Two years ago, Fawaz Gruosi unveiled the New Retro, a timepiece that he had long since dreamed of. Seven years of research and development had been lavished on shaping a rectangular case graced with softly rounded angles and elegant, well-controlled curves. A minimalist watch whose complexity stems from its construction, featuring a case composed of two cambered and perfectly matched sapphire crystals, elegantly united by a slender ribbon of gold. Today, de Grisogono unveils the New Retro Skeleton Tourbillon, an original way of interpreting this noble complication.
Without changing the case size or its cambered profile, the watchmakers have built a movement that is curved right the way through to its bridges. The carefully calculated proportions of this calibre, as well as the horizontal alignment of its components, have made it possible to create sufficient space inside the watch to accommodate the tourbillon. This in-line skeleton movement flaunts its non-conformist appearance and reveals its intricate inner workings in an oblong format smoothly embracing the case middle. At 3 o’clock, the heart of the movement – the balance-wheel, balance-spring and escapement – and its 83 components defy gravity. The black rhodium-plated and gold decorated upper and lower bridges of the tourbillon carriage, holding the entire movement, are graced with alternating sandblasted and horizontal satin finishing. They feature hand-polished chamfers that called for more than 60 hours of work. The sunburst barrel with its openworked scrolling motif, reveals tantalising glimpses of its spring, while the ratchet wheel plays on the contrast between the sunburst swirls and a black lacquer coating.
Limited to just 25 pieces, the New Retro Skeleton Tourbillon is available in rose gold or white gold. The timepiece displays the hours, minutes and tourbillon thanks to the dG 31-88 calibre, which operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and has a 72-hour power reserve. Water-resistant to 30 metres, the New Retro Skeleton Tourbillon is teamed with an alligator leather strap featuring large square scales and a saddle finish.
