In haute horlogerie, sound is the most unforgiving medium. You can hide visual complexity beneath a dial, but a chime reveals everything—precision, balance, intention. With the Grande Double Sonnerie, Blancpain ventures into this rare territory and reshapes it entirely.
This is not simply another grand complication. It is a statement about what time can feel like when mechanics, music, and restraint converge.
Time, Written in Two Melodies
At the heart of the Grande Double Sonnerie lies a world-first achievement: a wristwatch grande sonnerie with two selectable melodies.
The watch speaks time using four carefully chosen notes—E, G, F, and B—struck by four individual hammers and gongs, each tuned to deliver clarity rather than volume. The owner can choose between:
the historic Westminster chime, deeply rooted in European horological tradition, or
an original Blancpain melody, composed through a creative collaboration with Eric Singer.
Working within the strict limitation of four notes, the challenge was not complexity—but expression. The result is a chime that feels deliberate, balanced, and emotionally engaging rather than theatrical.
The Discipline Behind the Poetry
While the sound is refined, the engineering behind it is monumental. The Grande Double Sonnerie is the product of eight years of uninterrupted development, during which Blancpain chose not to compromise or outsource.
The scale of this effort is best understood through numbers:
1,200 technical drawings, mapping interactions invisible to the eye
1,053 components, finished and assembled by hand
21 patents, with 13 actively shaping the final watch
Every stage—design, construction, decoration, and assembly—executed fully in-house
This is not evolution built on past calibres. It is a movement conceived from the ground up, designed to make sound a first-class function rather than an afterthought.
The Most Complex Watch Blancpain Has Ever Created
The Grande Double Sonnerie represents the technical summit of Blancpain’s modern history. Beyond its dual-melody chiming system, it integrates an extraordinary collection of complications into a single, coherent architecture:
Grande sonnerie
Petite sonnerie
Minute repeater
Fully integrated retrograde perpetual calendar
Flying tourbillon
A fully secured movement designed to protect the chiming mechanism during daily use
What makes this achievement exceptional is not the list itself, but how seamlessly these elements coexist—without visual overload or acoustic compromise.
Precious Metals, Purpose-Built Movements
The Grande Double Sonnerie has so far been produced in red gold and white gold, with each case paired to a movement construction and finishing philosophy that complements its metal. This is not aesthetic coincidence, but intentional harmony—where case material, movement architecture, and acoustic behavior are considered as a whole.
Despite its complexity and presence, the watch is designed to be worn. Safety systems manage power, chiming modes, and user interaction, ensuring the experience remains intuitive rather than intimidating.
Listening to Time
As Marc A. Hayek, CEO & President of Blancpain, describes it:
“Listening to a sonnerie is like tasting a grand wine. It is not merely a question of volume, but of clarity, resonance, persistence, and richness.”
That philosophy defines the Grande Double Sonnerie. It is not a watch that demands attention—it rewards listening.
More Than a Complication
The Blancpain Grande Double Sonnerie is not about excess. It is about restraint, balance, and intention—about proving that even the most complex watchmaking can remain human, emotional, and wearable.
Here, time is not announced. It unfolds—note by note.
2025 marks the 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi, MB&F’s longstanding retail partner in Dubai. To commemorate this important milestone, the two partners have chosen to craft not just one but two Limited Editions, both powered by MB&F’s award-winning Perpetual Calendar calibre: 7 LM Perpetual EVO pieces and 5 LM Perpetual Baguette Diamonds pieces, both featuring signature blue highlights.
For over seven decades, Ahmed Seddiqi has been a cornerstone of the regional horology landscape, cultivating appreciation for fine timepieces and championing independent brands such as MB&F. This collaboration not only recognizes the Seddiqi family’s role in horology, but also celebrates the deep friendship between the two partners.
Reflecting on this relationship, Maximilian Büsser, owner & creative director of MB&F, shares:
“I have been privileged over the last 27 years of their 75-year history, to have counted the Seddiqi family as very close friends. They welcomed me when I was at my most vulnerable, they many times helped me when I was down, and were there to celebrate our greatest achievements together. It is therefore my privilege and honour to celebrate this milestone of Ahmed Seddiqi, with two incredibly rare and special MB&F pieces. Both are based on the ground-breaking Perpetual Calendar developed by Stephen McDonnell. For such an exceptional anniversary, we had to choose an equally exceptional movement”.
First released in 2015, the GPHG award-winning Legacy Machine Perpetual has become a strong favourite amongst MB&F aficionados. The LM Perpetual has also evolved into several EVO editions, designed for an active lifestyle – with enhanced 80 metres of water resistance, a screw-down crown, an integrated rubber strap and MB&F’s patented FlexRing, a proprietary annular dampener providing shock protection.
The LM Perpetual EVO 75th Anniversary Seddiqi Limited Edition
The 75th Anniversary edition of the LM Perpetual EVO – limited to only 7 pieces – is housed in a grade 5 titanium case, engraved with the anniversary theme. It stands out thanks to the same striking blue colour first featured on the LM101 MB&F x H. Moser especially created for Ahmed Seddiqi in 2020. The signature blue colour has been applied for this edition to the sub-dials, contrasting with the anthracite dial plate in the background.
The LM Perpetual Baguette Diamonds 75th Anniversary Seddiqi Limited Edition
The second 75th Anniversary edition – even more limited, with just 5 pieces – inaugurates a first for the Legacy Machine Perpetual series: a refined bezel set with 48 baguette-cut diamonds. The case is crafted in stainless steel, engraved with the 75th Anniversary message. Like its EVO counterpart, it also features the same signature blue colour but applied on the dial plate, with contrasting black sub-dials displaying the time, day of the week, month and date.
LEGACY MACHINE PERPETUAL IN DETAIL
CONVENTIONAL PERPETUAL CALENDARS
Created by Northern Irish watchmaker Stephen McDonnell and premiered in 2015, the LM Perpetual calibre was — and still is — one of the most innovative perpetual calendar systems to exist in modern watchmaking.
Conventional perpetual calendars are generally modules comprising the complication, which is fitted on top of an existing movement. The calendar indications are synchronised by a long lever running across the top of the complication and passing through the centre. As the date changes, this long lever transmits information to the appropriate components and mechanisms by moving backwards and forwards. This traditional system is extremely unwieldy, restricting movement construction in several key ways that would make something like Legacy Machine Perpetual a mechanical impossibility.
In the traditional system, perpetual calendars assume that, by default, all months have 31 days. At the end of months with fewer than 31 days, the mechanism quickly skips through the superfluous dates before arriving at the 1st of the new month. Any manipulation or adjustment of the date during changeover can result in damage to the mechanism, requiring expensive repairs. The dates can also jump or skip during changeover, negating the whole point of the perpetual calendar in the first place, which is not requiring adjustment for years. Or decades.
MECHANICAL PROCESSOR
Legacy Machine Perpetual uses a “mechanical processor” consisting of a series of superimposed disks. This revolutionary processor takes the default number of days in the month at 28 – because, logically, all months have at least 28 days – and then adds the extra days as required by each individual month. This ensures that each month has exactly the right number of days. There is no “skipping over” redundant days, and no possibility of the date jumping incorrectly.
Using a planetary cam, the mechanical processor also enables quick-setting of the year so that it displays correctly in the four-year leap year cycle, whereas traditional perpetual calendar mechanisms require the user to scroll through up to 47 months to arrive at the right month and year. The mechanical processor also enables an inbuilt safety feature that disconnects the quick-set pushers during the date changeover, eliminating any risk of damage
OPENING UP A NEW WORLD OF PERPETUAL CALENDAR AESTHETICS
Legacy Machine Perpetual takes advantage of its fully integrated movement to place the perpetual calendar mechanism on top of the movement main plate so that it can be appreciated from above. Legibility is often an issue with perpetual calendars due to the sheer number of indications, and LM Perpetual addresses this by using skeletonised subdials (except for the time indication) that appear to float above the complication with no apparent support from below.
In yet another innovation, Legacy Machine Perpetual uses what is likely to be the world’s longest balance wheel pinion to connect that elegantly suspended balance, hovering above the top of the movement, to the escapement on the back of the movement.
Two Limited Editions
– LM Perpetual EVO limited to 7 pieces with signature blue sub-dials;
– LM Perpetual Baguette Diamonds limited to 5 pieces with signature blue dial plate.
Engine
Fully integrated perpetual calendar developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell, featuring dial-side complication and mechanical processor system architecture with inbuilt safety mechanism. Manual winding with double mainspring barrels.
Bespoke 14 mm balance wheel with traditional regulating screws visible on top of the movement. Superlative hand finishing throughout respecting 19th century style; internal bevel angles highlighting hand craft; polished bevels; Geneva waves; hand-made engravings.
Power reserve: 72 hours
Balance frequency: 18,000bph / 2.5Hz
Number of components: 581
Number of jewels: 41
EVO edition: screw-down crown and FlexRing annular dampener fitted between case and movement, providing shock protection along the vertical and lateral axes.
Functions/indications
Hours, minutes, day, date, month, retrograde leap year and power reserve indicators.
Case
EVO edition: grade 5 titanium
Baguette Diamonds edition: stainless steel with 48 baguette-cut 1.5-carat diamonds bezel.
Engraving: 75th Seddiqi anniversary engraving on the case-back.
Dimensions: 44 mm x 17.5 mm
Number of components: 70 (EVO edition) or 69 (Baguette edition)
Water resistance: 8ATM / 80m / 270 feet (EVO edition) or 30 m / 90′ / 3 ATM (Baguette edition)
Sapphire crystals
Sapphire crystals on top and display back treated with anti-reflective coating on both faces.
Strap & buckle
EVO edition: rubber strap with titanium folding buckle.
Baguette Diamonds edition: white hand-stitched alligator strap with stainless steel folding buckle.
MB&F – GENESIS OF A CONCEPT LABORATORY
Founded in 2005, MB&F is the world’s first-ever horological concept laboratory. With over 20 remarkable calibres forming the base of the critically acclaimed Horological and Legacy Machines, MB&F is continuing to follow Founder and Creative Director Maximilian Büsser’s vision of creating 3-D kinetic art by deconstructing traditional watchmaking.
After 15 years managing prestigious watch brands, Maximilian Büsser resigned from his Managing Director position at Harry Winston in 2005 to create MB&F – Maximilian Büsser & Friends. MB&F is an artistic and micro-engineering laboratory dedicated to designing and crafting small series of radical concept watches by bringing together talented horological professionals that Büsser both respects and enjoys working with.
In 2007, MB&F unveiled its first Horological Machine, HM1. HM1’s sculptured, three-dimensional case and beautifully finished engine (movement) set the standard for the idiosyncratic Horological Machines that have followed – all Machines that tell the time, rather than Machines to tell the time. The fiercely unconventional Horological Machines have explored themes as diverse as space and science fiction, aviation, supercars, the animal kingdom and architecture.
In 2011, MB&F launched its round-cased Legacy Machine collection. These more classical pieces – classical for MB&F, that is – pay tribute to nineteenth-century watchmaking excellence by reinterpreting complications from the great horological innovators of yesteryear to create contemporary objets d’art. Certain Legacy Machines have also given birth to EVO editions, featuring increased water and shock resistance compatible with collectors’ active lifestyles. MB&F generally alternates between launching contemporary, resolutely unconventional Horological Machines and historically inspired Legacy Machines.
As the F stands for Friends, it was only natural for MB&F to develop collaborations with artists, watchmakers, designers and manufacturers they admire.
This brought about two new categories: Performance Art and Co-creations. While Performance Art pieces are MB&F machines revisited by external creative talent, Co-creations are not wristwatches but other types of machines, engineered and crafted by unique Swiss Manufactures from MB&F ideas and designs. Many of these Co-creations, such as the clocks created with L’Epée 1839, tell the time while collaborations with Reuge and Caran d’Ache generated other forms of mechanical art.
To give all these machines an appropriate platform, Büsser had the idea of placing them in an art gallery alongside various forms of mechanical art created by other artists, rather than in a traditional storefront. This brought about the creation of the first MB&F M.A.D.Gallery (M.A.D. stands for Mechanical Art Devices) in Geneva, which would later be joined by the M.A.D.Gallery in Dubai – along with MB&F Labs, which showcase a more compact selection of artists in locations like Singapore, Taipei, Paris and Beverly Hills.
There have been distinguished accolades reminding us of the innovative nature of MB&F’s journey so far. To name a few, there have been no less than 9 awards from the famous Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, including the ultimate prize: the “Aiguille d’Or”, which rewards the best watch of the year. In 2022, the LM Sequential EVO was awarded the Aiguille d’Or, while the M.A.D.1 RED won the ‘Challenge’ category. In 2021, LMX won the Best Men’s Complication and the LM SE Eddy Jaquet ‘Around The World in Eighty Days’ was awarded in the ‘Artistic Crafts’ category. In 2019, the prize for Best Ladies Complication went to the LM FlyingT; in 2016, LM Perpetual won the Best Calendar Watch award; in 2012, Legacy Machine No.1 was awarded both the Public Prize (voted for by horology fans) and the Best Men’s Watch Prize (voted for by the professional jury). In 2010, MB&F won Best Concept and Design Watch for the HM4 Thunderbolt. In 2015 MB&F received a Red Dot: Best of the Best award – the top prize at the international Red Dot Awards – for the HM6 Space Pirate.
ABOUT AHMED SEDDIQI
Driven by the vision of its founder, Mr. Ahmed Qassim Seddiqi, and the passion of the Seddiqi family, Ahmed Seddiqi has established its legacy across luxury retail over the years.
The first Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons boutique opened in Bur Dubai in 1950.
Since then, the retail footprint has expanded to a network of boutiques across the UAE.
Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons is recognised as a pioneer amongst retailers in the region, led by its commitment to service excellence, horology expertise, portfolio curation, and creating unique experiences for its customers.
Their craftsmanship is not just something that they sell, it is fundamental to who they are as a company. Their technical expertise, gained over generations, gave them an intricate mechanical knowledge of watches and jewellery. From detailed watch servicing to understanding movements inside and out, they do blend the meticulous skill of craftsmen with the refined taste of seasoned retailers.
As Ahmed Seddiqi celebrates its 75 years anniversary, the company unveiled a refreshed identity that honours its legacy while looking into the future. Subtle yet purposeful changes reflect who they are today: a house of heritage, expertise, and evolving elegance.
ABOUT DUBAI WATCH WEEK
Founded in 2015 by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Dubai Watch Week is a global platform dedicated to preserving watchmaking culture, fostering education, and facilitating creative dialogue. The event brings together collectors, brands, artisans, and the public in an open celebration of horology.
The seventh edition will be held from 19–23 November 2025 at Burj Park, presented under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The Legacy Machine 101 (LM101) series was first launched in 2014. With its 40mm case diameter, the LM101 is among the smallest and thinnest of all the Legacy Machines, featuring a nonetheless very three-dimensional movement, regulated by a monumental 14mm “flying” balance wheel that floats above the movement.
As its “101” name implies, the timepiece focuses on the essentials of a mechanical wristwatch: the balance wheel, which regulates precision; the power reserve, showing how much energy remains in the mainspring and when it needs to be wound; and, of course, the display of time itself.
The LM101 movement was the first calibre entirely conceived by MB&F’s in-house engineering team. Award-winning, independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen played a pivotal role in the design and finishing specifications, ensuring that its architecture and 19th century style hand-finishing techniques met the highest standards of traditional haute horlogerie and respected the codes of historical watchmaking.
Over the last decade, the reference has seen many stunning iterations in white, rose and yellow gold, platinum, palladium and stainless steel – along with a plethora of striking dial colours and finishes, each as desirable as the next.
The LM101 is now one of MB&F’s most coveted creations, and over the last few years, collectors and enthusiasts have frequently expressed their desire for an EVO edition. To mark MB&F’s 20th anniversary in 2025, the brand has finally decided to answer this request with the debut of the LM101 EVO – a fitting tribute to two decades of horological artistry and a thank you to the model’s most avid fans.
What is the EVO effect?
The EVO series was introduced in 2020 with the LM Perpetual EVO – an evolution of the award-winning LM Perpetual. This was followed by the LM Split Escapement EVO and the LM Sequential EVO in 2022.
The EVO treatment includes a set of design and engineering enhancements that are applied to certain Legacy Machine models, transforming them into timepieces that are better equipped for everyday wear and an active lifestyle. Key features of the EVO models include a water resistance of 80 metres, a screw-down crown, an integrated rubber strap, and MB&F’s patented FlexRing shock absorber that is fitted between the case and the movement to protect the watch during active use. To further enhance resistance and wearability, the models employ advanced materials such as zirconium and titanium.
In terms of design, the EVO models stand out thanks to their ergonomic case design and integrated strap; but also by forgoing a traditional bezel, offering an unobstructed view of the Super-LumiNova enhanced displays through their domed sapphire crystals. On the movement side, EVO models feature darkened treatments, amplifying their sporty, contemporary aesthetic.
The 20th Anniversary LM101 EVO Editions
In celebration of MB&F’s 20th anniversary in 2025, two LM101 EVO editions are introduced in titanium, available with either a salmon or peacock green dial plate. These dial plate colours are produced using CVD, short for chemical vapor deposition – a technique chosen for its technical advantages as the dial plate forms an integral part of the movement. The peacock green version is particularly captivating as shifting hues of green, blue, and purple light refract across its surface. The salmon version is just as noteworthy as it is a relatively rare colour for MB&F.
Those with a keen eye will also notice a host of new details in these EVO editions. The two black subdials, hovering just about the dial plate, are now framed by finely circled borders. At the top right, the highly legible hours and minutes are displayed by newly designed white gold hands. The power reserve indicator, positioned in the lower subdial, reveals a significant improvement: the power reserve of the LM101 EVO calibre has been increased from the previous 45 hours to 60 hours, in keeping with the sportier theme.
The elegant twin arches suspending the flying balance wheel continue to catch the eye. Milled from a single block of metal, they require many hours of hand finishing to achieve their mirror-like lustre. In this EVO version, they feature a more fluid and refined base, further distinguishing this model from the classic LM101 version. The escapement wheel has also undergone a refined redesign, inspired by the recurring battle-axe motif found in MB&F timepieces.
A Straumann double hairspring and a reliable slipping mainspring barrel are integral features of the manually-wound LM101 EVO movement. New for this LM101 edition is the innovative proprietary FlexRing which comes with the EVO package. Each timepiece is finished with a box sapphire crystal on the back, revealing the beauty of the darkened hand-finished movement beneath. Undulating Geneva waves, hand polished bevels, gold chatons, countersunk blued screws and sensually curved plates and bridges all pay homage to the style found in high quality historic pocket watches and testify to the respect accorded to historical legitimacy.
Completing the look, wearers can choose between a sleek white or grey rubber strap. Although not formally a limited edition, the collection can only be crafted in a limited quantity of a few dozen pieces per year, based on capacity.
LM101 EVO – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
LM101 EVO launches in two editions: Titanium with a choice of Salmon CVD dial plate, or Green CVD dial plate.
Engine
Three-dimensional horological movement developed in-house by MB&F
Movement aesthetics and finishing specifications: Kari Voutilainen
Manual winding with single slipping mainspring barrel Power reserve: 60 hours Balance wheel: Bespoke 14mm balance wheel with four traditional regulating screws floating above the movement Balance spring: Straumann® double hairspring Balance frequency: 18,000bph/2.5Hz Number of components: 233 Number of jewels: 23 jewels Chatons: gold chatons with polished countersinks
Fine finishing: superlative 19th century-style hand finishing throughout; internal bevel angles highlighting hand craft; polished bevels; Geneva waves; hand-made engravings, NAC black bridges.
Functions
Hours, minutes and power reserve indicator
Large balance wheel suspended above the dial
Case Material: Titanium with “FlexRing” shock protection system Diameter: 40.0 mm Height: 16.5 mm Number of components: 42 Lug-width: 17 mm Lug-to-lug: 49 mm
High domed sapphire crystal on top and box sapphire crystal on back, both with anti-reflective coating on both sides Water-resistance: 80m / 8ATM / 270 feet
Screw-down crown
Strap
Grey or white rubber strap with matching titanium folding buckle.
WHERE MYSTERY MEETS MASTERY: A HIGH HOROLOGY COMPLICATION THAT DEFIES PERCEPTION AND REDEFINES ENGINEERING.
The independent Swiss watchmaking Maison Ulysse Nardin unveils the BLAST [FREE WHEEL MAILLECHORT], an exclusive timepiece limited to just 50 pieces. This unconventional horological creation pushes the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, offering a bold fusion of mysterious design and groundbreaking mechanism.
At the heart of this horological masterpiece lies a series of unprecedented flying mechanisms. From the floating double-barrel system to the award-winning Ulysse Anchor Constant Escapement, the BLAST [FREE WHEEL MAILLECHORT] challenges the conventional and elevates precision engineering to new heights. Beneath the ultra-glass box, a dial crafted from Maillechort adds depth, evolving over time into a unique expression of character and craftsmanship.
TECHNOLOGY: FREE-FLOATING MECHANISM
At the heart of this edgy Haute Horlogerie complication, the unique and innovative UN-176 calibre seems to defy not only the laws of physics, but also the very principles of watchmaking construction. Perfecting this flying movement, entirely designed by the integrated Manufacture, required two years of research and development to Ulysse Nardin’s technical department.
The BLAST [FREE WHEEL MAILLECHORT] presents Ulysse Nardin’s award-winning flying tourbillon with the Ulysse Anchor
Constant Escapement. Composed of 45 components, the tourbillon is located at 6 o’clock and boasts a revolutionary constant escapement. Challenging the principle of the traditional anchor escapement, the Ulysse Anchor Constant
Escapement features a circular frame with a pallet fork fixed in the center, supported in space on two blade springs less than a quarter of the thickness of a hair in diameter. Mounted perpendicular to each other, these are subjected to a bending force that curves them and maintains them. This major technical achievement directed by Ulysse Nardin guarantees a perfectly even impulse on the balance wheel, irrespective of the watch’s power reserve. Thanks to silicon technology also incorporated in the hairspring and the escapement, the jewels of the usual escapement-wheel become superfluous, as does the anchor pivot. This exceptional tourbillon, which reflects Ulysse Nardin’s triumphs in terms of innovation, proudly won the Tourbillon Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2015.
At 12 o’clock, a floating double-barrel system is positioned, flying without any visible attachment on the surface. One barrel is fully exposed, while the other operates unseen. Precision ball bearings hold everything in perfect alignment. The energy it accumulates provides the timepiece with an exceptional autonomy of seven days, outlined by a highly original power reserve display at 4 o’clock. The indicator remains static, unlike the display disc: three bands opposing the indicator mean that the watch is fully wound, while a single band indicates that the power reserve is almost empty.
In addition, several additional flying mechanisms are displayed on either side of the barrel: on its left, an intermediate wheel, a power reserve differential, and a reduction gear; on its right, the winding mechanism that connects it to the crown’s winding stem, allowing the selection of the winding system train or the time setting.
DESIGN: A 360° VIEW INTO MECHANICAL MASTERY
The BLAST [FREE WHEEL MAILLECHORT] is a spectacular show. Its bold 45mm case, crafted in white gold, features negative angle facets designed using a complex laser method. Renowned for its disruptive aesthetic and ergonomic properties, this satin-finished and polished BLAST case once again proves the cutting-edge know-how of the independent Manufacture.
The geometric lines feature a unique ultra-glass box in sapphire crystal that offers a wide-open view of the mysterious movement, which is also visible through the sides. The distinctive characteristic of this glass box lies in its construction: it was carved from a single block of sapphire crystal, meticulously hollowed out to form the box and achieve this unparalleled shape.
Beneath the dome glass and the flying mechanism lies a dial crafted from Maillechort, a traditional alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel. Known for its warm, silvery tones and distinctive grained texture, it is prized for its durability and unique aesthetic.
More difficult to manufacture than brass due to its hardness and complex composition, it requires craftsmanship and precision. Historically used in musical instruments for its resonant acoustic properties, Maillechort is a “living metal” that develops a one-of-a-kind patina over time, adding character and depth. This material was invented in the early 19th century by French engineers Maillet and Chorier, whose combined names became “Maillechort”.
Underscoring the meticulous attention to detail in its design, the case back of the BLAST [FREE WHEEL MAILLECHORT] is open, featuring a sapphire glass and a Maillechort plate. This exclusive limited edition of 50 pieces features a blue velvet effect and waterproof rubber strap, with a white gold folding buckle.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
REFERENCE: 1760-401LE-4A-MAIL/3A
MOVEMENT & FUNCTIONS: UN-176 Manufacture
Manual Tourbillon Flying Movement
Hours, Minutes
Flying tourbillon with Ulysse Anchor Escapement (Constant) / Blades technology
Power reserve indicator at 4 o’clock
Escapement-wheel, anchor & balance spring in Silicon
246 components / 23 jewels
Frequency 2.5 Hz / oscillations 18’000 VPH
POWER RESERVE: 7 days
CASE: White gold satin-finished & polished case
White gold open sapphire case-back with Maillechort plate
Diameter 45 mm, Water resistance 30 m
Perceived height 8.75 mm / Overall height 12.4 mm
DIAL: Maillechort dial
Grey hands with white Superluminova®
STRAP & BUCKLE: Waterproof blue velvet effect rubber strap
White gold deployant buckle
Compatible with BLAST Tourbillon straps
In the realm of haute horlogerie, few names command reverence quite like Franck Muller. Known as the “Master of Complications,” the maison is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of watchmaking design and mechanical ingenuity. Among its most mesmerizing creations stands the Double Mystery™ Collection—a timeless expression of elegance, mystery, and technical mastery.
At first glance, the watch is a vision of opulence: an 18k white gold case hand-set with over 440 brilliant-cut diamonds, shimmering from bezel to buckle. But it’s the dial that truly captivates. Traditional watch hands are nowhere to be seen—instead, time is indicated through two graceful rotating discs. The inner disc, small and centered, displays the hour, while the outer disc glides around the perimeter to mark the minutes. This seamless, almost hypnotic movement appears to float above the jeweled dial, earning the timepiece its enigmatic name.
A Movement Beyond Time
Powering the Double Mystery is the MVD 2800-MY, a bidirectional automatic movement crafted in-house. Comprising 217 meticulously finished components, it boasts a 42-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Every surface of the movement is a canvas for artisanal finishing: Geneva stripes on the bridges and rotor, circular satin brushing on the wheels, diamond polishing on the bevels, and perlage on the mainplate—each finish applied with precision and care.
This level of craftsmanship reflects Franck Muller’s dedication to preserving the traditions of fine watchmaking, even when they remain hidden beneath a sapphire crystal caseback.
Beauty in the Details
The case measures 39mm in diameter and is complemented by a hand-stitched alligator leather strap, exuding understated sophistication. The dial itself is a spectacle of luxury, set with 232 brilliant-cut diamonds (2.28 carats) and 14 colored gemstone indexes—a symphony of sapphires, rubies, and tsavorites adding both color and sparkle. Even the white gold buckle is adorned with 8 brilliant-cut diamonds, ensuring the piece dazzles from every angle.
More Than a Watch
The Double Mystery is not merely a time-telling instrument; it is a celebration of design, craftsmanship, and wonder. It speaks to collectors and connoisseurs who seek not just precision, but poetry in motion—those who appreciate that true luxury lies in the details, the artistry, and the emotion a timepiece evokes.
For those drawn to the rare and remarkable, the Franck Muller Double Mystery Collection is a watch that doesn’t just mark time—it mystifies it.
Explore the Double Mystery™ at FranckMuller.com
Where time becomes an experience beyond imagination.
Double Mystery Collection
One of the great Franck Muller classics – the Double MysteryTM is characterized by an innovative mechanism and highlighted by sparkling diamonds. The hands are replaced by discs ; the first one, small in the center, indicates the hour, whereas the second one, an outer disc, indicates the minutes.
Reference: 39 DM COL DRM D 1R CD
Functions: Hours and Minutes on two discs
Movement: MVD 2800-MY
Bidirectional automatic movement
42 hours power reserve
217 components
Diameter: Ø 26,2 mm. Thickness: 5,35 mm
Balance wheel frequency set to 28,800 vibrations per hour
Movement Decoration: Engraving on the bridges, mainplate and rotor Satin brushing on the bridges and rotor plate Perlage on the mainplate
Beveling on the rotor board
Diamond polishing on the sinks and bridge bevels
Sunray brushing on the bridges, rotor segment, bearing cage and barrel cover Circular satin brushing on the wheels
Snailing on the ratchets
Instructions: Dual-Position Crown: 1. Winding. 2. Setting the time
Case: Hand set with 206 brilliant-cut diamonds (5,22 carats) Water resistant up to 30 meters
Diameter: Ø 39 mm. Thickness: 10.05 mm
18k white gold case
Round case
Hand polished
Rhodium plating
Sapphire crystal
Dial: Hand set with 232 brilliant-cut diamonds (2,28 carats) and 14 indexes made of colored sapphires, rubies and tsavorites (0,98 carats)
Hand polished
Rhodium plating
Bracelet: Alligator strap
Buckle: Hand set with 8 brilliant-cut diamonds (0,06 carats) 18k white gold buckle
Rhodium plating
Double Mystery Collection
One of the great Franck Muller classics – the Double MysteryTM is characterized by an innovative mechanism and highlighted by sparkling diamonds. The hands are replaced by discs ; the first one, small in the center, indicates the hour, whereas the second one, an outer disc, indicates the minutes.
Reference: 39 DM D 1R CD
Functions: Hours and Minutes on two discs
Movement: MVD 2800-MY
Bidirectional automatic movement
42 hours power reserve
217 components
Diameter: Ø 26,2 mm. Thickness: 5,35 mm
Balance wheel frequency set to 28,800 vibrations per hour
Movement Decoration: Engraving on the bridges, mainplate and rotor Satin brushing on the bridges and rotor plate Perlage on the mainplate
Beveling on the rotor board. Diamond polishing on the sinks and bridge bevels
Sunray brushing on the bridges, rotor segment, bearing cage and barrel cover Circular satin brushing on the wheels
Snailing on the ratchets
Instructions: Dual-Position Crown: 1. Winding. 2. Setting the time
Case: Hand set with 206 brilliant-cut diamonds (5,22 carats) Water resistant up to 30 meters
Diameter: Ø 39 mm. Thickness: 10.05 mm
18k white gold case
Round case
Hand polished
Rhodium plating
Sapphire crystal
Dial: Hand set with 232 brilliant-cut diamonds (2,28 carats) and 14 baguette-cut indexes (0,98 carats)
Indexes made of baguette-cut yellow sapphires
Hand polished. Rhodium plating
Bracelet: Alligator strap
Buckle: Hand set with 8 brilliant-cut diamonds (0,06 carats) 18k white gold buckle
Rhodium plating
In the rarefied world of haute horlogerie, where centuries-old techniques meet radical innovation, Genus Watches has forged a new frontier with the GNS1.2 Dragon. Born from the mind of independent Master Watchmaker Sébastien Billières, the GNS1.2 Dragon redefines what a mechanical watch can be. At first glance, it mesmerizes with its visual spectacle: a gold dragon slithering across the dial in a continuous, hypnotic motion. But this is not merely decorative. The dragon is functional, acting as a dynamic indicator of time.
This watch is not just a timekeeper; it is kinetic art, living mythology, and high-precision engineering encased in 18K gold. It invites its wearer to witness time as an ever-evolving journey rather than a static measurement. The GNS1.2 Dragon stands not only as a watch but as a symbol of imagination, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Myth Meets Mechanism
Dragons have been revered for centuries, symbolizing strength, wisdom, protection, and spiritual power. In Eastern cultures, they are benevolent forces, while in Western tales, they are fierce guardians of treasure. By incorporating this legendary creature into the very mechanics of timekeeping, Genus bridges mythology with micro-mechanics, bringing an ancient symbol to life in an unprecedented way.
At the heart of the GNS1.2 Dragon is a patented system that deviates from conventional hour and minute hands. The hour is indicated on a peripheral ring, while the tens-of-minutes are displayed by the dragon as it navigates a figure-eight path at the center of the dial. The unit minutes are shown via a rotating disk at 3 o’clock. This display offers not only a functional advantage but also an experiential one, inviting a deeper engagement with the passage of time.
Articulated Perfection
Each dragon is composed of 11 individually hand-sculpted segments made from 18K gold, precisely assembled to allow for fluid movement. These segments are intricately engraved, polished, and connected to form an articulated creature that appears to slither with life across the dial. This level of detail requires masterful skill and patience, elevating the watch into the realm of wearable sculpture.
Creating such a kinetic sculpture involves not only artistic prowess but also technical mastery. The movement—caliber 160W-1.2—is a mechanical marvel composed of 390 meticulously finished components. It operates at 18,000 vibrations per hour and provides a robust 50-hour power reserve. The movement is visible through a sapphire caseback, offering a view into the labyrinthine beauty of Genus’ mechanical artistry.
Bespoke Personalization
Understanding the significance of the dragon as a symbol of personal mythology, Genus offers a range of customization options. Collectors can choose from various dragon finishes and colors—from classic yellow gold to fiery red enamel or icy white rhodium plating. The ability to personalize the dragon ensures that no two watches are alike, reinforcing the idea that each GNS1.2 Dragon is a reflection of its owner’s character and story.
Moreover, this approach to personalization reflects the ethos of independent watchmaking: a commitment to uniqueness, craftsmanship, and deep client connection. At this level of horology, owning a watch is akin to commissioning a piece of art.
The Case and Crystal
Encasing this microcosm of mythology and mechanics is a case that reflects both strength and elegance. Measuring 43mm in diameter and 18.8mm in height, the GNS1.2 Dragon strikes a balance between presence and wearability. It is available in both 18K rose gold and 18K white gold, each version offering a distinct personality. The case is topped with a domed sapphire crystal, which amplifies the visual drama of the dragon’s motion and allows light to play across the sculpted surfaces.
Every component of the case is hand-finished to the highest standards, from the polished lugs to the brushed flanks, embodying the meticulous care that goes into the entire timepiece.
Limited Edition Legacy
The GNS1.2 Dragon is not a mass-produced timepiece. Its production is deliberately limited, ensuring that each piece remains exclusive and rare. With a retail price starting at CHF 150,000 (excluding taxes), this watch is clearly positioned for the discerning collector who values mechanical ingenuity and artistic expression in equal measure.
This level of exclusivity is not merely about luxury; it is about preserving the integrity of the craft. In an industry where automation is becoming more prevalent, Genus holds firm to the traditions of hand assembly, manual finishing, and horological artistry.
The Vision of Sébastien Billières
Sébastien Billières, the visionary behind Genus, is no stranger to boundary-pushing watchmaking. With decades of experience and a deep respect for traditional horology, Billières has always sought to explore the emotional and conceptual dimensions of time. His creations are not about complication for its own sake, but about enhancing the human experience of time.
The GNS1.2 Dragon is perhaps his most expressive work to date. It encapsulates his belief that watches can be more than instruments—they can be narratives, sculptures, and emotional touchstones.
A Collector’s Statement
Owning a Genus GNS1.2 Dragon is not just a matter of telling time; it’s a statement of individuality and artistic appreciation. It is a watch for those who seek the extraordinary, who understand the language of mechanics and myth, and who value the poetic potential of horology.
In a world saturated with sameness, the GNS1.2 Dragon is a bold expression of difference. It invites us to view time not as a constraint but as a canvas—a flowing, evolving entity that can be rendered through gold, gears, and imagination.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Watch name GENUS DRAGON
Reference GNS1.2 [Case Code] DRAGON – ‘Case Code’ refers to the case material:
WG = white gold, RG = rose gold, T5 = Grade 5 titanium, TD = Damascus titanium
CASE
Material Choice of 18K white gold, 18K rose gold, Grade 5 titanium, or Damascus titanium
Thickness 18.8 mm
Diameter 43 mm
Crystals Domed “glass box” sapphire crystal on the dial side; open caseback with sapphire
crystal – both crystals with anti-reflective coating
Crown 18K gold or titanium, with the letters G-E-N-U-S embossed around the
circumference, providing grip
Water resistance 3 ATM (approximately 30 meters)
MOVEMENT
Caliber 160W-1.2 hand-wound, manufactured in the GENUS workshops in Geneva
Material 18K gold mainplate and bridges
Components 390
Jewels 26 rubies
Frequency 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve Approximately 50 hours
Regulating organ Swiss lever escapement, variable inertia balance wheel
Modular construction Two complementary sections with dedicated roles: one for energy storage and
transmission, the other for distribution and regulation
DISPLAY COMPLICATIONS
Hours 12 satellites/indices with peripheral and axial rotation (patent pending)
Tens-of-minutes 11 free-moving elements circulating between two counter-rotating foci (patent
pending), stylized in the shape of a dragon, in 18K gold and hand-engraved.
Minutes Skeletonized disc
Numerals & indicators Super-LumiNova®
The time is read from left to right:
Left: The hour is indicated by the alignment of the satellite index with the fixed
arrow pointing left
Center: Tens-of-minutes, as indicated by the dragon’s head
Right (crown side): The precise minute is indicated by the numeral’s alignment
with the fixed arrow pointing left
STRAP & BUCKLE
Strap material Alligator, saddle-finish calf leather, or padded and stitched rubber – choice of
color
Pin buckle 18K gold or Grade 5 titanium or Damascus titanium, depending on case material
(folding clasp on request)
PRICE
Suggested retail price Price varies according to the choice of case
18K gold: CHF 174,400 (excluding VAT)
Damascus titanium: CHF 171,000 (excluding VAT)
Grade 5 titanium: CHF 140,650 (excluding VAT)
Prices for gem-set and bespoke versions upon request
