OK, I’ve checked that out — it’s gorgeous. Now what?
In checking out the RCZ Vision, you’ll have noticed the dramatic pale blue interior, something of an homage to the blue corduroy seats of the original Peugeot 504 Coupe (more on which you can find here in our review) and the striking ‘Hypersquare’ steering, er, device (you can’t really call it a wheel any more).
Yes, checked all that out too. What are we driving at here?
Did you notice the dashboard clock?
Errr… no. Should I have?
Perhaps, because this is no ordinary dashboard clock, but the result of a partnership between Peugeot and French watchmaker Serica.
Don’t think I’ve heard of Serica…
That’s not surprising, as Serica is a young brand, established in 2019 by Jérôme Burgert and Gabriel Vachette. Serica was founded in Paris, but makes its watches — where else? — in Switzerland, and they’re gorgeous things, all with mechanical movements. No quartz here, thanks very much.
OK, so what does that have to do with the Peugeot RCZ Vision?
Simple, really — Serica has designed the dashboard clock for the car, and it’s based on the company’s ‘Dress Watch’ line-up, which features a ‘stadium-style’ case and a plain, understated dial. The dashboard clock in the RCZ is finished in the same dazzling ‘Glacier Blue’ as the rest of the interior, while its movement uses the same Ref. 1174 mechanical movement as the watch version.
I sense there’s more to this…
Aha! There is! Fooled you! This is no mere dashboard clock, but actually a proper Serica Dress Watch, complete with its fine leather strap. Peugeot has designed a special module, working with Serica, that holds the watch in place so that the strap is artfully hidden and the watch becomes an integral part of the dashboard. Not only that, but its purely mechanical movement creates an interesting contrast with the digital-heavy layout of the rest of the RCZ Vision’s cabin.
Can it be a watch again?
Yes, that’s the whole idea. Once you park up, the clock module can be easily removed, and the clock becomes a watch again, slipping back onto your wrist for stylish time-telling wherever you wander.
According to Peugeot and Serica: “With this Ref. 1174 “Glacier Blue” integrated into the Peugeot RCZ Vision, the two French houses give tangible expression to their shared vision. At the intersection of automotive design and watchmaking, this creation embodies the same pursuit of elegance, functionality and innovation, with every detail designed to serve both purpose and emotion.”
When can I buy one?
The Peugeot? Possibly not ever, sadly. It doesn’t look much as if the RCZ Vision will make it through to production. The Serica, though, you can buy right now — a Dress Watch will cost you around €1,500, although you won’t find one in that dramatic Glacier Blue colour, alas.
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