de GRISOGONO New Retro Skeleton Tourbillon
In 2015, de GRISOGONO unveiled its new Retro collection after seven years of R&D, which included shaping a rectangular case graced with softly rounded angles and elegant, well-controlled curves. The result was a minimalist watch whose complexity stems from its construction, featuring a case composed of two cambered and perfectly matched sapphire crystals, elegantly united by a slender ribbon of gold. Now, the brand updates this collection by presenting a tourbillon model that pays tribute to the legendary complication in a daring and spectacular style.
The wide case houses a tourbillon bearing the de GRISOGONO signature. Symbolising the philosophy driving Fawaz Gruosi since the creation of the Maison de GRISOGONO, the New Retro Skeleton Tourbillon admirably embodies this new take on watchmaking tradition: daring to create shapes that highlight functions, to develop original complications, to play with aesthetic codes in order to magnify the art of time measurement. Brilliantly escaping the bonds of existing conventions, de GRISOGONO has developed an exclusive movement with an original construction. As if suspended inside the case and held by majestic bridges with an architecture evoking the grilles of vintage cars, the tourbillon flaunts its free-spirited attitude at 3 o’clock. This skeletonised movement is elegantly framed by a sapphire crystal case offering a panoramic vision of time.
Without changing the case size or its cambered profile, the watchmakers have risen to the challenge of building a movement that is curved right the way through to its bridges. The carefully calculated proportions of this calibre, as well as the horizontal alignment of its components, have made it possible to create sufficient space inside the watch to accommodate the most elegant of horological complications: the tourbillon.
This in-line skeleton movement flaunts its non-conformist appearance and reveals its intricate inner workings in an oblong format smoothly embracing the case middle. At 3 o’clock, the heart of the movement – the balance-wheel, balance-spring and escapement – and its 83 components defy gravity.
The black rhodium-plated and gold decorated upper and lower bridges of the tourbillon carriage, holding the entire movement, are graced with alternating sandblasted and horizontal satin finishing. They feature hand-polished chamfers that called for more than 60 hours of work. The sunburst barrel with its open-worked scrolling motif, reveals tantalizing glimpses of its spring, while the ratchet wheel plays on the contrast between the sunburst swirls and a black lacquer coating.
A numbered movement issued in a 25-piece limited edition, housed in a pink or white gold case. The dG 31-88 calibre operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and has a 72-hour power reserve.
Water-resistant to 30 metres, the New Retro Skeleton Tourbillon is teamed with an alligator leather strap featuring large square scales and a saddle finish.
Technical details
Model: NEW RETRO SKELETON TOURBILLON N01 & N02
Movement
Caliber DG 31-88
Type Skeleton tourbillon movement (at 3 o’clock)
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Movement dimensions: 36.60 x 27.80 mm
Number of components: 173 (83 on the tourbillon carriage)
Jewels: 19
Frequency: 21,600 Vph / 3 Hz
Finishing: Open-worked barrel with volute patterns, black rhodium-plated and gold decorated bridge
Indications
Hour, minute, with tourbillon at 3 o’clock
Case
Polished 18k pink or white gold with crown at 12 o’clock
Case dimensions 44 x 51 x 12.3 mm
Front case Sapphire crystal glass
Case back Sapphire crystal glass
Water resistance 3 ATM
Strap
Black alligator
Clasp Polished 18k pink or white gold triple folding clasp
