This passage describes a watch with a tourbillon mechanism, featuring a case made of titanium. The use of titanium was not only for its modern and innovative properties but also because it conducts sound excellently. The watch has a sapphire front and a transparent back, revealing fascinating mechanical intricacies, showcasing a modern approach to traditional high-end watchmaking.
To highlight the tiny hammers of the striking mechanism (visible at 12 o’clock on the dial) and the part that operates them, the designers asked the watchmakers to create an original time display that would eliminate the need for a regular dial. The solution was to leave the top half exposed to the hammers, with a long bridge crossing the caliber at its center (on the crown line) to two semi-transparent rings – the left one indicating the hours and the right one indicating the minutes. Such a display required the watchmakers to find a solution for synchronizing the hours and minutes, as the hands are not on the same axis and a new mechanical connection had to be invented between them. The hands themselves are also unique – designed like those in an award-winning watch from 1889.
Since this is a chiming watch, extensive research was conducted to determine the best location to anchor the hammers to ensure that the sound amplified by the titanium case would be the cleanest. As a result, it was decided to place them on the front of the caliber (in other watches, they are usually located on the back), so the sound would not be absorbed by the wrist.
In conclusion, this watch combines tradition, heritage, and innovation.
Price: $442,000