Paris-based Celsius X VI II has launched its mobile phone — the LeDix Origine — reportedly the first to operate mechanically. The device's engineering intricacy brings its price tag to a whopping €250,000 (US$325,000); 15 of the 18 mobile phones made for the initial LeDix Origine release have been sold so far.

The idea behind the luxury handset can be traced back to 2005, when company co-founder Thomas Pruvot was on a long-haul flight to Hong Kong. He checked the time frequently while his mobile phone was switched off for the trip.

Then he was struck with an idea: the ultimate accessory would combine the functionality of both the modern handset and centuries-old watch-making. He started Celsius X VI II with a friend and developed a titanium and sapphire crystal handset featuring a complicated mechanical watch.

As consumers rely more and more on their phones to check the time, Celsius hopes handsets can use mechanical power to solve the problem of limited battery life.

"Handset has become the ultimate accessory. Our product is the pocket watch of the 21st century," said Edouard Meylan, another co-founder.

According to data from Euromonitor International, the market for luxury handset will grow 37% between 2010 and 2015, to US$719 million. China, Japan, the Middle East, Russia and Africa will be the biggest markets for the handsets.

Euromonitor data also shows that the Nokia Vertu has the largest share of the luxury handset market. Perry Oosting, Vertu president, said the company has sold 300,000 luxury phones in the past ten years. Vertu phones can cost up to €12,500 (US$16,250).

Yet Carolina Milanese, a vice president of research at information provider Gartner, said that many celebrities are migrating from Vertu to iPhones with diamond-encrusted cases.
Courtesy-sina