Cravache Robert Piguet 1963 Eau de Toilette

Why on earth didn't they revive the old Cravache? Those who remember it speak of a strong and distinctive citrus-leather chypre in the style of a Germaine Cellier (to whom some attribute it). Compared to the new Cravache, the old one seems much more modern and is, all in all, a far more interesting scent - so concludes everyone.

I can't judge it, as I don't know the old Cravache. However, I have tested the new one multiple times and couldn't believe that I don't like it. But it's true, I don't like it. Just like I don't like Chanel's 'Pour Monsieur Concentrée', to which it reminds me. Everything about this fragrance is so well-groomed-conservative to boring-dull that you wish at least some tiny detail revealed a bit of awkwardness - a tuft of hair sticking out, a shirt that isn't perfectly ironed, a belt that doesn't match perfectly - no, nothing! Everything is neatly parted, wrinkle-free, and tone-on-tone - the purest boredom.

'Cravache' means in French: riding whip. But what a gentle little whip this scent is - not even leather anymore, as in this fragrance there is everything but leather. Not even the lamest pony gets roused!

Yet this scent is fundamentally not poorly made - but what a missed opportunity! I could never have imagined such a timid little water from the house of Piguet, which boasts hits like Bandit and Fracas!

A beautiful bottle, nonetheless.