Horage, a Swiss watchmaking brand established in 2016, has garnered a reputation for its inventive timepieces that often incorporate distinctive complications and cutting-edge materials. Nestled in the heart of the Swiss watch industry, Horage painstakingly crafts its watches, utilizing premium materials and components. Among its notable creations are the Tourbillon 1, boasting a titanium flying tourbillon with a silicon pallet fork and escape wheel, and the Supersede GMT, distinguished as the first watch to showcase an anti-magnetic silicon escapement produced by an independent watchmaker. These timepieces have found a dedicated following among watch enthusiasts who value innovation and meticulous craftsmanship. Horage’s brand identity is rooted in a steadfast commitment to quality and an unwavering determination to push the boundaries of the watchmaking art. Today, we delve into their latest creation, the Horage Tourbillon 2 watch, to explore its unique features and the artistry behind its craftsmanship and especially the luxury version – Horage Tourbillon 2 Enamel dial.
Just last week, we shared news here on our website regarding the latest timepiece from French watchmaker Yema, known as the Yachtinggraf Tourbillon Mareographe 75th Anniversary. In our previous update, we highlighted the ambiguity surrounding Yema’s status as either an independent watchmaker or a microbrand. Nevertheless, we were delighted to observe that they were crafting timepieces featuring the intricate tourbillon complication.
Today, we are thrilled to bring you news of a new watch by Horage, and there is no doubt that this Swiss company falls under the category of microbrand manufacturers. What sets this timepiece apart is not only the inclusion of a tourbillon but also the use of an enamel dial—an exceedingly advanced and demanding technique typically associated with the world’s most prestigious luxury watchmakers.
What makes enamel dials so exceptional? This is a painstaking technique where layers of enamel powder are delicately applied onto a metallic base. Each layer undergoes a high-temperature treatment, reaching temperatures exceeding 800 degrees Celsius, essentially “baking” the enamel into place. The precision required in this process cannot be overstated, as even the slightest deviation in temperature by a few degrees or an extra few seconds in the oven can lead to a shift in color and an undesirable hue, ultimately rendering the panel unusable and necessitating a complete restart of the process.
It’s worth emphasizing that the painting and baking procedure involves multiple layers of enamel powder, and each layer must be baked separately. Consequently, any misstep, whether it occurs during the initial stages or even during the final layer, results in the entire panel becoming unsuitable for use, prompting the manufacturer to embark on the production process anew.
In 2020, Horage made quite a splash with the introduction of its Tourbillon 1, earning a reputation as one of the most budget-friendly Swiss-made tourbillon watches. What made this accomplishment even more remarkable was that it was originally conceived as a collaborative project with La Joux-Perret but was swiftly transformed into an in-house development, breaking speed records in the process. The outcome was the K-TOU movement, equipped with a tourbillon, certified by COSC for accuracy, boasting an impressive 120-hour power reserve, and featuring a silicon escapement. This exceptional timepiece was housed in an openworked case and offered to a limited group of 260 customers, with pre-order prices starting at CHF 7,490. Following the debut of the Tourbillon 1, Horage has introduced a range of exceptional timepieces, among them the noteworthy Lensman watch, which we covered right here on our website.
Right now, as we mentioned earlier, Horage is working on a new tourbillon watch called the Tourbillon 2, and it’s going to be available in four different versions. One of these models will have a stainless steel case, and you can pick between a blue dial or an enamel dial. The second model will come in either white or yellow gold, and you’ll have the option of a blue dial or an enamel dial.
The watch case measures 41mm in diameter, with a slim profile standing at 11.8mm in height. You have the option of selecting either a robust and corrosion-resistant 904L stainless steel case or a luxurious 18k white or yellow gold case. The front of the case features a high-quality sapphire crystal with multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings, ensuring excellent clarity and readability while minimizing glare. On the back, there’s another sapphire crystal, allowing you to admire the inner workings of the watch through the exhibition caseback. The watch is equipped with a signed push/pull crown for easy time and date adjustments, adding a personalized touch to the design. Furthermore, this timepiece boasts a water resistance of up to 100 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear and even some water-related activities.
The dial of this remarkable timepiece offers two captivating options. First, there’s the Swiss-made Grand Feu enamel dial, showcasing a timeless and elegant appearance. Alternatively, you can opt for a dial design inspired by the intricate patterns found in the Livre de Durrow, executed in a striking blue hue.
On the enamel dial, you’ll find hand-drawn numerals and watch part indices in black, creating a visually striking contrast against the enamel background. On the blue dial, these elements are presented in white, further enhancing the dial’s aesthetics.
At 6 o’clock, you’ll notice a seconds track encircling the tourbillon cage, where a mesmerizing flying tourbillon adds a touch of horological artistry.
For functionality, a practical 5-day power reserve indicator is positioned at 2 o’clock, providing you with at-a-glance information about the watch’s remaining energy.
Completing the dial are sword-style hour and minute hands, which not only contribute to the watch’s overall elegance but also ensure precise timekeeping.
The watch is powered by the Horage K-TOU tourbillon calibre, a movement meticulously designed and crafted in-house by Horage. This hand-wound caliber boasts a total of 26 jewels, which contribute to its smooth and precise operation.
Operating at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour (vph), the movement ensures excellent timekeeping accuracy. It impressively offers a substantial 5-day power reserve, meaning you can enjoy extended periods between winding sessions.
The central display on the dial features the hours and minutes, ensuring easy and convenient time reading. Additionally, the movement incorporates a captivating 60-second flying tourbillon with a prominent seconds marker, which adds a touch of horological sophistication to the watch.
The use of a silicon escapement within the movement enhances its durability and performance, contributing to its exceptional precision. The watch achieves a chronometer accuracy rating of -4/+6 seconds per day, and if desired, it can undergo optional COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certification, further confirming its outstanding precision and reliability.
Horage’s 7-day pre-order campaign, which began on October 10th, has concluded. During this special period, customers had the chance to secure their preferred timepieces at pre-order prices. It’s worth noting that there has been a CHF 2,000 price increase across all models following the campaign. For those who participated, deliveries are on track and planned for the first quarter of 2024, ensuring that soon, they will be able to enjoy the craftsmanship and precision of these exceptional watches.
During the early bird phase of the pre-order campaign, these exclusive prices were available:
- CHF 8,990 for the steel model with a blue dial
- CHF 12,980 for the steel model with an enamel dial
- CHF 16,480 for the gold model with a blue dial
- CHF 20,470 for the gold model with an enamel dial
The gold versions of the watch offer two impressive strap choices. One is a sophisticated black patterned salmon skin leather strap, adding a touch of luxury to your timepiece. This strap can be secured with either a matching gold or stainless steel clasp, featuring a micro-fibre carbon composite material and a 7mm micro-adjustment system for a perfect fit. Alternatively, if you opt for the steel reference, you’ll have the option of a stainless steel bracelet, providing a contemporary and versatile look. This bracelet is equipped with a butterfly clasp, ensuring ease of use and secure wear.
For more information about the new watches and purchase options, please visit Horage website.
