Discussion

Caviar iPhone Tourbillon: Horological Innovation or Luxury Gimmick?

jleno · 2020-05-08T16:34:11Z

Explore the Caviar iPhone case with an integrated tourbillon. Is a $10K tourbillon phone case a horological marvel or a luxury gimmick? Watch collectors debate its value.

By jleno · May 8, 2020 · 21 replies

jleno

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

21 replies2029 views2 photos

Jleno introduces a fascinating, albeit polarizing, topic: Caviar's iPhone cases featuring integrated tourbillons. This discussion delves into the intersection of high horology and consumer electronics, prompting collectors to consider the value proposition and aesthetic implications of such an unusual fusion. Jleno's initial post sparks a lively debate on whether a 10K tourbillon, even in an unconventional form, holds any horological merit.

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I mentioned in a previous thread, there's a Russian company called Caviar that makes Iphone cases with tourbillons inside of them. Thought it might be a fun topic to discuss...

The basic tourbillon models are roughly $10K. What do you all think? I'm pretty conflicted. On the one hand, I'd never buy it. On the other, you are getting a tourbillon for 10K. Probably the kind of thing best left for the oligarchs...

Key Points from the Discussion

The concept of luxury watchmakers collaborating on mobile devices is not new, with examples like De Bethune's iPhone case and Kari Voutilainen's collaboration with a Chinese phone brand already existing.
While the Caviar iPhone tourbillon is expensive, it pales in comparison to ultra-luxury phones like the Falcon Supernova iPhone 6 Pink Diamond, suggesting a different tier of luxury consumer.
The integration of a tourbillon into a phone case is seen by some as aesthetically 'ghastly' and indicative of questionable taste, despite the mechanical complexity.
Some collectors find the aesthetic of the Caviar iPhone case appealing, suggesting a divergence in taste regarding luxury tech accessories.

The Discussion

cazalea

May 8, 2020

Maybe our Man in Moscow could line up a group buy for us

Monogrammed perhaps? I love the look of it. Mike

jleno

May 8, 2020

I actually like the design too! Flashy, but if you're buying this that's what you're going for. [nt]

Bounce781

May 8, 2020

What happens when apple brings the next case size iPhone in the near future?

Not for me - I’m afraid but the concept is interesting.

jleno

May 8, 2020

On the plus side, you won't have to worry about servicing the tourbillon ;) [nt]

Spangles - Dr. Tabby

May 8, 2020

30hr power reserve [nt]

FabR

May 8, 2020

I think I'm equally likely to buy a Caviar tourbillon that I am of buying a Patek smartphone...but I always appreciate originality ;-) [nt]

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