When you know that the word “Cabestan” in French means “winch” in English, you are a step closer to understanding how this independent Swiss brand has introduced a novel interpretation of a historical concept. The fusee and chain system has been used for over 450 years to ensure that the energy of a mainspring in a clock or watch is distributed evenly over the period of its power reserve. In Cabestan watches the technology was first used in the Winch Tourbillon Vertical, presented in 2008 and the use of these vertically-aligned winches has since become a signature throughout all the brand’s collections.
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Cabestan
The Future of Tradition
The brand that adds a breath of 21st century air to a 450-year old concept
About
2003
Cabestan established.
2008
Launch of the Winch Tourbillon Vertical.
2010
Launch of the Trapezium.
2013
Lionel Betoux and his team take over the company, launch of the Luna Nera.
2015
Launch of the Triple Axis Tourbillon.
Philosophy
Cabestan upholds centuries-old traditions through its use of a time-honoured concept with its fusee-chain movements but also through respect of the traditional work of artisans. All Cabestan watch cases and movements are designed and produced by hand in-house. Each collection is strictly limited and individual models can be customized.
Collections
Luna Nera
The Luna Nera adds a three-dimensional moon phase sphere to the vertical tourbillon movement the CAB EC 102L manually-wound calibre, which has a power reserve of 72 hours. The Luna Nera is available as a limited series of 135 pieces with a case in titanium, yellow gold, rose gold or platinum.
Trapezium
As its name suggests, the Trapezium’s high-grade case has the form of a trapezoid when viewed in profile. Through windows on all sides of the case you can see the EC102 vertical tourbillon movement, which is adjusted to an accuracy of +/- 1 second per day. The Trapezium is a limited edition of 135 pieces.
Triple Axis Tourbillon
Keeping the trapezoid theme with its case, and the visibility of the movement from all sides, the Cabestan Triple Axis Tourbillon adds a new dimension to the brand’s collections by placing a traditional circular dial above the fusee and chain mechanism, which powers a tourbillon that rotates about three different axes in 17, 19 and 60 seconds respectively.
Winch Tourbillon Vertical
The miniaturization of 15th century technology is only part of the innovation in the Winch Tourbillon Vertical, since the case is also a work of art itself. Following the complex contours of the movement, its curved crystals envelop the movement, highlighting the transmission of force from drum to chain and ultimately to the cylindrical time indicators.
