Thomas Prescher Mysterious Automatic Double Axis Tourbillon
Independents

Thomas Prescher Mysterious Automatic Double Axis Tourbillon

By DonCorson · Feb 10, 2010 · 31 replies
DonCorson
WPS member · Independents forum
31 replies13054 views20 photos
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DonCorson introduces the Thomas Prescher Mysterious Automatic Double Axis Tourbillon, a timepiece that pushes the boundaries of horological visibility. His initial post provides an exclusive first look at this innovative watch, highlighting how Prescher ingeniously conceals the movement to emphasize the double-axis tourbillon.

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The Thomas Prescher
Mysterious Automatic Double Axis Tourbillon

First pictures in the wild.

Thomas had a problem:
    How to make the visibility of the tourbillon even better than his present watches.
The solution:
    Just tuck everything except the tourbillon out of the way.




Hours and minutes on rotating cylinders with a moon phase indication between.
At the bottom the automatic winding weight slung like a hammock between the two sides.
Relaxing in the hammock the date and month indications.
In between the Prescher constant force double-axis toubillon.




The watch has two crowns not only for symetry, but one is for setting the time and the other for winding.






The entire movement is hidden in the two sides of the case.  Not a single gear outside the tourbillon itself is visible.
















Note that the calendar is always visble from front and back.  Being on the winding weight it always faces up.
















The case is with the impecable finish we assume from a Prescher watch.








Note that this is the first prototype and these are mineral glasses without antireflection treatment.  The final watch will have saphire glasses using the new and horribly expensive perfectly clear antireflection coatings.  No more blue streak!
















It is difficult to get a picture of the serial number without holding the watch over your head.







I saw the very first design sketches of this watch about 18 months ago.  I was certain that Thomas was taking hard drugs.
Now that I could hold it in my hands, whatever has caused Thomas to find this design, this watch is truly stunning.

Don


About the De Bethune DB25 Ref. DB25

De Bethune DB25 Reference DB25

The DB25 represents De Bethune's entry in the 44.5mm manual-wind category, distinguished by its silver dial configuration within the DB25 series. This reference launched in 2006 and continues the brand's approach to contemporary haute horlogerie complications.

The 44.5mm case is crafted from 18k white gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. Water resistance extends to 30 meters. The manual-winding caliber DB2105 movement provides a substantial 120-hour power reserve. The watch features a leather strap attachment.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking De Bethune's technical approach to timekeeping in a precious metal case. The extended power reserve and manual-wind operation position it for enthusiasts who appreciate hands-on interaction with their timepieces. The 44.5mm sizing places it in contemporary proportions within the independent watchmaking segment.

Specifications

Caliber
DB2105
Case
18k White Gold
Diameter
44.5 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
TI
Tim Jackson
Feb 10, 2010

These pictures are excellent, and really show it much better than I could have imagined. It is a stunning micro-mechanical piece of horological art! Well done Thomas! Thanks for sharing Don, Cheers, Tim

VM
VMM
Feb 10, 2010

Thanks so much for sharing, I really enjoyed this post. Love this kind of watches, they just brake the rules and I love when this happens, it amazes me. Fresh air. Thanks. Vte

BD
BDLJ
Feb 10, 2010

That is amazing. Truly amazing. The hammock winders...the Tourbillon on a stick.... Are there any further details of say, where the mainspring resides? The power flow into and out of the tourbillon? How the date is changed without spinning the hammock. I'd be scared to clap my hands wearing such a watch....that tourbillon.

PA
patrick_y
Feb 10, 2010

That is a very unique watch! You weren't kidding about the fact that I should be sitting when I see the watch. The watch has a month and date indicator on the bottom, does the watch have an annual or perpetual calendar function? Or will the watch still assume every month has 31 days? It was very clever to make this display as the winding weight, very clever indeed. Thanks for sharing this unique watch with us! This message has been edited by patrick_y on 2010-02-10 16:09:53

AN
AnthonyTsai
Feb 10, 2010

What an original and brilliant concept! The tourbillon floating in the middle is cool; but for me, the best part of the watch is how the calendar section is on the winding weight so it stays on top no matter which way you flip or angle the watch. That is so cool IMO! How many mm's thick is the case btw? Thanks for this post Don. Cheers, Anthony

AN
AndrewD
Feb 10, 2010

Thanks Don, From an engineering perspective it is an amazing watch. It’s hard enough to imagine how the calendar display is functioning within an oscillating weight, leaving aside the double axis tourbillon itself. The date display that adjusts to the wrist/viewing position is eminently applicable to other watch designs. Aesthetically I prefer the earlier iteration of his tourbillon(s), but this is truly a brilliant piece of engineering. However, hairy arms are going to be a problem! Do yo

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