Independent horologist Vincent Deprez, renowned for his exquisite Tourbillon Classique Souscription Edition, has unveiled his latest creation: the Scientific Tourbillon. This new addition to the Tourbillon Classique family seamlessly blends the intricate, traditional craftsmanship for which Deprez is known with a sophisticated, contemporary design language. Produced in a limited run of just 10 units, this timepiece extends the legacy of his earlier works, bringing the total production of the Tourbillon Classique range to 20 exceptional watches.
The Scientific Tourbillon makes a distinct statement with its 39mm stainless steel casing, boasting a refined 11.3mm profile. The exterior showcases a harmonious blend of polished and satin-brushed surfaces, imparting a modern sensibility while maintaining an elegant wearability. A domed sapphire crystal provides clear visibility to the dial, complementing a Grade 5 titanium caseback that is ingeniously integrated into the case middle, secured by the lugs. This construction ensures a water resistance of 30 meters, reflecting both its robust build and its sophisticated design.
Departing from the open-worked designs of its predecessors that highlighted the movement, the Scientific Tourbillon embraces a novel approach to its display. A meticulously crafted Grand Feu enamel dial, personally produced by Deprez in a striking midnight blue achieved through multiple firing processes, occupies the 12 o'clock position. This dial features a mirror-polished, applied steel chapter ring with a finely detailed minute track, evoking the precision of a scientific instrument. Unlike earlier iterations where the regulating mechanism was the primary focus, this edition presents both the time display and the tourbillon, complete with its blue seconds ring indicating a 60-second rotation, as equally prominent and significant elements of the timepiece.
At the core of every Vincent Deprez creation lies its movement, and the Scientific Tourbillon is no exception. A peek at the reverse side of the watch reveals the meticulously hand-manufactured calibre. Within his Geneva workshop, Deprez employs traditional machinery, such as pantograph engraving machines for cutting bridges, plates, and structural components, and vintage lathes for producing wheels, pivots, and pinions. This commitment to artisanal methods underscores the watchmaker's dedication to preserving classic horological techniques.
The hand-wound mechanism operates at a traditional frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour, offering a power reserve of approximately 52 hours. Every aspect of the finishing is executed by hand, with German silver bridges adorned using time-honored techniques including graining, anglage, satin finishing, and black polishing. Deprez deliberately limits the color palette to the warm hues of untreated German silver and polished steel, allowing the interplay of light and texture to define the visual appeal. The watch is completed with a grained calfskin strap, fastened by a pin buckle, ensuring comfort and refined elegance.
The introduction of the Scientific Tourbillon represents another triumph for independent watchmaker Vincent Deprez. This limited edition of 10 pieces, though already fully allocated, symbolizes a continued dedication to blending traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic. With its sophisticated design, meticulously hand-finished movement, and a clear evolution from its predecessors, the Scientific Tourbillon cements Deprez's reputation as a master of high-end horology, reflecting his unique vision and expertise gained from esteemed ateliers like Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe.