Earlier this year, independent watchmaker, Antoine Preziuso unveiled a few truly complicated and special timepieces. Over the coming months, we will be reviewing those watches and taking a closer look at all the things Preziuso does right in watchmaking. Today, however, we are taking a long look at the $437,000 AFP-TTR-3X Chronometer Tourbillon of Tourbillons Meteor watch. So settle in and prepare for a nice journey.
AFP-TTR-3X – “The Power of Three”The latest creation by ANTOINE PREZIUSO GENÈVE features three tourbillons
The Chronometer Tourbillon of Tourbillons represents a new chapter for Antoine Preziuso Geneve, a chapter of blending the tourbillon escapement (and multiple ones at that) with resonance. This technical tour de force holds three international patents and is the result of years of effort, calculations and imagination. In fact, so complex was this concept thatno computer program could accurately simulate its method of functioning. It even required the creation of the smallest ball-bearing in the world: barely 1.6mm in diameter.
Antoine Preziuso AFP-TTR-3X CHRONOMETER Tourbillon — three tourbillons, three patents.
The Chronometer Tourbillon of Tourbillons is a dream Antoine Preziuso has nurtured since 2004, and thanks to his son, Florian, it has now become a reality. Together the two worked on conquering the technical obstacles one by one. To
The Power of Three
The Chronometer Tourbillon of Tourbillons is powered by three tourbillons beating at a frequency of 3Hz, linked by a triple-differential and separated by three decorative medallions made of meteorite. The three tourbillons revolve on their axis every 60 seconds, while the plate completes six revolutions per hour (one rotation every 10 minutes). The sapphire caseback also reveals three jewels at 6:00, and three smaller jewels at 12:00. In fact, there are so many references to the figure 3 that one would need some time to study the nuances.
The patents for this timepiece include the creative development of multiple tourbillons on a single revolving plate, placed equidistance from the centerof the plate, with their respective axes forming an equilateral triangle. Isochronism is enhanced by the fact that the three cages rotate on different axes and at variable speeds. Another patent deals with the resonance achieved. The close placement of the three independent regulating tourbillons enables them to adopt an identical frequency via “synchronism.” When the tourbillons start to resonate, their amplitude increases and the system as a whole forms a single revolutionary regulator, vibrating at a perfectly stable frequency of 3 Hz.
Triple-Differential also acts as a synchronizer and distributes constant energy from the double-barrel to the three tourbillons through the center of the watch, without affecting the axis of the hands. It can correct variations in frequency, as well. In fact, the technical complexities of this watch will dazzle the mind.
Preziuso is a brilliant watchmaker who has never succumbed to the “it can’t be done” mantra.This is a watch that you must see — with a loupe — and with Antoine Preziuso by your side, walking you through the journey — to get its full effect.
Antoine Preziuso, master watchmaker.
Technical Specs of the Antoine Preziuso AFP-TTR-3X – “The Power of Three”
Movement:
Caliber: Antoine Preziuso AFP-TTR-3X,
manual winding, 48 hours power reserve
Dimensions: 39,8 mm x 10,8 mm height
Transmission: planetary triple-differential gear
Regulator Organs: 3 tourbillons « planetary satellite »
Frquency: 3 x 21’600Ah (3Hz)
Rotating Speed:1 t/minute (tourbillons) ; 6 t/h (plate)
Components: 570
Rubies: 65
Ball bearings: 6
Barrells: double serial barrels
Decoration: 3 Masselottes in meteorite – chamfered bridges with Côtes de Genève
Patents: 3 international patent
Functions: Hours, Minutes
CASE:
round, 18-karat pink gold, 48 mm diameter, thickness:12mm to 15mm
crystals:
sapphire crystal with anti-reflection treatment.
crown: pink gold with logo AFP – Antoine, Florian Preziuso
caseback: Sapphire crystal
Strap: Crocodile leather front and back. Folding buckle
