SIHH 2012: wrist watches with tourbillons
(part 2)

The wrist watches, complicated with wonderful tourbillons, have taken a special place among the models, presented at SIHH 2012. Much time has gone since the moment of tourbillon invention by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1795, but the most qualified watchmakers and famous watch companies do not stop using this complication in their creations. The tourbillon has undergone many stages of “evolution”, and today it is presented in absolutely different roles and completely unexpected images. The guests of SIHH 2012 could admire the tourbillons of such famous companies, as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Girard Perregaux, Greubel Forsey, and Panerai.

Roger Dubuis Pulsion Skeleton Flying Tourbillon

The line of wrist watches “Pulsion” from Swiss watch company “Roger Dubuis” is embodiment of reliability, durability and unusual weightlessness and transparence of construction at the same time. Roger Dubuis prepared a special “gift” for the visitors of SIHH 2012 – its new men wrist watch “Roger Dubuis Pulsion Skeleton Flying Tourbillon”. As for the design, we should focus your attention at a unique feature of this model at once. The point is that the original sapphire glass of Roger Dubuis Pulsion Skeleton Flying Tourbillon comes out of dial, it is screwed on just to the case, to the place, designed for the bezel. The Arab numerals, engraved at the “bezel” under the glass, are luminescent. The heavy case, making up 44 mm in diameter, is crafted in titanium. The polished and matt surfaces alternate in the case finishing. The skeletonized dial is provided with minute scale and thermo-applied hour markings of white color, and also with two hands-skeletons. The water resistance of titanium case is 100 meters. The men wrist watch “Roger Dubuis Pulsion Skeleton Flying Tourbillon” is equipped with hand-wound skeletonized movement of caliber RD505SQ and coated with rhodium of anthracite color. The movement plate is circular-grained. The movement, consisting of 165 elements, was adjusted at six positions and distinguished with a prestigious quality mark “Poinçon de Geneve”. The power reserve makes up 60 hours, and the balance frequency – 21 600 alterations per hour. And, of course, the main feature of wrist watch “Roger Dubuis Pulsion Skeleton Flying Tourbillon” is an excellent differential flying tourbillon, situated at the dial between “7” and “8” hours. The flying tourbillon is a kind of tourbillon, the carriage of which is fixed only from one side that allows watching uninterrupted work of module. The men wrist watch “Roger Dubuis Pulsion Skeleton Flying Tourbillon” is offered with black rubber strap, alternating matt and polished finishing, with unfolding titanium buckle. You can buy wrist watches from Roger Dubuis at the official dealers of the company.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon in Black Titanium

The tourbillons from Swiss company “Roger Dubuis” are not limited by one model. At SIHH 2012, the manufactory presented an amazing men’s wrist watch “Roger Dubuis Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon in Black Titanium”, made in deep black color. One should refer to the official distributors of the company to buy Roger Dubuis Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon. According to the creators, the men wrist watch “Roger Dubuis Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon in Black Titanium” can be characterized by three words – lightness, transparence and technical power. Now in details. The round case, 45 mm in diameter, is made of titanium. The skeletonized dial is provided with minute scale, made in contrast red color, and thermo-applied company’s name of white color, and also with two central hands of black color (hour and minute). The water resistance of titanium case makes up 50 meters. The watch’s “beating heart” is a skeletonized manual winding movement of caliber RD01SQ. 28 precious stones provide smooth movement. The movement is treated with dark-grey rhodium and finished by circle-graining. The main distinguishing feature of this model is a unique double flying (unfixed) tourbillon with differential movement. The carriages of tourbillon are seen at the dial between “4” and “5” hours and also between “7” and “8” hours. The caliber consists of 319 details, the balance frequency makes up 21 600 alterations per hour, the power reserve – up to 48 hours. The skeletonized movement RD01SQ is marked with “Poinçon de Geneve”, which is given to the best Swiss calibers. Poinçon de Geneve is a guarantee of perfect movement and functioning; it proves that a movement was assembled and adjusted by hand at the territory of Geneva with observance of all traditions and requirements of Haute Horlogerie.
The Swiss watch company “Roger Dubuis” offers Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon with a crocodile leather strap, stitched by hand and equipped with adjustable unfolding titanium buckle. The limited issue of Roger Dubuis Excalibur Skeleton Double Flying Tourbillon in Black Titanium (totally 88 timepieces) speaks about model’s exclusiveness and incredible complexity of performance.

Girard Perregaux Laureato Tourbillon with Three Bridges (ref. 99071-27-001-21A)

The Swiss watch company “Girard Perregaux” presented its famous tourbillon with three bridges for the first time in 1889, which brought the gold medal at an international exhibition in Paris. That was the time “the triumphal progress” of the manufactory at the watch market started – the whole world wanted to buy a wrist watch with legendary three-bridged tourbillon. This year at SIHH 2012 Girard Perregaux has embodied its great heritage in a new model by presenting a men wrist watch “Girard Perregaux Laureato Tourbillon with Three Bridges (reference 99071-27-001-21A) at the exhibition. Despite a “future-looking” eye of this time meter, a great imprint of Girard Perregaux ancient traditions, an influence of century-old rules of horlogerie are marked on it. Saturated with a spirit of past, the men wrist watch “Girard Perregaux Laureato Tourbillon with Three Bridges” is still one step ahead of its predecessors. The tourbillon, created for compensation of Earth gravity and making a rotation per minute around its axis, became the main distinguishing feature of Girard Perregaux. Amazing beauty of this tourbillon is showed in three blue bridges, transparence and weightlessness of which create an incredible spectacle together with the movement. The men wrist watch “Girard Perregaux Laureato Tourbillon with Three Bridges” is a secret and transparence, technical progress and art genius. Three bridges embody traditional design of watches by Girard Perregaux and emphasize beauty of tourbillon: the barrel bridge is situated at “12” hours, the central bridge – at the center of dial, the tourbillon bridge – at “6” hours. The transparent bridges open a wonderful view to an in-house automatic movement, designed by the specialists of Girard Perregaux. The movement consists of 241 elements and works on 31 jewels. The platinum micro-rotor is at the same axis with the barrel; the balance frequency makes up 21 600 alterations per hour; the power reserve – minimum 48 hours. The movement, seen through the sapphire glass, and transparent bridges are finished by hand. The watch functions – hours, minutes (two central hands) and seconds (small hand at tourbillon carriage). The wonderful tourbillon consists of 72 details of total 0,3 g weight, and it is perfectly finished by hand.
The round case, making up 42,6 mm in diameter, is made of titanium, and the platinum octahedral bezel is finished by hand. The transparent back case from sapphire glass with engraved individual number is fixed to the case with the help of 6 screws. The water resistance of the model is 30 meter. The crown from white gold is treated with rhodium and engraved with “GP”. The “Baton” hands are luminescent that makes time reading in darkness easy. The men wrist watch “Girard Perregaux Laureato Tourbillon with Three Bridges” is equipped with titanium bracelet and unfolding buckle (also from titanium) with “GP” engraving. The number of models with amazing three-bridged tourbillon from Girard Perregaux is limited by only 10 pieces, therefore, it’s not that easy to buy the watch from the Swiss manufactory.

Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon

The Swiss watch company “Vacheron Constantin” prepared its legendary collection “Malte”, improved and renewed, for SIHH 2012. That collection, released to the 100th jubilee of famous barrel-shaped case from Vacheron Constantin, simply couldn’t but include a wrist watch with the most legendary watch complication – tourbillon. The tourbillon is situated at “6” hours on a clear dial with hour markings, great Roman numeral “XII” and two central hands from pink gold. The small second hand found its “legal place” just on the tourbillon carriage. The men wrist watch “Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon” is the biggest model from “Malte” collection. The barrel-shaped case, made of 18-carat pink gold, is 38 mm õ 48,2 mm in sizes and 12,7 mm in thickness. It is “bound” with a brown strap from leather of Mississippi alligator, provided with unfolding buckle from pink gold, engraved with Malt Cross – the symbol of Vacheron Constantin manufactory.
Such unique “cover” deserves the same unique movement – this is a manual winding caliber 2795, consisting of 169 details. The smooth movement is provided by 27 artificial rubies. The balance frequency is 18 000 alterations per hour, providing the power reserve of about two days (45 hours). The new movement of the same barrel shape was designed and created by the specialists of Vacheron Constantin. Its sizes are quite impressive – 27,4 mm õ 29,3 mm, its thickness – 6,1 mm. The creators of originally shaped tourbillon carriage were inspired by Malt Cross. The men wrist watch “Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon” has a tourbillon, which represents an outstanding embodiment of high craftsmanship of jewelers and specialists, who didn’t leave any tiny element without attention. The fine in-house movement, finished by hand, can be admired through the transparent back case from sapphire glass.
The men wrist watch “Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon” fully meets the rules of Swiss horlogerie (Hallmark of Geneva), set in 1886 by the Council of Genevan Canton. Hallmark of Geneva is a guarantee of exclusive quality, reliability and accuracy of time meter. It should be said that these characteristics refer to the whole wrist watch (design, finishing, etc.) more than to the movement separately. You can buy the men wrist watch “Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon” through the official dealers of the company in many countries around the world.

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-day Tourbillon (ref. 89000/000R-9655)

The tourbillon from Vacheron Constantin was undoubtedly one of the finest tourbillons, presented at the Genevan exhibition SIHH 2012. This is a men wrist watch “Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-day Tourbillon” (ref. 89000/000R-9655). This wrist watch is equipped with a round case from 18-carat pink gold (5N). The diameter of golden case makes up 42 mm, the thickness – 12 mm. The transparent back case from sapphire glass allows admiring an accurate in-house movement. The water resistance reaches 30 meters that is equal to 3 ATM. The men wrist watch “Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-day Tourbillon” is provided with shiny brown strap from Mississippi alligator leather with large square texture. This model is fixed on wrist with the help of triple unfolding buckle from 18-carat pink gold (5N). The buckle is traditionally made in the form of Malt Cross – the symbol of Vacheron Constantin.
The silver matt dial has two central (hour and minute) hands of Dauphine type from pink gold, a bit off-centered, golden hour markings, and also painted minute and second scales with outlined white fields. A painted black power reserve indicator, made in the form of sector with 280 degree angle, is situated at “12” hours that makes data reading much easier. Such design of the dial has some common features with old pocket watches of Vacheron Constantin.

And, finally, the most interesting one – an excellent tourbillon with small second hand, placed at “6” hours. As it’s known, the Swiss watch company “Vacheron Constantin” takes one of the first places among the manufacturers of complicated movements with tourbillons. Being armed with accumulated experience over the years of hard work, Vacheron Constantin decided to explore new levels of horlogerie and create tourbillon, which would be outstanding for not only its technical features, but also for its design decisions and aesthetic beauty. So, the men wrist watch “Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-day Tourbillon” is provided with an incomparable tourbillon, which matches the round case, and its functional possibilities surpass previous works of watchmakers and designers in this field. The tourbillon escapement guarantees higher accuracy and unique stability of indications. Enormous energy for accurate movement is provided by a manual winding in-house caliber 2260 – a fruit of Vacheron Constantin highly-qualified engineers’ and watchmakers’ labor. The new caliber is characterized by enormous power reserve – up to 14 days, which is provided by four barrels, connected by two. The movement is assembled from 231 details, its frequency – 18 800 alterations per hour. Designing caliber 2260, the specialists used a quite interesting construction – instead of three bridges, as in the previous tourbillons from Vacheron Constantin, this model has only two big bridges. The tourbillon carriage is made in the form of Malt Cross, thanks to which you can see perfect finishing of each tiny detail and beveled-by-hand facets. This is enormous work that is difficult to explain. So, to round only one bridge of tourbillon, the watchmakers spent about 11 hours of hand work.
It should be said separately that the men wrist watch “Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-day Tourbillon” is the first model from the great Swiss manufactory, which is to be certified in accordance with completely new standards of 2012. The wrist watch will be marked with honorable Genevan stamp, which says about perfection of movement as well as of whole construction, including case, dial, etc. The watch company “Vacheron Constantin” demonstrated its incredible possibilities in creation of ideal time meters once again at SIHH 2012. Buying a wrist watch from Vacheron Constantin is a dream of every collector and fan of Haute Horlogerie.

Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain

The Swiss watch company “Greubel Forsey” showed itself at the world watch market as a creator of the most complicated models of wrist watches with unique design and innovative technical decisions. The men wrist watch “Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain”, presented at SIHH 2012, is an inimitable piece of high craftsmanship in making complicated tourbillons. Creating this men wrist watch, Greubel Forsey has incredibly extended boundaries of its model’s 3D architecture, showing new design possibilities to the world. So, the relief numeral “12” is one of peculiarities of “multi-layer” 3D dial. The hour and minute hands appear greatly at the center of dial. The small second hand, off-centered between “9” and “10” hours, and power reserve indicator (between “3” and “4” hours) are made of gold. The bridge of the tourbillon, situated at “7’ hours, creates an illusion of regulating block, suspended in the air. One more original decision from Greubel Forsey is incredible deep blue color of dial and titanium movement, which creates amazing contrast with semi-transparent tourbillon. A uniform blue color, obtained through a special anodic oxidation, a complicated design of Greubel Forsey specialists, emphasizes the 3D architecture of new model best of all.
As for another genius tourbillon from Greubel Forsey, this is a so-called tourbillon “24 seconds” – principally new creation by talented masters Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey. This is a high-performance movement, the rotation speed of which reaches 1 turn per 24 seconds; the tourbillon is inclined at 25 degrees. This unique tourbillon compensates negative effect of the Earth on oscillator, especially at stable position. The Swiss movement, built in the men wrist watch “Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain”, is assembled from 267 details, and 88 of them fall at the tourbillon, which weighs about 0,39 grams. The tourbillon is activated by two coaxial barrels, providing 72 hours of power reserve. The frequency of balance with alternating inertia moment and spring “Philips” makes up 21 600 alterations per hour. The number of jewels in the movement is 40. The movement plate and bridges are made of grainy titanium of bright-blue color, obtained through anodic oxidations. All details of the movement are finished by hand by the best specialists of the company. The tourbillon bridge is made of sapphire, and the tourbillon’s cage platform – of titanium. The platinum case makes up 43,5 mm in diameter and 15,2 in height. The 3D image is completed with sapphire glass of dial and transparent back case from flat sapphire glass. A hand-made blue strap is provided with butterfly-buckle from 950 platinum.
The fans of Greubel Forsey will have to do their best to buy men wrist watches “Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain”, as they are released in a limited series of only 33 timepieces.

Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon Secret

Our telling about “great and powerful” tourbillons wouldn’t be complete without description of incredible watch model with that wonderful complication from Greubel Forsey. It seems that there is nothing impossible for the creators of elite wrist watches Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey. The visitors of SIHH 2012 scarcely took their exalted looks off the tourbillon “24 seconds” when a new model has riveted their attention. This is the men wrist watch “Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon Secret”. This wrist watch is a result of monumental works of Greubel Forsey most qualified engineers, watchmakers and designers.
This men wrist watch is a high-accurate chronograph, principally new invention of Swiss company. So, an unusual quadruple tourbillon is used in this watch, i.e. its module is based on as many as two pairs of tourbillon, at that each pair has a separate oscillator. The tourbillon pairs are connected to the sphere differential movement, which increases movement’s accuracy by means of two regulating blocks. Such quadruple tourbillon improves quality of time metering, especially in stable position. The “inner” tourbillons are inclined at 30 degrees and make one rotation in a minute, and the “outer” tourbillons – one rotation in 4 minutes. An incredible movement of tourbillon can be admired only through the transparent back case from sapphire glass. So, the main secret of this chronograph from Greubel Forsey is revealed only for the select few – the lucky owners of wrist watches “Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon Secret”. By the way, only 16 lucky bargees can acquire these wrist watches, as the Swiss watches “Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon Secret” are issued in a number of 16 pieces (two lots by 8 models).
The high-accurate movement (36,4 mm in diameter and 9,85 mm in thickness) was assembled from 519 elements, 216 of which are components of four tourbillons’ cases. The smooth movement is provided by 63 jewels. The power reserve makes up about 50 hours, the frequency of balances with alternating inertia moment springs “Philips” – 21 600 alterations per hour. The plates and bridges of in-house movement are made of grainy nickel silver with nickel-palladium coating and polished beveled edges. Some additional silver-plated counters are harmoniously placed at the dial. The men wrist watch “Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon Secret” is performed in 950 platinum case. The diameter of case – 43,5 mm, its thickness – 16,11 mm. The form of case evokes special enthusiasm – it’s round, but two counters, coming out of the main dial, create incredible effect. Such genius design work can be called “symmetric asymmetry”. The dials are protected by asymmetric convex sapphire glass that intensifies the matchless 3D image. The wrist watch “Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon Secret” is equipped with crocodile leather black strap, made by hand. The butterfly-buckle is crafted in 950 platinum.
The men wrist watch “Greubel Forsey Quadruple Tourbillon Secret” is a great advance at the sphere of innovative watch designs. The manufacturers called its creation a “secret”, but I would name it a “shy” watch, as it “hides” such beauty and power under the dial’s plate. Well, such “modesty” also has its charm and fascination after all.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon (ref. 1322510)

At SIHH 2012 the world-known Swiss watch company “Jaeger-LeCoultre” presented its wrist watch “Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon” (reference 1322510). Judging by the model’s name, Ultra Thin, one can assume that the watch’s case should be incredibly thin. However, it’s far from being the thinnest wrist watch in the world, nevertheless, the model is quite “slim”. The Swiss watch “Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon” is an incomparable high-accurate wrist watch, ideal variant, which will match a strict men’s suit.
Some watch critics and reporters call this wrist watch a “successor” or “follower” of legendary watch “Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Tradition a Tourbillon 43” (Q1662510), issued last year. We are not going to prove this statement, as each model from Jaeger-LeCoultre is something striking, individual and unique. Nevertheless, two aforementioned models of wrist watches have much in common. First of all, in design. So, the round dial of eggshell color is provided with Dauphine hands from pink gold, laid-on hour markings in the form of small sharp indicators also from pink gold and matchless tourbillon at “6” hours. It seems that case-diameter-growth epidemic at the world watch market hasn’t concerned Jaeger-LeCoultre. The company, designing that men wrist watch, followed the principle “smaller, but better”. As a result, the wrist watch “Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon” has a 40-mm diameter of case. As for the model’s thickness, the engineers of Jaeger-LeCoultre created a case of 11,3-mm height. It’s 1,45 mm more than the thickness of “Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Reserve de Marche” case, also presented at SIHH 2012. However, both models keep the status of “ultrathin” watches.
The main role in this wrist watch is, of course, played by the in-house automatic movement of caliber JLC 982. Consisting of 262 details and working on 33 jewels, the Swiss movement makes up 30 mm in diameter and 6,4 mm in thickness. The balance frequency is quite high – 28 800 alterations per hour. Perhaps, the creation of such big movement was caused by a rather massive tourbillon’s carriage. Although, according to watch experts, the in-house caliber 94-12 from Glashutte Original, characterized by the same functions plus the date module, makes up totally 5,4 mm in thickness. Nevertheless, if millimeters are less important for you than an attractive appearance of time meter and its high-accurate movement, then the men wrist watch “Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon” is an excellent model, created especially for you. You can buy new wrist watches from Jaeger-LeCoultre from the official distributors of the company all over the world. With only one winding barrel the movement provides 48 hours of power reserve. The in-house movement is skillfully finished by hand, and the transparent back case from sapphire glass opens a view to beautiful caliber. The model’s functions are most necessary ones: hours, minutes and seconds (small second hand at tourbillon’s carriage). The material of case, bezel and crown – 18-carat pink gold. The model is water-resistant at up to 50 meters. The men wrist watch is equipped with a strap from crocodile leather of chocolate color and with a “thorn” buckle from 18-carat pink gold. The width of strap is 18 mm. The dial is protected with anti-glare treated convex sapphire glass. So, the men wrist watch “Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon” represents a kind of “reinterpretation” of ageless classics, complicated with inimitable tourbillon.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre à Spherotourbillon (ref. 605 25 20)

Every year at SIHH the watch company “Jaeger-LeCoultre” presents its new wrist watches, which become real hits in the watch world. SIHH 2012 hasn’t become an exception. The men wrist watch “Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre à Spherotourbillon” (ref. 605 25 20), exhibited at SIHH 2012, is a time meter with unique spherotourbillon, which created a real sensation in the watch industry. Two peculiarities make this spherotourbillon truly unique. First, the representatives of Jaeger-LeCoultre call their tourbillon a “spherical”. At the left side of the dial we can see a tourbillon, inclined at 20 degrees and rotating in a special way. Secondly, the tourbillon from Jaeger-LeCoultre has a balance spring, differing from traditional flat springs by its cylindrical form. The tourbillon makes a full rotation round its axis in 30 seconds. The diameter of tourbillon’s carriage makes up 11,5 mm, its weight — 0,518 g. The work of this module simply fascinates, especially if you look at the carriage rotating under the microscope. The engineers of Jaeger-LeCoultre chose their legendary movement with two winding barrels, each performing an individual function, for the watch “Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre à Spherotourbillon”. According to one of the company’s representatives, “two barrels – two energy resources”. The first barrel feeds energy to the whole regulating system of watch (in this case, the tourbillon), the second one provides the model with energy for correct functioning. This concept allows reducing amplitude errors and providing high-accurate movement.
The dial’s aperture, showing the tourbillon, looks like “two wings”, which demonstrate “two-barrel” concept. Two barrels are clearly seen through the transparent back case. So, the in-house movement of caliber JLC 382 is characterized with 50-hour power reserve and consists of 460 parts. The number of precious stones is 55 of rubies. The unique movement from “Jaeger-LeCoultre” is able to fulfill the following functions: hours and minutes (the dial with hour and minute hands is off-centered), date, power reserve indicators for both barrels, 24-hour second time zone indicator, and unique function of fly-back chronograph. The chronograph’s button at “2” hours puts the second hand into action and resets indications. The watchmakers usually call the “Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre à Spherotourbillon” dial’s texture and color an eggshell. The hour and minute hands are made in “foliate” form, and the small second hand of “Baton” type is made of blued steel. The crown winds the watch, sets the time zone and corrects the date.
The specialists of Jaeger-LeCoultre chose a polished 42-mm case from 18-carat pink gold. The thickness of case together with sapphire glass makes up 14,1 mm. It should be added that this model is a bit bigger than other wrist watches from “Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre” collection. Despite the enlarged case, this men wrist watch perfectly suits any wrist, and time reading on this clear dial is all lavender. By the way, only a few world brands manage to combine such grace and technical complexity in their creations. The black strap from crocodile leather, stitched by hand, and “thorn” buckle from 18-carat pink gold complete the image of wrist watch “Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre à Spherotourbillon”.
As the representatives of Jaeger-LeCoultre assure, the men wrist watch “Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre à Spherotourbillon” will be issued soon without any strict limitations in number. Therefore, everybody can buy the wrist watch “Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre à Spherotourbillon” at the company’s official distributors or stores. The approximate price of the model reaches 200 thousand of dollars. Perhaps, a version from white gold will be performed soon. Steel? Jaeger-LeCoultre will hardly “dress” such watch in steel.

Audemars Piguet Extra-Thin Royal Oak Tourbillon (ref. 26510OR.OO.1220OR.01)

One of the most symbolic watch complications is legendary tourbillon, the history of which is deeply intertwined with the history of Swiss watch company “Audemars Piguet”. Initially, Audemars Piguet created amazing tourbillons for its pocket watches. Today it is still complicating its watch creations with tourbillon. Since 1986, when the manufactory “”Audemars Piguet” presented its first wrist watch with tourbillon to the world, this complication has been considered to be one of its best “trump cards”. Any watch with tourbillon from Audemars Piguet is a miracle of accurate mechanics, able to compensate negative effect of gravity on escapement.
As it’s known, the first men wrist watch of sport style from “Royal Oak” collection was created in 1972. The new wrist watch “Audemars Piguet Extra-Thin Royal Oak Tourbillon”, presented at SIHH 2012, is a part of world-known “royal” collection, but now it’s placed in ultrathin case and complicated with excellent tourbillon. The Swiss watch “Audemars Piguet Extra-Thin Royal Oak Tourbillon” is characterized with perfect finishing and attractive design with popular octahedral bezel. The in-house caliber 2924, “reviving” the model, is one of the thinnest movements in the world of only 4,46 mm in thickness (the diameter of movement – 31,5 mm). This caliber is also distinguished by tourbillon’s carriage, made of steel, and its great balance. The hand-wound movement 2924 is assembled from 216 details and works at frequency of 21 600 alterations per hour, providing 70 hours of power reserve. The number of jewels reaches 25 pieces.
The smooth lines of all construction and “seamless” transform of case into bracelet are unique distinguishing features of real “royal” watches from “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak” collection. The men wrist watch “Audemars Piguet Extra-Thin Royal Oak Tourbillon” is a proof. The fans of cult watch creations by Swiss manufacturers can’t acquire a wrist watch that would be more graceful than the new “Audemars Piguet Extra-Thin Royal Oak Tourbillon”. The model’s case is made of 18-carat pink gold and makes up 41 mm in diameter. The 8,85-mm thickness of case confirms the status of ultrathin watch. The wrist watch remains water-resistant at 50 meters. The legendary octahedral bezel frames the dial, made in “royal” blue color, which reminds of the first model of Royal Oak, created 40 years ago. The dial is adorned with “Petite Taerie” pattern. The hour and minute (central) hands from 18-carat pink gold with luminescent treatment, the hour markings and matchless tourbillon at traditional position – at “6” hours” – found their places at the dial. The power reserve indicator is situated on the back case of time meter and perfectly seen through the transparent case cover from sapphire glass. The blue dial is also protected with strong anti-glare sapphire glass. The incomparable men wrist watch “Audemars Piguet Extra-Thin Royal Oak Tourbillon” is offered to wear with 18-carat pink gold bracelet, equipped with unfolding golden buckle, engraved with “ÀД.
The new men wrist watch “Audemars Piguet” with tourbillon, presented at SIHH this year, embodies longstanding tradition and enormous experience of the Swiss company in making high-accurate time meters with best technical characteristics.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Tourbillon 40th Anniversary (ref. 26511PT.OO.1220PT.01)

In 2012 the line of wrist watches “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak” turns 40. These wrist watches are nontraditional models, which pass ahead of great Time itself. The wrist watches “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak” are a watch legend, which played a great role in development of Audemars Piguet. In honor of the collection’s 40th jubilee the Swiss manufactory designed and presented at SIHH 2012 the new men wrist watch “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Tourbillon 40th Anniversary” (reference 26511PT.OO.1220PT.01), combining horological complexity, modern design and sport character. The limited edition – only 40 timepieces – emphasizes uniqueness and exclusiveness of these models.
If we look more careful at these men wrist watches, we’ll find out important historical characteristics of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Tourbillon 40th Anniversary. Being an expert of creating extra-thin watches, the company “Audemars Piguet”, of course, chose just that complication while designing the first model of Royal Oak in 1972, provided with in-house caliber 2121, the thickness of which made up only 3,05 mm. The first representative of “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak” showed hours, minutes, seconds, and date, while the last creation by Audemars Piguet of 2012 remains ultra-thin, but has a modern skeletonized design and matchless tourbillon – most legendary watch complication in the world – at the same time. Besides, the back case of jubilee watch “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Tourbillon 40th Anniversary” is provided with power reserve indicator.
To mark the 40th anniversary of the first steel representative of “Royal Oak” in 2012 the manufactory has exhibited a men wrist watch, containing all significant aesthetic codes of this collection. They are, first of all, an octahedral bezel with eight polished hexagonal screws from traditional white gold, which are fixed by eight bolts to the back case. A special padding between bezel and case is a specific element for all watches from “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak” collection. Finally, you can’t but notice unique harmony and incredible smooth lines of the case, passing to the bracelet. This characteristic is specific to the collection, starting from the first model of Royal Oak and finishing with Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Tourbillon 40th Anniversary at SIHH 2012.
The anniversary men wrist watch is made of platinum and provided with 41-m round case. Such modest diameter is first “noticed” among the representatives of Royal Oak. The caliber 2924 – an ultra-thin automatic movement (4,46 mm), designed by the Swiss specialists from Audemars Piguet and characterized by tourbillon – is “appareled” in platinum case. This is one of the thinnest movements with tourbillon at the world watch market, distinguished by 70-hour power reserve and frequency of 21 600 alterations per hour. The skeletonized movement, consisting of 216 details, is finished by hand, and the barrel, the gear wheel, and the balance from yellow gold and the steel details of grey color prove its uniqueness and complex performance. The smooth movement is provided by 26 rubies.
The platinum round case of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Tourbillon 40th Anniversary is water-resistant at 50 meters. The dial is covered with anti-glare sapphire glass; the transparent back case is made of the same glass, which allows watching all tiniest details of skillfully decorated movement. The skeletonized dial of grey color is provided with two luminous central (hour and minute) hands and hour markings from white gold, and also with tourbillon at “6” hours. The bracelet is made of 950 platinum and equipped with traditional unfolding buckle from Audemars Piguet.
It should be noted that the men wrist watch “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Tourbillon 40th Anniversary” is, perhaps, the most desired object for all fans of Haute Horlogerie, and all collectors around the world are craving for acquiring “Audemars Piguet Royal Oak”.

Panerai Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Ceramica (PAM 00396)

The men wrist watch from Swiss company “Panerai”, the Italian roots of which “announce themselves” in all products of the manufactory, has riveted the attention of Haute Horlogerie fans at SIHH 2012. This year, as always, the company hasn’t deviated from its principles and traditions by showing an unsurpassed men wrist watch with strong character and explosive behavior. The models of Panerai Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Ceramica (PAM 00396) are only true men time meters, the design of which is recognizable among great variety of watch models at the world market. The representatives of the company have brought 12 new wrist watches to SIHH 2012 from the following materials: favorite stainless steel, pink gold and ceramics. There is an opinion that creation of watches with such complications, as tourbillon, is a lot of any other watch company, but not Panerai, famous for its strict, ascetic watches in military style. However, there’s nothing impossible, forbidden or unachievable for Panerai, as one of leasing companies of the world. So, at SIHH 2012 the manufactory has exhibited the men wrist watch “Panerai Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Ceramica” (PAM 00396), complicated with tourbillon. It should be noted that the tourbillon in Panerai Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Ceramica (PAM 00396) is newly performed – in complicated and innovative form.
The material, chosen for making the round case of 48-mm diameter, says about high technical craftsmanship of specialists from Officine Panerai. This is synthetic ceramics, based on zirconium powder. The finishing of this material requires high professionalism from watchmakers. Apart from amazing matt black color, this material has other unique characteristics: hard, scratch-proof, resistant to corrosion and high temperatures. The water resistance makes up 100 meters. According to the best traditions of Panerai the crown is protected by special clamp mechanism – one of distinguishing features of wrist watches from this company.

The round dial of black color has a quite simple graphic and unique “sandwich” structure, specific exclusively to watches from Panerai and designed by the company in 1930. The supplementary dial at “3” hours shows the time at 24-hour format with the help of indicators AM/PM. The small second dial at “9” hours is provided with original indicator, consisting of point marks. This indicator is connected with tourbillon module and, therefore, moves two times faster than the second hand, making a rotation in 30 seconds. The dial is protected with ultra-strong sapphire glass, which is 2-mm thick.
The 12-lateral PVD-treated back case from titanium is equipped with a transparent aperture from sapphire glass, which opens a view to the in-house manual movement of caliber Ð.2005. However, in this case the rare caliber is performed in new version – Ð.2005/Â. The details of movement with skeletonized bridges and three barrels underwent special processing – blackening, thanks to which they ideally harmonize with matt-black color of the case. The thickness of caliber makes up 9,1 mm; the number of jewels is quite impressive – 31 pieces. The caliber Ð.2005/Â consists of 239 details, it is provided with Glucydur balance. The balance frequency is 28 800 alterations per hour, providing 6 days of power reserve. The power reserve indicator with golden hand and “arc” mini-dial is also seen through the sapphire glass on the back case. The functions: hours, minutes (central luminescent hands), seconds (supplementary dial), power reserve, GMT, 24-hour time format. An excellent tourbillon “informs” about itself at the face side only through an inscription on the dial, and its carriage movement is seen through the aperture from transparent sapphire glass at the back case. The men wrist watch “Panerai Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Ceramica” (PAM 00396) is equipped with the brown strap from untreated natural leather, which creates manly image. The adjustable buckle is made of steel and PVD-treated. To buy the wrist watch “Panerai Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Ceramica”, you need to refer to the official distributors of the company in your country.

Richard Mille Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 050 Felipe Massa

All fans of Haute Horlogerie know the model “RM 008 Tourbillon Split Seconds” from the famous Swiss company “Richard Mille”. This wrist watch is the highest level in the history of watchmaking, as it has become the first complicated split-chronograph, designed in the XXI century (2004). At SIHH 2012 Richard Mille presented the new chronograph “Richard Mille Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 050 Felipe Massa”, which embodies all best qualities of its predecessor “RM 008”, but at the same time it is characterized with the newest technical designs and modern image.
Let’s start by saying that only 10 fans of Haute Horlogerie will manage to buy the wrist watch “Richard Mille Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 050 Felipe Massa”, as this men watch has been released in a number of 10 pieces, therefore, it presents enormous value for collectors. The men wrist watch “Richard Mille Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 050 Felipe Massa” is dedicated to the famous racer Felipe Massa, who takes part in race “Formula-1”. The barrel-shaped case of rather impressive size (50 mm õ 42,7 mm õ 16,3 mm) is made of ultra-hard black polymer material with injected carbonic nanotubes. Such case safely protects movement and module of tourbillon from environment, as the carbonic nanotubes are ultra-light material, which is 2000 times harder than the steel. The case, consisting of three parts, remains water-proof at 50 meters by means of two nitrile O-ring seals. The case details are fixed by 20 screws from the front side and by steel washers from the back side. The crown is provided with special system (Torque Limiting Crown) against random “rewinding”, which may lead to breakage of rare movement. Besides, the spring winding can be controlled with the help of special indicator at “4” hours. So, if the nominal diameter of the spring makes up 53 mm, the winding is weak, if it is over 65 mm – the spring is “overwound”. The spring winding indicator has three positions: W – winding, N – neutral position, H – hands adjustment. The dial is protected with solid sapphire glass of 1,5 mm thickness with double anti-glare treatment. The glass is equipped with 8 silicone cramps, which are placed into both external and internal hollows. The back case is also made of sapphire glass with double anti-glare treatment. Two chronograph counters are set at “9” and “11” hours. And at the bottom of this model’s “face”, at “6” hours, we can admire unexcelled tourbillon movement. The yellow second hand found its “legal” place at the carriage of complicated form, and the scale with yellow points encircled the tourbillon. The diameter of tourbillon carriage makes up 12,3 mm.

The in-house hand-wound movement RMCC1 with 70-hour power reserve is set in the case. The power reserve is indicated on digital scale at the left part of winding barrel, seen through the skeletonized dial. The skeletonized plate of movement is made of special titanium alloy (90% titanium, 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium), which possesses unique characteristics. Such alloy is often used in aircraft building and automobile industry. The new caliber RMCC1 is sooner a new independent creation of watchmakers and engineers from Richard Mille, than an interpretation of the movement, designed by the company in 2004. The craftsmen spent several months to make the movement lighter. So, as against RM 008, the new caliber, consisting of 400 details, has become lighter by 20%. The movement’s parameters: 32 mm õ 36,7 mm, its thickness – 7,53 mm. The smooth work is provided by 35 jewels, and the balance frequency makes up 21 600 alterations per hour. The balance wheel has Glucydur protection system. The unique chronograph is put into action and stopped by pressing the button at “8” hours. The button at “10” hours resets indications. The button of split-chronograph is situated at “4” hours.
It should be fairly concluded that the Swiss watch company “Richard Mille” has done a great work and prepared a real masterpiece, which has no equal, for SIHH 2012.

Richard Mille RM 052 Tourbillon Skull

Over all our history people used the image of human skull as a special mystic sign, placing it on various things. The famous Swiss watch company “Richard Mille” hasn’t passed by this secret symbol either, visualizing it in its wrist watch “Richard Mille RM 052 Tourbillon Skull”, first presented at SIHH 2012 in Geneva. 21 fans of the company will be able to buy the wrist watch “Richard Mille RM 052 Tourbillon Skull”, as the model was released in a limited series of 21 pieces, 15 of which are crafted in titanium, and 6 – in white or red gold.
A rather big barrel-shaped case contains the manual-winding movement “RM 052” on 19 jewels, which provides the power reserve of 48 hours. The dial design is interesting for the movement, rotating around the skull image. The skeletonized movement and dial intensify the visual magnificence of Richard Mille RM 052 Tourbillon Skull. From the point of art, this is a really wonderful show. It seems that the skull slowly revives and is at the edge of talking to onlookers. The movement plate is made of special ultra-hard alloy, containing titanium (90%), aluminum (6%), and vanadium (4%). This material is very solid and reliable; it is able to endure heavy environment loads, preventing breakage of movement. The sizes of in-house caliber, duplicating the case form, are 32,8 mm õ 30,9 mm, its thickness – 6,87 mm. The diameter of balance wheel reaches 9,12 mm, its frequency – 21 600 alterations per hour. The balance is protected with a special system “Glucydur”. The crown is equipped with supplementary system, preventing from “overwinding”, which warns an owner of too much winding.

The complicated movement is set in the same complicated case, which required over 86 operations by hand and about 225 by machine, not saying about final finishing and decorating. The process of connecting three case parts – bezel, back and front parts – became the main problem. The details are fixed with the help of 20 titanium screws and steel washers. As a result, the compound case is water-proof at 50 meters and has two special nitrile O-ring seals. The case is rather big – 42,7 mm õ 50 mm õ 15,95 mm, but it comfortably “embraces” a wrist thanks to its curved form. The front part of the case is covered with ultra-strong sapphire glass of 1,5 mm thickness with double anti-glare treatment; the back case is also made of transparent sapphire. The small luminous Arab numerals are placed on the frame of skeletonized dial. The luminescent hour and minute hands are situated at the center of dial, creating an excellent alliance with incredibly “alive” skull, the back part of which represents a central bridge of the movement. The skull acts the main role in decoration of dial – it “holds” an incomparable tourbillon in its mouth, “squeezing” it by teeth. The diameter of tourbillon carriage reaches 10,9 mm. The image of “Jolly Roger” seems incredibly alive thanks to four bridges, connecting the movement with the case.
The men wrist watch “Richard Mille RM 052 Tourbillon Skull”, as well as all pieces, exhibited by Richard Mille at SIHH 2012, is distinguished by surprisingly bold design, reliability of construction and excellent technical complexity.

Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 053 Pablo Mac Donough

The Swiss watch company “Richard Mille”, keeping on surprising its fans, arrived at SIHH 2012, by unique models, has presented another innovative design – the men wrist watch “Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 053 Pablo Mac Donough” with tourbillon, devoted to the world-known polo player Pablo Mac Donough. Apart from the name of Argentine sportsman, this wrist watch has got innovative characteristics and genius decisions in both design and watch mechanics. Of course, the men wrist watch “Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 053 Pablo Mac Donough” is issued in a limited edition of 15 timepieces that says about high complexity of performance and expensive materials, used in creation.
The round case (50 mm õ 42,7 mm õ 20 mm) has a barrel-shaped form. Such construction has never been used by the watchmakers from Richard Mille before. The case is designed so that it is able to protect the movement and tourbillon module from environment and shocks, which may influence on the wrist watch during playing polo. Comfort is one of the most important factors for any sportsman. In spite of quite massive case of Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 053 Pablo Mac Donough, it is comfortable due to its curved form. Besides, the front part of the case with two coming-out apertures is made of titanium carbide for maximum protection of built-in movement. Titanium carbide is an alloy of titanium and carbon, which is almost as hard, as diamond. Two apertures, placed on the “face” of the watch, show hours, minutes (right aperture) and seconds (left aperture). Such special design allows an owner reading information easily, even when his hand is down. These apertures are protected with sapphire glassed of 1 mm thickness with double anti-glare treatment. The back case is also made of sapphire glass with anti-glare treatment from outside and inside that allows admiring the beauty of the movement, finished by hand.

The unique case safely protects the movement RM053 with 48-hour power reserve. The movement and, therefore, tourbillon module are uplifted at 30 degrees to the surface of back case. Thanks to that decision the engineers, who cared about maximum comfort of professional polo players, managed to make incredibly convenient time indication. The crown is also especially protected from random mechanical influence during playing. The movement’s parameters are the following: 32,5 mm õ 30,8 mm at 12,7 mm thickness. Closing practically all front part of the case, the masters have still managed to open an incomparable tourbillon. It is at the left aperture, and the second hand is fixed at its carriage. Such position of second indicator has become traditional for Richard Mille. The diameter of tourbillon reaches 12,7 mm. The movement RM053 works on 21 precious stones. The balance oscillates at frequency of 21 600 alterations per hour. The balance wheel of 10 mm diameter is equipped with Glucydur protection system. The movement, seen through the sapphire glass, is skillfully decorated by the best engravers and jewelers from Richard Mille. No doubt, the professional polo players are satisfied with the novelty from Richard Mille, presented at SIHH 2012. It’s a pity that by no means all of sportsmen will be able to acquire the men wrist watch “Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 053 Pablo Mac Donough” because of strictly limited edition.

Richard Mille Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 056 Felipe Massa Sapphire

Every watch novelty, presented by Richard Mille at SIHH 2012, deserves separate, careful attention. Let’s look at the men wrist watch “Richard Mille Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 056 Felipe Massa Sapphire”. A skillfully skeletonized movement RM 056 repeats all features of the famous caliber RMCC1, which is characterized by manual winding, tourbillon module, and such functions, as hours, minutes, split-chronograph, power reserve indicator. The new caliber, set in the men wrist watch “Richard Mille Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 056 Felipe Massa Sapphire”, is not simply a revival of past, but also a new design, kept all advantages of its predecessor and acquired new unique characteristics. The movement, consisting of 400 details, lost 20% of its weight after skeletonizing. The power reserve makes up about 70 hours. The main plate of the movement is made of special alloy (titanium — 90%, aluminum — 6% and vanadium — 4%), which provides undisturbed operation of the movement during long time. Such alloy is often used in other important spheres of modern industry: aerospace field, aircraft construction, car industry. A unique split-chronograph is started and stopped by pressing on the button at the watch case at “8” hours. The button at “10” hours fulfills the function of reset. Besides, an owner can stop the chronograph during operation to know the current time by pressing at “4” hours. By second press the chronograph is started again, keeping indications. This unique function brings the men wrist watch “Richard Mille Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 056 Felipe Massa Sapphire” to a cardinally new, highest level of chronographs evolution. An interesting indication panel at “4” hours on the dial, reminding of car transmission, allows controlling the winding process: W — winding, N — neutral position, H — hands. The movement duplicates the case form, its sizes: 32 mm õ 36,7 mm, the thickness — 7,53 mm. The tourbillon is situated at the bottom of dial in traditional place at “6” hours. Its carriage holds a yellow hand, indicating seconds at supplementary dial with markings of yellow color. Two central hands point hours and minutes. The balance, oscillating at frequency of 21 600 alterations per hour, is protected by Glucydur system. The balance wheel makes up 10 mm in diameter. 35 jewels provide smooth movement.

The surprising case of Richard Mille Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 056 Felipe Massa Sapphire is a stunning feature of this model, which evoked admiration at SIHH 2012. The whole case, including bezel, back case and crown, is cut from unbroken pieces of transparent sapphire. Years of laborious researches and tests, oriented at creation of both attractive design and durability, were spent of design and manufacture of such masterpiece. The sapphire is known for its resistance to scratches and hardness of about 1800 points by Vickers’ scale. Thanks to its molecular composition and aluminum oxide, the sapphire becomes transparent. The main difficulty while creating Richard Mille Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 056 Felipe Massa Sapphire consisted in work with sapphire – no one tiniest little mistake can be made. The bezel and back case were treated with anti-glare coating to improve visual characteristics. So, the transparent case is water-resistant at 50 meters.
The men wrist watch “Richard Mille Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph RM 056 Felipe Massa Sapphire”, released in a number of 5 pieces, is distinguished on the background of all representatives of Haute Horlogerie by its amazing novelty, technical and aesthetic complexity. We can only be glad for those five lucky bargees, who managed to buy wrist watches from Richard Mille already at the second day of SIHH 2012.

Richard Mille RM057 Dragon-Jackie Chan Tourbillon

Long before appearance of horlogerie such amazing creatures, as dragons, took a special place in people’s souls and became ones of the main heroes of different myths, legends and folk tales. Different nations presented dragons in different ways, as well as they do it now. Everybody imagines this grandiose mythical creature in his own – everything depends on fantasy, cast of mind, national culture, etc. The famous Swiss watch company “Richard Mille” has exhibited its own interpretation of legendary dragon at SIHH 2012. Mark you that the dragon is one of the most popular themes at the watch market in 2012. It’s easy to guess that it is caused by the new year of Dragon, according to Eastern calendar.
So, the new men wrist watch “Richard Mille RM057 Dragon-Jackie Chan Tourbillon”, demonstrated by the company at SIHH in January, embodies greatness and magic of this mythical animal. A great gold dragon, which holds the “Mount Kailas” – the wonderful tourbillon bridge – with his powerful paw, is situated at the movement’s plate, made of black onyx. According to the model’s name, the wrist watch “Richard Mille RM057 Dragon-Jackie Chan Tourbillon” was created in honor of the famous actor, stunt man, director, producer, script writer, and a good friend of the company “Richard Mille”, Jackie Chan. By the way, the manufactory “Richard Mille” has been collaborating with Jackie Chan since a rather long period of time. And the men wrist watch “Richard Mille RM057 Dragon-Jackie Chan Tourbillon” is another great fruit of this cooperation. The representatives of Richard Mille admit that they’ve been designing the concept of such time meter for incomparable Jackie Chan long since. The actor’s name, translated as “the one, who will become a Dragon”, inspired the company for creating just that watch. The wrist watch “Richard Mille RM057 Dragon-Jackie Chan Tourbillon” will be available for Jackie Chan’s fans and people, who believe in the new year’s symbol. The watch was released in a limited series of 36 pieces – from 18-carat white or red gold.

The model’s functions: hours and minutes (two central hands), power reserve indicator (an innovative scale of red color between “10” and “11” hours), and also wonderful tourbillon at the bottom of the dial. An amazing dragon from red (or white) gold “clasps” the caliber RM057 of about only 5,5 mm thickness in his powerful claws. 20 talented jewelers worked on finishing and engraving of one dragon. All wrist watches from Richard Mille at SIHH 2012 differ with their “liveliness” and reality, including this dragon. The barrel-shaped movement is 32,8 mm õ 29 mm. The caliber works on 21 jewels, and the balance frequency makes up 21 600 alterations per hour. The balance wheel of 9,12 mm diameter is provided with Glucydur protection system. The power reserve reaches 48 hours.
The barrel-shaped case of complicated construction is quite massive – 50 mm õ 42,7 mm at 14,55 mm thickness. In spite of big size, it’s very comfortable to wear the wrist watch “Richard Mille RM057 Dragon-Jackie Chan Tourbillon” on wrist thanks to the curved case, repeating wrist shape. The men watch is water resistant at 50 meters due to two nitrile O-ring seals. Three compounds of the case are fixed with 20 titanium rings with steel washers. The dial with the image of great dragon is protected with sapphire glass of 1,5 mm thickness with double anti-glare treatment. The men wrist watch “Richard Mille RM057 Dragon-Jackie Chan Tourbillon” is an inimitable piece of art and unique piece of accurate watch mechanics.