In the fast-paced world of luxury watches, a young watch brand named Atelier Jalaper is making waves with its unique fusion of vintage cars and horology. Founded a little over three years ago by Louis Jalaber and Simon Szleper, Atelier Jalaper has quickly gained recognition for their exquisite timepieces. After a successful launch with their first model, inspired by the iconic Aston Martin DB5, the brand is now setting their sights on another automotive legend—the Lamborghini Miura.
Louis Jalaber and Simon Szleper, both graduates of ESCP Europe, shared a deep passion for vintage cars and watchmaking. They decided to combine their interests by creating a watch that incorporated a fragment of aluminum from the bonnet of an Aston Martin DB5, a car revered as one of the greatest automobile icons of the 20th century. This unique concept struck a chord with enthusiasts, and their initial series of timepieces sold out in a matter of months, garnering a loyal and growing customer base from around the world.
Buoyed by their success, the two founders embarked on the next chapter of their journey—paying homage to another automotive masterpiece, the Lamborghini Miura. Considered the very first supercar and hailed as one of the most beautiful cars ever created, the Miura was a natural choice for Atelier Jalaper. The brand saw a perfect alignment between the high-tech mechanics of the Miura and their philosophy of fluid and elegant style, leading to the birth of the AJ-P400 timepiece.
The design process for the AJ-P400 was an intensive one, involving a year and a half of meticulous work, numerous collaborative sessions, and exchanges between the experienced designer ©and the Atelier team. The primary focus was on achieving perfection in design and volume, leading to three prototyping phases before arriving at the final drawings.
Drawing inspiration from the Miura’s elegant curves, the case of the AJ-P400 mirrors the simple and sensual lines of the iconic car. The proportions of the case were meticulously crafted to replicate the visual impact one experiences when encountering a Lamborghini. The dial, on the other hand, draws inspiration from the iconic speedometers of the Miura. With indexes of varying sizes and a 270° revolution, the dial features a power reserve indicator integrated at 6 o’clock, reminiscent of hand counters found on vintage cars’ dashboards.
Simon explains: “To complete this design, we had to observe the Miura for hours, studying its details from every angle and in different lighting conditions. Maintaining the elegance befitting such a watch required us to reinterpret the car’s messages and details in our own unique way. The values of rebellion and audacity, which are the foundation of the creation of the Miura and Lamborghini, were strong guiding principles in our development process. Each element of the car has been incorporated into the final design in a fresh and original manner, resulting in an ultra-elegant, sensual, and powerful timepiece—three adjectives that perfectly characterize the AJ-P400.”
The AJ-P400 stands out with its distinctive hornless case shape, a rarity and technical achievement. The oval-shaped bezel, reminiscent of the Miura’s iconic eyelash headlights, is a perfect circle nestled within an elliptical orbit. The back of the watch features an elegant case back with transparent smoked glass, paying homage to the legendary “incendiary disease” associated with the Miura. This design allows the owner to appreciate and fully immerse themselves in the Swiss manual-wound caliber, a vital component in the watch’s overall aesthetic.
The AJ-P400 is available in four variations, each highlighting a specific color associated with the legendary Miura’s iconic appearances. The options include Verde Scandal, Azzurro Mexico, Arancio Miura, and Nero Cangiante.
Turning to the technical specifications, the AJ-P400 boasts a polished and brushed finished steel case measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 10.3mm in thickness. The case back is screwed and open, while the bezel features a polished oval shape. The front glass is made of sapphire with an anti-reflective coating, and the back glass is a smoked grey mineral glass. With a water resistance of 5 ATM, the watch is designed to withstand various everyday activities.
The dial of the AJ-P400 is made from aluminum sourced from a genuine Lamborghini Miura P400 S. Treated with anodizing to achieve a matte black color while preserving the original patina, the dial features luminescent indexes resembling those found on the Miura speedometer. The minute ring comes in four versions: Black, Green, Blue, and Orange, corresponding to the most iconic Miura paint finishes. The bezel incorporates a white minute track, while the hands draw inspiration from the Miura’s counter hands, luminescent and white in the dark.
Completing the timepiece is a calf leather strap inspired by the elegant seats of the Miura. With a width of 19mm at the lugs, the strap is equipped with a deployant buckle and “Flash” pumps for quick and easy strap changes, enhancing the versatility of the watch.
Powering the AJ-P400 is the Sellita SW270-1 M caliber, a mechanical movement that requires manual winding. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), the movement provides a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. The watch offers various functions, including hours, minutes, central seconds, a power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, a date display with quick change settings, and a stop seconds feature.
With its exceptional design, meticulous craftsmanship, and unique connection to the automotive world, the AJ-P400 is a true masterpiece that captures the essence of the Lamborghini Miura. Priced at 1,800€, this timepiece is a testament to Atelier Jalaper’s commitment to delivering exceptional luxury watches that resonate with both watch enthusiasts and automotive aficionados alike. As Louis and Simon continue to write their success story, their growing community of customers turned friends eagerly anticipates what the future holds for Atelier Jalaper and their continued exploration of the intersection between horology and iconic automobiles.
