PEQUIGNET DEFIES GRAVITIONAL LAWS
PEQUIGNET unveils, at a preview showing during Watches and Wonders 2024, its first flying tourbillon, a true extraordinary horological feat. Designed for enthusiasts of French high watchmaking, it will be manufactured in a limited series of 24 pieces.
Invented in the 19th century, the tourbillon aimed to overcome the lack of precision in mechanical movements caused by the vertical position of pocket watches placed in the gentlemen’s jackets.
This horological “grail” goes on captivating enthusiasts, collectors, and watchmakers. While the tourbillon is one of the most beautiful and spectacular complications we could find in renowned Swiss watchmaking names, it is extremely rare within French brands.
For the first time in its history, PEQUIGNET once again asserts its French specificity by introducing a tourbillon designed in its own Manufacture. All its components are manufactured within an 80-kilometer radius and assembled in its workshops in Morteau.
THE ULTIMATE HOROLOGICAL COMPLICATION
The launch of a tourbillon is a milestone in the development of a Manufacture. This significant step legitimizes and confirms the reputation of a Maison. With the Royale Tourbillon, PEQUIGNET joins the elite watchmakers.
This model is equipped with the fourth PEQUIGNET “in-house movement”. Its code name EPM04. Based on the prestigious Calibre Royal®’s construction, the name Calibre Royal® Tourbillon logically appeared. This rarity will only be produced in 24 pieces to celebrate its birth year: 2024. PEQUIGNET imagined a tourbillon in its most refined, sophisticated, and horological version: a flying tourbillon!
The flying tourbillon is a complex regulating mechanism. Traditionally placed at 6 o’clock, the flying tourbillon is special as it is mounted without any upper bridge, giving the impression of wearing a weightless tourbillon cage on the wrist, visually unobstructed. A nearly hypnotic wonder to observe. For this horological marvel, this 1-minute tourbillon (rotating in sixty seconds) features a concentric balance wheel in the cage. The cage itself is made of titanium, a particularly delicate metal to machine, especially for such a small component.
Another technical and aesthetic achievement, this flying tourbillon is visible not only on the dial side but also on the bridge side!Developed on the designing of the Calibre Royal® and beating at 3Hz, it retains its main characteristics, including its extraordinary power reserve of at least 88 hours, possible thanks to its large barrel. A power reserve that comfortably exceeds the “weekend-proof” standards required by connoisseurs nowadays.
A WATCHMAKING MASTERPIECE
Naturally, this high horology movement on display is hand-decorated in accordance with the highest professional norms. The discerning eye will notice high-flying finishes: beveling, Côtes de Genève, circular graining, circling, sandblasting, and drawing. An outstanding work!
This exceptional watch features a 44 mm diameter 5N rose gold case with a thickness of 11.70 mm. It has a water resistance of 5 ATM. This flying tourbillon watch boasts a stunning midnight blue «wave» effect dial inspiring serenity, almost zen, that seems to emanate from the tourbillon situated at 6 o’clock and spreading upwards where the PEQUIGNET logo modestly takes pride of place at 12 o’clock with no other indication.
The polished indices appliques are rose gold 5N tinted, just like the faceted baton hour and minute hands using any available light source for a perfect readability of this very pure dial, in any circumstance.
This exceptional “made in France” Royale Tourbillon watch is mounted on a sumptuous blue alligator strap that complements its dial. It is combined with a tongue buckle made of the same metal as the case. For a rare watch, a specific box: made of lacquered wood and specially designed for this first PEQUIGNET Tourbillon, echoing the midnight blue and wave shape of the dial.
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF TIME
Pequignet embodies a French vision of time: the time we dare to dedicate to ourselves, the time we draw away from. Pequignet is designed for independent spirits, those who seek to assert their freedom, emancipate themselves from conventions, and stand out without showing off. Pequignet aims to offer an uninhibited Haute Horlogerie experience in its own distinctive way.
PEQUIGNET, FRENCH WATCHMAKING EXCELLENCE
As a French high-end watchmaking manufacture, Pequignet holds the label of “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (Living Heritage Company). The conception and production of its watches and movements take place in its workshops located in Morteau, at the heart of the French Jura. Founded in 1973 by Émile Péquignet, this watchmaking house has always created timepieces that break free from conventional codes and norms. Pequignet stands out as one of the few independent watchmaking houses.
In 2010, Pequignet evolved into a manufacture, welcoming highly skilled watch engineers. The Manufacture designs exceptional calibres, incorporating the latest technologies that bring life to its innovative and elegant watch creations. In 2011, Pequignet won fame by creating its own movement: the Calibre Royal®, the sole high-end French movement. It is designed and assembled by the Pequignet Manufacture. A manual version of the Calibre Royal® was introduced in 2018, followed by a third movement, the Calibre Initial®, in 2021.
In 2021, Pequignet joined Enowe Excellence, an organization founded by Hugues Souparis, a former industrialist and entrepreneur committed to supporting French excellence in craftsmanship. He became the president of the Manufacture.
ROYALE TOURBILLON 9035475 AB
CASE
Diameter: 44 mm
5N Rose Gold 18K
Weight of gold: 54.94 g
Polish finishing of the case with domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Crown with embossed « Fleur-de-Lys » logo
DIAL
Textured blue, drop of water
Rose (5N) gold plated stamped hands
5N colour index
Tourbillon position at 6.00 Diamond-coatedtourbillonopening,5Ncolour
MOVEMENT®
Calibre Royal Tourbillon
Diameter: 34.5 mm / Thickness: 6.11 mm 88-hour power reserve
23 jewels
Flying tourbillon, with balance concentric to the cage, visible from the dial and from the movement
Titanium cage, 157 pieces, 1 revolution per minute Balance with solid gold compensating screws, frequency of 21,600 alt/hour (3Hz), large balance with important inertia: 12mg/cm2 Hand decoration: Bevelling, Côtes de Genève, Circular graining, Circling, Sandblasting, Drawing
WATER RESISTANCE: 5 ATM
THICKNESS: 11.70 mm
LUG-WIDTH: 22 mm
CASEBACK: Secured by 6 screws, sapphire opening on the movement
STRAP: Blue alligator strap with tone-on-tone stitching
CLASP: Polished gold ardillon buckle (5N, 18K) with Fleur-de-Lys logo
Weight of gold: 7.6 g
EUROPE RETAIL PRICE INCL. TAX: 65000€
AVAILABLE ON
September 2024
Limited edition of 24 pieces
Availability
- PEQUIGNET Boutique Paris60 rue de Rennes, 75006 Paris – France
- PEQUIGNET Boutique Besançon3 rue Moncey, 25000 Besançon – France
- Online shop: www.pequignet.com