equignet 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-kilometre radius and assembled in its workshops in Morteau.

The launch of a tourbillon is a milestone in the development of a manufacture. This significant step legitimises and confirms the reputation of a maison. With the Royale Tourbillon, Pequignet joins the elite watchmakers.

This model is equipped with the fourth Pequignet propreitary movement. Its code name? EPM04. Based on the construction of the prestigious Calibre Royal^®, 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.

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—bevelling, Côtes de Genève, circular graining, circling, sandblasting, and drawing—of 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 “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.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Limited edition of 24 pieces

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-coated tourbillon opening, 5N colour

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

• 65,000€