Halchimy Route du Rhum

Time for trade winds

The founders of young French watchmaking maison Halchimy, Kevin and Nicolas Oualli, are both from Guadeloupe. The maison is taking part in the 20th Route du Rhum as a sponsor of skipper Rodolphe Sepho, also a native of the island.

By Vincent Daveau
Kevin Oualli and Rodolphe Sepho on the Imoca, at the start of the Route du Rhum. 

The two young entrepreneurs, in the watchmaking industry since 2019, and the yachtsman, who participated in the Class 40 race twice, are all from the Antilles. A business relationship that makes sense. This is the 12th edition of this race, the most charming according to Rodolphe, as it brings him home with the trade winds. For this edition, the yachtsman chose to sail on an Imoca. At the helm of this sleek sailboat, specialised educator Rodolphe Sepho has been in sailing competitions from the age of 14. He is likely to shine as an example to his students, 16 to 21, who he helps integrate into the workforce through professional activity. In the days leading up to the race start, the Halchimy team set up a stand in Saint-Malo village. They were supported by Cosette, who made the trip from Grande-Terre Island, to cheer on her sons in their first important partnership. Halchimy showcased models from the brand to enthusiasts. New customers and brand regulars alike were able to try on Halchimy’s innovative timepieces and their easily interchangeable straps. 

The Intuition 2012 watch from Halchimy and its interchangeable strap made of technical fabric, and detachable brace lugs with their security system.

Kevin and Nicolas enjoy recognition and appreciation from the civil and political powers in the Antilles. In this adventure, the goal of which is to accelerate exchanges through intelligence, they were able to appreciate that their Intuition 2012 models are the keystone of a carefully thought-out ecosystem. The models open onto the real world of achievement, but also a virtual world, with all members connected by one principle: excellence powers performance. What better embodiment of this vision than the example of a determined yachtsman, set out on a quest for victory, making his way across the waves of the Atlantic on his own? 

Automatic calibre with green dial.  GMT and date functions in a large aperture. 

And talk about determination! Rodolphe Sepho, the only participant from Guadeloupe still in the race, had to make a pit stop after hitting a UFO (unidentified floating object) that damaged one of his foils. Now back on track, he is likely to have Guadeloupe in his sights very soon. 

To be continued in a few days, after he crosses the finish line in Pointe-à-Pitre… 

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