Though the 88 Rue du Rhone Double 8 Origin “Alexandra” is a gorgeous timepiece, its creation is based on a tragic tangent – the dying wish of an 11 year old cancer patient at a children’s hospital in Geneva.
Peter Bernheim and his brother Elie, grandsons of iconic watchmaker Raymond Weil and founders of 88 Rue du Rhone were frequent visitors to the hospital that Alexandra was being treated at. 88 Rue du Rhone and a non-profit organization Courir… Ensemble (Run… Together) came together to make Alexandra’s wish a reality. Courir… Ensemble goes to various children’s hospitals and wards to bring joy into the lives of young patients. As expected all profits from the sale of the ‘Alexandra’ model will be donated to Courir… Ensemble to promote and fund the good work that they are doing.
The 88 Rue du Rhone Double 8 Origin “Alexandra” is meticulously crafted from solid stainless steel, which has been polished to a lustrous finish. The case features a diameter of 39mm, and wears flat on the wrist with a case height of just 7.9mm. The case middle on the left side bears the branding “88 Rue du Rhone”. The case back is solid featuring 8 engraved 8 shaped hour markers. This model is outfitted with a shiny, pink alligator leather strap with grey contrast saddle-stitching to complement the case. Securing the strap is a classic ardillon buckle made from stainless steel. The “Alexandra” is water resistant to 50 meters or 165 feet.
The dial is grey and features a beautiful 8 filigree rosette with 11 pink sapphires – one for each year of Alexandra’s life. The hour markers are rendered in rhodium toned Roman numeral appliques, while the hands also in rhodium tone feature lume. The seconds hand is hued a bright red, contrasting against the detailed dial. At the 3 position is a date aperture. Protecting all of these dial elements is a scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Powering the 88 Rue du Rhone Double 8 Origin “Alexandra” is an accurate Swiss made Ronda quartz movement.
TAGS: 88 Rue Du Rhone, Date, Leather, Pink Sapphires, Quartz Watches, Sapphire Crystal, Stainless Steel, Swiss Made, Women's Watches