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Carlo Ferrara “Dancing Hands” Regulator 2.0 CF1997

Carlo Ferrara “Dancing Hands” Regulator 2.0 CF1997

£2,500.00 GBP
£2,500.00 GBP
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Model: Carlo Ferrara “Dancing Hands” Regulator 2.0 CF1997

Year: 2005

Features:

The Origin. First and foremost, this is a regulator. A classic Swiss complication that separates the hours, minutes and seconds across different parts of the dial in order to make the time easier to read. But this obviously isn’t your typical regulator. 

The Movement. On paper, the movement doesn’t sound especially exotic. It’s an ETA 2892A2 - a premium ETA calibre used by the likes of IWC, Omega, Breitling and Tudor - but the magic lies in the modification.

The Complication. Rather than being fixed around a pinion, the hour and minute displays glide across the dial in an elaborate, synchronised dance - turning a practical regulator arrangement into something delightfully theatrical.

The Sequel. But the watch on offer today is Carlo Ferrara’s follow-up - called the Due, meaning Two in Italian - and as a result, the complications come triple-stacked. Regulators are a rare sight in general, so by extension a GMT Regulator is even rarer - but a GMT Regulator with a Power Reserve Indicator? It’s exactly the sort of engineering flex that makes independent watchmaking so much fun. 

The Origin. It took Carlo Ferrara six years to engineer the Dancing Hands, and to my knowledge, no other watchmaker has recreated the complication since. That is partly explainable by the fact Ferrara received a Swiss brevet d’invention, or patent, for his work - but that patent should have expired almost a decade ago, so we could see someone else’s interpretation in the future.

The Design. Sadly, the brand disappeared following Carlo Ferrara’s death in 2012, so official details about the design are sparse. However, given Ferrara was from Rome, it doesn’t feel like too much of a leap to suggest the design might have been inspired by the city’s legendary Circus Maximus.

The Production. Though he only produced watches for 12 years, I’ve found over 20 distinct models, with retail prices ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on case material and design. An extraordinary amount of variety for such a small operation, suggesting Ferrara prioritised freedom of design over predictable profits. A delightfully independent watchmaking move. 

Specifications:

Condition: In great condition overall. Serviced earlier this year. A few small scratches can be seen on close inspection on the metal case. 

Scope: Box with no papers

Movement: Heavily Modified ETA 2892A2

Dimensions:

  • Case Width: 44.0mm
  • Lug to lug: 52.9mm
  • Case Thickness: 12.9mm
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