Ornatus-Mundi introduces the Rebellion Weap-One asymmetrical tourbillon, a timepiece that exemplifies avant-garde design and advanced horological engineering. His post details the watch's unique sapphire drum case, innovative time display, and the proprietary multi-axis flying tourbillon developed in collaboration with Concepto.
During the last decade, advanced computer-assisted construction, prototyping and production technologies have created an enabling environment for more daring, 'out there' and unusual contructions. Brands like Harry Winston, Parmigiani and later MB&F, Hautlence or Rebellion thrived on the democratisation of avantgarde designs.
Rebellion's Weap-One asymmetrical tourbillon is the latest of this sapid breed:
The Weap-One is designed by
Fabrice Gonet (said to be inspried by race car suspensions) essentially as a timepiece-in-a-drum, in this specific case, a sapphire drum. To the left, you read the hours, and to the right, the minutes, each indicated with a small arrow engraved into the tube's frame. In between you can marvel on a highly unusual tourbillon mechanism:
One each side, you find conical knobs to wind (right) and set (left) the watch, respectively.
The most striking features, apart from the idiosyncratic design, is the proprietary tourbillon movement - made in collaboration with
Concepto:
Rebellion has implemented an
asymmetrical, 60-second flying tourbillon that rotates on multiple axes:
If you appreciate the mechanism from different angles, you'll notice two things: (i) the cage's axis is suspended outside the tubes imaginary centre (in the image to the right), and (ii) there is a differential gearing (to the left):
The off-set cage support adds another dimension to the cage's movement, such that Rebellion has some justification to claim that
"this novel and innovative feature enables the tourbillon to defy earth’s gravitational pull from all sides":
To the left side you'll find the speed differential which enables the asymmetrical movement and feed the mainspring energy to the tourbillon. The minutes roller is driven by a cardan shaft hidden inside case construction (lug attachment part).
The Weap-One is produced in a Limited Edition of 10 pieces.
Now, how does this wear? Like all medals, it has two sides: on the one hand, there is the emotional, philosophical ans mystical side. This machine is most truly a demonstration of human ingenuity and techncial ability.
The transparent sapphire tube offers a 360° view on the movement, which is simply mesmerising to watch. The tourbillon movement requires some time though, to fully appreciate, as it does not turn exactly fast.
When it somes to practical aspects, things look differrent. To describe this piece as
'flamboyant' is understating, to say the least. Its an eye-catcher which cannot be hidden. Further, its large (lenght 69.80mm, width 39.80mm, tube diameter 26.00mm), and the sapphire construction is quite exposed while probably not the most robust on earth. Finally, the watch is described as '
dust- and splash-resistant', which means: use only in controlled and safe environments.
Of course, practical aspects sound like nitpicking with such a beast. It is not for me, certainly, but I personally am very glad that such exceptional pieces exist and find their patrons. Watchmaking would be a lot more boring without them!
Cheers,
Magnus
