Witness the Enigma: A Floating Timepiece of Unseen Mastery

The Return of a Legend: Henri Grandjean's Legacy Reborn

After a period of quietude, the esteemed name of Henri Grandjean makes its grand return to the watchmaking world. Revered for his chronometric precision and intricate pocket watches, Henri Grandjean (1803-1879) was a Swiss master from Le Locle, instrumental in advancing marine chronometry and establishing the Neuchâtel Observatory. His historical models, now prized by collectors, fetch significant sums at auctions. The revival of this brand seeks to perpetuate his legacy by infusing classic craftsmanship with contemporary innovation, re-establishing its prominence in high-end horology.

Unveiling the Magician: A Mysterious Triple-Axis Tourbillon

The inaugural creation from the revived Henri Grandjean & Cie. is aptly named "The Magician," echoing a revered historical model. This timepiece features a captivating triple-axis tourbillon that mesmerizes observers by appearing to defy gravity, seemingly disconnected from the watch's internal mechanics. This illusion is achieved through an ingenious design where the tourbillon is powered by two super-imposed transparent discs. One disc transmits motion from the gear train, while the other, a stationary ring gear, engages a pinion on the rotating tourbillon cage. This sophisticated arrangement allows the cage to roll along the fixed gear, maintaining controlled rotation and presenting an astonishing visual spectacle that highlights the intricate dance of its components.

The Art of Illusion: Unlocking the Tourbillon's Secret

The Magician's central marvel lies in its innovative mechanism for the triple-axis tourbillon. The transparent discs, integral to its operation, not only drive the tourbillon but also allow an unobstructed view of its continuous, complex rotations. This design choice elevates the visual impact, making the intricate movements of the tourbillon readily apparent and deeply engaging. The harmonious interplay of these components creates a stunning display of horological artistry, inviting admiration for the engineering prowess involved.

Dynamic Complexity: High-Speed Rotations and Precision

The triple-axis tourbillon in The Magician watch performs its rotations along three distinct axes, generating an elaborate three-dimensional motion. This continuous and multifaceted movement is a sight to behold, with each cage rotating at specific, high speeds: 10 seconds, 18 seconds, and 60 seconds on its respective axes. This dynamic performance underscores the watch's technical sophistication and visual allure, making it a compelling piece for connoisseurs.

Engineering Brilliance: Lightweight Materials for Optimal Performance

Achieving the rapid and precise rotations of the triple-axis tourbillon demands exceptional micro-engineering and the strategic use of advanced lightweight materials. To ensure optimal motion, the watch incorporates magnesium for the first cage and the balance bridge, a material renowned for its strength-to-weight ratio but challenging to work with. Additionally, titanium is utilized for the escapement bridge and the second cage, with the outer cage being a balanced combination of titanium and steel. These material selections are crucial for maintaining the delicate equilibrium and smooth operation of such a complex mechanism.

The Heart of the Watch: Calibre 1831's Craftsmanship

Powering The Magician is the hand-wound Calibre 1831, an in-house developed and manufactured movement from the brand's facility in Noiraigue, Val de Travers. This expansive 17-ligne movement features a rose gold plating and is adorned with traditional Geneva stripes, showcasing meticulous decoration. Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, the movement is equipped with two barrels, providing approximately 40 hours of power reserve. The Calibre 1831 epitomizes the blend of artisanal finishing and advanced horological mechanics.

Architectural Harmony: Dial Design and Case Options

The movement's design prominently highlights the tourbillon, while the off-centre hours and minutes dial is positioned at 3 o'clock. The dial incorporates a concentrically arranged date indication within a black onyx ring and a day-night indicator between 11 and 12 o'clock, with the date marked by a white index on a 31-tooth date wheel. The Henri Grandjean Magician is presented in a 45mm x 16mm rose gold case and is available in six distinct iterations. Among these, some are exquisitely engraved with floral motifs reminiscent of Fleurisanne, characteristic of the Val-de-Travers region. The watch is completed with an alligator leather strap and a folding buckle, with pricing ranging from CHF 350,000 for the titanium version, CHF 380,000 for plain gold, and CHF 480,000 for engraved gold variants.