire.
Your watch is guaranteed against manufacturing defects for a period of 3 years. Service intervals can go from 5 to 10 years, depending on use. Service can be carried out by your local watchmaker (once we have sent a spare parts kit) or directly by The Maison in Switzerland.