Time Only Tourbillon

When I arrived, the Time Only tourbillon I ordered was just completed. Richard apologized that the balance spring was new and had only been in the watch for a few weeks. There would be a deviation in the timing once the balance spring had relaxed and stabilized. I have posted previous articles on the making of this tourbillon which show the initial machining from metal blanks to this final presentation. The finished watch is amazing to see.

Before I discuss the tourbillon, I was able to take a few pictures of some watches that were being prepared by Richard for customer delivery. In the right and left case, you can see two sets of straps. One for the watch and the other to secure the travel pouch (as pictured in the center).

CAD for the HABRING² Felsa 760 with Power Reserve

The Felsa 760 with Power Reserve prototype.

CAD for the Jump Second

A jump second with a black dial and lumen hands and indicies. Note: I didn’t pull the plastic off since it was being prepared for delivery.

CAD for the Time Only upgrade with hand date.

The Time Only upgrade with the hand date:

With the modular upgrades developed by Richard, there are two types: hand machined upgrades, like the power reserve feature on the Felsa movement or modules, like perpetual or annual complications, modified by Richard. I asked Richard if he could add a perpetual module to my Chezard 116. He told me that he might have access to an annual movement and could upgrade the module himself to develop a perpetual. He would need to create an adapter plate for the Chezard, then modify the module for the jump second mechanism. He was telling me this like it was no problem. He has never done this before. I looked like a deer staring into headlights. I have a difficult time machining an adapter plate for an oil filter in a car engine. For Richard this was a typical challenge that would take a little time to work out then develop the prototype to incorporate into the watch. If the perpetual module is not available, make one.

CAD file with the split level design for the tourbillon

Drawing for a HABRING² tourbillon integrated into the 6498.

CAD for the power reserve. This design uses the lease number of parts and incorporates the maltese cross.

6 revolutions of the barrel to a full wind. When the red pin from the center of the barrel spring seats in between the two red cross members, the watch is at empty. In order to protect the maltese cross from damage, when fully wound, the wheel connected to the barrel spring will flex up and ratchet instead of grinding into the cross. Richard could have used a common fuel gage type design, but this pays homage to pocket watches and makes for a simple, interesting and attractive feature.

The completed tourbillon with two cages waiting for assembly on Richard’s workbench.

A more traditional style cage requested by one of Richard’s customers.

Ti tourbillon cage. This is destine for a regulator with a matching Ti case.

CAD of a HABRING² Regulator Tourbillon

CAD of the 2007 Chronograph with a pilot dial

We talked at length about an area that he has received feedback and criticism: his movement finish. He thought that a simple satine finish on the back of the Time Only which matched his dial was sufficient. To add stripes or other machine finishes to the bridges didn’t fit with Richard’s sense of reason. After receiving enough requests, he will start to add hand carvings to his watches and provide more engravings upon request. Starting in 2007 he will have his logo hand engraved on rotors or bridges. He will continue to provide unique mechanical designs and modular upgrades.

The split level tourbillon is a very special watch for me. It represents a journey rather than a time piece. There are still some upgrades in the future for this watch, so the journey hopefully continues….

I would like to thank Richard and Maria for the time (and patience) they spent we me.

Dave Barnes