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  Swiss Watch News 2010  
   
Monumental Tourbillon,
Anti-gravity watch signed by Antoine Preziuso
(June 11, 2010)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not only does it challenge the laws of gravity, it also defies the slow movements of our mind. Resolutely independent, Antoine Preziuso continues to disregard established codes. With the 65 mm diameter Monumental Tourbillon he has achieved a breathtaking transposition from pocket to wrist !

Antoine Preziuso built this remarkable timekeeper on the basis of a pocket watch blank dating back to 1928 and made at the time by the watchmaking school of the Vallée de Joux. Assembled and finished in the purest watchmaking tradition - black polished chamfering, circular-grained and Côtes de Genève decoration - this colossal movement with a big heart will transport you to a distant era accompanied by the rhythm of its regular beat. Fitted with a Breguet balance-spring and a screwed balance beating at more than 18,800 vibrations per hour, this calibre won the first prize for chronometry in the thirties and has never been equalled since.

As tradition dictates, the tourbillon is located on the case back side. It is revealed in all its glory in a 2.5 cm diameter oversize frame. The double barrel system was conceived with the greatest respect for the original construction and guarantees a power-reserve of approximately 40 hours. On the face side, this timepiece plays a modern game. The red gold dial, engraved, chiselled and satin-polished in low relief, is partially opened up to reveal the high tech movement. The serial number is unconventionally displayed at 12 o'clock, at the beginning of a semi-circle of hours punctuated by pillar indexes or Roman numerals. Exclusive and imposing hands add the finishing touch to this audacious aesthetic.

The creation, aptly named "monumental", is enclosed in the biggest case ever made for a wristwatch. Its spectacular appearance is emphasised by the drum-type architecture: top and bottom bezels screwed on to the middle via 12 lateral pillars. The choice of titanium makes the structure outstandingly light so that the watch is comfortable to wear. The pillars, crown and mobile horns in red gold echo the dial. Each individual component of this structure can be removed to facilitate servicing of the watch. The Monumental Tourbillon comes with a leather strap teamed with a buckle which matches the case perfectly. Limited edition of 5.

Movement:
Mechanical Swiss movement with manual rewinding dating back to 1928
Frequency: 18'800 A/h
Tourbillon diameter : 2,5cm
Functions: Hours, minutes
Bracelet: Full-grain crocodile leather - back in small-grain crocodile skin
Diameter: 63 mm
Round case in titanium and pink gold 18kt top and bottom bezels screwed on to the middle via 12 lateral pillars
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass
Dial: In pink gold 18kt. all engraved by hand
Price: CHF 340'000.-

Titanium: is an ultra light high mechanical strength metal. Discovered in 1791, it is one of the most biocompatible material, with the gold and the platinum. Because of the quality of its composition, it is increasingly used in industry and in particular the automotive industry, as well as geothermal.

 




 
       
   

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Last update : June 11, 2010