"Another study, another test, in this new 42mm case design from 2010 the dial is TiN coated. It has aged, and will continue to age! The DLC-coated date ring was also a test, a prototype of an idea that was used later on the K2…”
The Korona K1 has undergone several iterations throughout its lifetime, with this DLC-coated stainless steel prototype (Case No. 0) a pre-cursor to the 2010 version (launched in 2009), with a new case design. Coming from a somewhat transitional period for the reference, this watch introduced a smaller 42mm case size, as well as the fully ‘scalloped’ case to the K1, previously seen on the Korona RG and WG. A natural extension to the bezel design seen in earlier examples of the model, this also brought a closer connection to Stepan’s original ‘Time Tramp’, with the ‘scalloped’ treatment extending to the crown. Equally, the case grew in thickness to 10.2mm, making room for the practical addition of a running-seconds hand.
This prototype K1 carries a light-catching, copper-toned, dial that was later offered to clients as an option for production pieces. The coloured region of the dial is TiN coated and made up of two levels; one frosted, with the second brushed and skeletonised in Sarpaneva’s concentric-circle style. This manufacturing technique contributes to the ageing of the dial, and will continue to do so throughout its lifetime. Above this, sits a darker, open-worked disc on the outer edge, representing the hour markers and matching the DLC-treated colour of the case. The hour and minute hands of this prototype are split down their centre and treated with two finishes; one high-polished and the other matte, taking their style from the earlier Korona RG and WG. Contrasting the colours of the case and dial, the centre-seconds introduced in this prototype is polished and blued. Completing the dial is Sarpaneva’s logo at 9 o’clock, on the anti-reflection treated sapphire crystal.
Sarpaneva favours the use of Soprod’s self-winding A10 in his watches, extensively modified to suit his requirements for each piece, beating at a rate of 28,800 A/h. In this variant of the K1, the mainplate was modified to use a larger date-disc, openworked and made from stainless steel. Also skeletonised is the winding-rotor, executed in a similar style to the dial, letting you catch sight of the calibre whilst carrying two frosted white-gold masses. The movement is rhodium-plated and carries perlage-finishing throughout, with a power-reserve of 42 hours.
This K1 Prototype is in excellent condition, accompanied by its original box and certificate of authenticity. It comes fitted with an original, Sarpaneva black alligator strap and corresponding DLC-coated buckle.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: | Sarpaneva |
| Model: | Korona K1 Prototype No. 0 |
| Movement: | mechanical automatic Cal. modified Soprod A10 |
| Functions: | date, hours, minutes |
| Features: | prototype, display back, skeletonised dial |
| Case: | 42 mm DLC-coated stainless steel |
| Crystal: | sapphire front and back |
| Bracelet: | black Sarpaneva alligator strap |
| Box & papers: | original box and certificate of authenticity |
This prototype Sarpaneva Korona K1 (No. 0) watch in DLC-coated steel is in excellent condition and has perfect mechanical functionality. It is guaranteed for authenticity, and comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man.
