J.N. Shapiro Infinity Series Pure

Borna Bošnjak

• The brand new Infinity Pure combines Shapiro’s signature Infinity Weave with the smallest case for the model but, sized at 37mm.
• Obtainable solely in metal, the Infinity Pure will function the entry-level counterpart to the Resurgence, with AHA-sourced circumstances and a manually wound La Joux-Perret motion.
• It’s restricted to 18 items for every of the 2 configurations, and priced at US$26,000.

Earlier than turning into probably the most revered makers of hand-made guilloché dials below his personal moniker, Joshua Shapiro minimize his enamel (pun totally supposed) making engine-turned dials for different manufacturers. His experience doesn’t cease simply at dials nevertheless, additionally making waves in case-making, and launching the primary non-Swiss tantalum watches in 2021. Seven years after the introduction of his inaugural assortment, the Infinity Sequence that’s now discontinued, Shapiro is bringing the identify again. The Infinity Sequence Pure alluded to what the gist is already, basically appearing because the entry-level foil to the all-American made Resurgence that’s at the moment the model’s flagship. However relatively than simply reviving the identify, Shapiro has made some adjustments, together with a smaller case and a brand new motion.

Earlier than we get into all of that although, let’s examine in with the dials. In any case, it’s one of many most important the explanation why anybody buys a Shapiro-made watch. I’m glad to report that the Infinity Weave trademarked by the model remains to be alive and effectively, doubling down on the normal basketweave guilloché sample. “A basket weave inside a basket weave,” is what Shapiro calls it, including: “This sample is the guts of our design philosophy. It represents eternity, precision, and individuality.” Being a sucker for a great hand design, I additionally should commend the hassle right here. The modified Breguet form has such wonderful depth, and the rounded, polished stems are simply lovely to have a look at.

So far as colourway choices go, the American model provides two variants. The one you see above (and my decide of the 2) is a blackened zirconium base with white gold fingers, whereas the opposite goes for a extra conventional frosted silver with rose gold accents.

Although I’ve nonetheless obtained fairly a couple of articles to write down earlier than considering of dropping 5 figures on any watch, the change I’m most enthusiastic about is the dimensions. Measuring in at 37mm in diameter and eight.8mm in thickness, that is Shapiro’s smallest and thinnest watch but, dropping down from 40mm of the unique Infinity Sequence.

To supply the circumstances, Shapiro has turned to the lately fashioned Various Horological Alliance. This helps maintain the prices down in comparison with the Resurgence circumstances he and his group flip themselves, whereas the unique infinity used German-made circumstances. In distinction to these, the design seems to be related, and efficiently scaled down, however there are a couple of touches that allude to cost-saving measures. The obvious one to me is the crown in each its enamel and its engraving. The previous appear smaller and never as sharply outlined, whereas the engraved infinity image lacks the depth and inner polish of its predecessor.

The most important query mark for me at first was the motion. Within the press launch, Shapiro solely says that it’s offered by La Joux-Perret, however when checking with the model, we discovered all the small print. It occurs to be LJP’s F200, which to most individuals will probably be acquainted below their previous naming scheme because the 7380. I’m glad that my preliminary assumption of the Infinity Sequence Pure utilizing La Joux-Perret’s Peseux clone have been disproven, because the F200/7380 is a a lot nicer grade of motion. For starters, it measures in at 30mm, which implies that the small seconds will probably be positioned additional out from the pinion for a extra pleasing visible, and the 90-hour energy reserve is spectacular.

I used to be fairly stunned, nevertheless, to search out the F200 hidden behind a strong caseback. Shapiro’s preliminary Infinity Sequence used the Marco Lang-designed UWD 33.1, and proudly confirmed it off. Whereas the LJP isn’t as high-end of a motion, I’d nonetheless admire seeing it with some good ornament that Shapiro is greater than able to. That mentioned, Shapiro does adorn the strong caseback with engine turning and hand-engraving, which is a fairly first rate trade-off.

And this discuss of the motion takes me to what I discover most intriguing with this watch. With the appearance of the Resurgence, I might see why Shapiro felt like he wanted to deliver again an entry-level piece into his universe. With admirable consideration paid to the dial ending, the Infinity Sequence Pure is worthy of the Shapiro identify on the dial doubtless. And but, the truth that it prices $6,000 extra at launch than the unique Infinity baffles me, particularly given its much less intricately completed case (albeit in a greater measurement imo) and a step down in motion. However perhaps I shouldn’t be so stunned in spite of everything. In 2019, the Infinity in metal was priced at US$19,800. Adjusted for inflation, that’s almost US$25,000 at present, mainly bringing us to the Infinity Pure’s asking value, which, if something, simply goes to point out the knock-out that the unique was…

J.N. Shapiro Infinity Sequence Pure pricing and availability

The J.N. Shapiro Infinity Sequence Pure is restricted to 18 items per configuration, with enquiries immediately via the model web site. Supply is predicted in This autumn 2025. Value: US$26,000