The present “C1 Quantum Gravity Tourbillon” is preserved in excellent overall condition. It is no. 7 of the exceedingly small series of only 10 examples of this model launched in 2009. To date, only two other C1 Quantum Gravity Tourbillon watches have been offered at public auction.

The C1 Quantum Gravity Tourbillon features an aerial bi-axial tourbillon, vertical power reserve and individualist seconds and defies all theories. It combines a cylindrical piston, a vertical back-and-forth movement and liquid, three essential elements combined to create this astounding equation involving mechanics and chemistry.

A mobile glass column located between 12 and 1 o’clock serves as power reserve, indicated by a green phosphorescent liquid.

The tourbillon, literally suspended from cables, rotates in a multi-dimensional manner on two axes – the main one being vertical. Its structure has adopted the rigid and light elevation of cable-stayed bridges: one arm, extended from cables measuring just 2/10th of a mm-wide and fastened to the plate, maintains the carriage vertically and thus reinforces the impression of an independent arrangement. The suspension mechanism is supported by an elastomeric self-tensing system, which enables the cable/arm hinge to be precisely adjusted and the dilatation effects, compensated.

Set at 2 o’clock position of the case and concealed entirely, the imposing time-setting key can be ejected from its armour by simply pressing on the push button.

Just underneath the seconds: engraved in luminescent orange against a black aluminum roll, visible through a window whose cut echoes the push button of the crown. A lateral sapphire crystal reveals the rotating orange blades of the seconds wheel.

The officer-style case back appears as an air-lock, revealing the movement’s geometric circuit composed of 511 parts, the right-angled skeletonized bridges, the gear-trains that transmit energy to the tourbillon carriage and the cable adjustment. The finishing touches highlight an industrial design that is both methodical and futuristic: a black aluminum plate against anthracite aluminum bridges, rubies against polished steel screws. They embody the spirit of a watch made with high-tech materials, glass, emptiness and coloured luminescent materials.