‘Chairman’ Premium Mobile for UNCells

In 2010 Chris was invited to become Head of Research & Development for SCI Innovations (UNCells) an autonomous division of Swiss watch makers Ulysse Nardin. This invitation followed the completion of five prototypes that were shown at the 2009 Basel World Watch & Jewellery fair and yielded tens of millions of euro’s in advanced orders. Chris used his contacts in industry to set up a small team to develop the phone and charge station from initial concepts by international designer Matt Sinclaire to ‘P’ series initial production run, shown here.

At the time, Chairman was the most expensive mobile device in the world, certainly the most lavishly specified. Sapphire keys, the largest capacitive sapphire touch screen on any product, together with many other innovations, including the calibre kinetic charger developed by micro power innovation specialists Kinetron in the Netherlands. 125g of 18ct gold was accompanied by yttria zirconia ceramic, carbon fibre and 316L stainless steel. Hi-tech met with traditional, using watch making precision.