Semper & Adhuc: New Watches, Old Souls

There are brand names that are just names, and then there are names that tell you the entire story. Semper & Adhuc is the latter. It’s Latin for “Always and Until Now,” and that single phrase perfectly captures the spirit of this French workshop.

They build new watches around meticulously restored vintage movements. The result is something special: a timepiece with a modern design sensibility, but with a mechanical heart that has been ticking for decades. Their Instantanée Originale is a brilliant example of this philosophy in action.

This isn’t another homage piece with a stock movement. It’s a genuine fusion of past and present, a concept that feels both romantic and incredibly clever. You get the reliability of a new case and components, with the soul of a mid-century caliber.

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The Heart of the Matter: A Vintage Swiss Movement

Let’s get straight to what makes this watch tick, because it’s the most important part of the story. Inside the Instantanée is a restored Swiss hand-wound caliber, the AS1012 or one of its variants. This isn't a new movement made to look old; it's the real thing.

These calibers were workhorses, produced between the 1930s and 1970s. They were originally cased in precious metals by countless brands. Many were later melted down for their raw material value, leaving these beautiful little engines orphaned.

Semper & Adhuc rescues these 5 ½''' movements, giving them a second life. They are fully disassembled, cleaned, repaired, and regulated. This is painstaking work that honors the original craftsmanship.

What It Feels Like on the Wrist

The movement has a power reserve of around 36 hours. This means it’s a daily-wind watch, creating a ritual and a connection that you just don't get from an automatic. It’s a quiet moment to engage with your watch each morning.

Its beat rate is either 18,000 or 21,600 vibrations per hour. This is slower than modern movements, giving the seconds hand a more deliberate, vintage sweep. It’s a tangible link to a different era of watchmaking.

A Dial That Speaks French (Literally)

The face of the Instantanée Originale is where the brand’s personality shines through. Inspired by the engravings on old sky maps, it’s playful yet refined. The dial is a warm cream color, with all markings pad-printed in a contrasting red.

But here’s the detail everyone notices: the hours are spelled out in French. Instead of a numeral "1," you get "UNE." Instead of "2," you get "DEUX," and so on. It’s a charming and wonderfully quirky design choice.

The rest is pure minimalism. You have simple stick hands for the hours and minutes, and the brand's name at the center. There’s no date window, no seconds hand, no unnecessary text—just the time, told with Gallic flair.

The Case for Classic Proportions

Semper & Adhuc absolutely nailed the case design. It’s crafted from 316L stainless steel with a clean satin finish. More importantly, the dimensions are perfect for a watch with vintage soul.

It measures 37mm in diameter and a very slender 8mm in thickness. The lug-to-lug distance is a compact 44.5mm. These are classic proportions that will fit a huge range of wrists, male or female.

This is a watch that doesn’t scream for attention. It’s confident in its own skin, slipping easily under a cuff. It feels like a well-worn field watch from the 1940s, but with the crisp edges of a brand-new piece.

A Window to the Past

Flip the watch over and you'll find a solid, clipped caseback. But it’s not entirely closed off. A small, porthole-like "eyecup" gives you a targeted view of the restored movement’s balance wheel at work.

This is a smart touch. It preserves the structural integrity of a solid back while still letting you see the beating heart. It’s a constant reminder of the history ticking away inside.

Your Watch, Your Way

Here’s a detail most brands would never even consider. Semper & Adhuc lets you choose the orientation of the crown. You can have it on the right side like a traditional watch, or on the left.

This is a fantastic option for left-handed collectors who wear their watch on the right wrist. It’s also great for anyone who simply prefers a clean, crown-free right side. This level of personalization is a testament to the brand's enthusiast focus.

The Details That Make the Difference

A great watch is more than just its movement and case. The supporting cast here is excellent. The crystal is modern sapphire, offering scratch resistance that vintage acrylic can’t match.

The strap is another highlight. It's not an off-the-shelf afterthought. Semper & Adhuc partnered with a Bordeaux-based leather craftsman, Vincent Jacquinot, to create straps handmade from French leathers.

The quality is immediately apparent. The lining is vegetable-tanned, and the signed ardillon buckle is made from the same 316L steel as the case. Even the packaging—a machined cork casket—feels thoughtful and unique.

Reference	INSTORIG
Movement	Restored Swiss hand-winding caliber AS1012 (or declination)
Power Reserve	Approximately 36 hours
Frequency	18,000 alt/h (2.5 Hz) or 21,600 alt/h (3 Hz)
Case	37mm x 8mm, 316L stainless steel, satin finish
Lug-to-Lug	44.5mm
Lug Width	18mm
Crystal	Sapphire
Water Resistance	3 ATM / 30 meters
Strap	Handmade French leather by Vincent Jacquinot
Price	€2,500

Is the Instantanée Originale for You?

This watch isn't trying to compete with modern sports watches. It doesn’t have a ceramic bezel, massive power reserve, or extreme water resistance. Its appeal is more emotional and intellectual.

If you love the idea of a mechanical timekeeper with a direct, unbroken link to the past, this is your watch. It’s for someone who appreciates the ritual of winding their watch and the quiet charm of a vintage caliber.

Semper & Adhuc has created a watch that is more than the sum of its parts. It’s a wearable piece of history, a conversation starter, and a brilliant execution of a powerful idea. It’s a refreshing, honest take in a market full of lookalikes.