In 2013, Graham presented an astronomical watch which shows the orbital relationships of the Earth, the Moon, and Mars with respect to the Sun. Here we have a new version of the Graham’s most complicated creation so far.
Graham Geo.Graham Orrery Tourbillon has a central tourbillon with a bridge which has been inspired by the pierced and engraved balance cocks found in wristwatches from the early 18th century. This planetarium-styled watch also features a mechanical orrery, a working model of the orbital patterns of the Earth, the Moon and Mars rotating around the Sun.
This astonishing astronomical timepiece takes its design principles from the very first contemporary orrery mechanisms which were built by a British clock and watchmaker George Graham and his contemporaries in the 17th and the early 18th century.
Just like its predecessor, the new watch is used to represent and predict relative positions and motions of the planets and moons, in accordance with the heliocentric model. The heliocentric representation features a Sun-symbol which is set in its middle. The Sun is made of 18-karat rose gold and set with a glittering white diamond. Speaking about the other planets and satellites, the manufacturer has used real fragments of the Moon and Mars that have been sourced from two meteorites. The Earth is crafted from Kingman Turquoise.
Geo.Graham Orrery Tourbillon is housed in an elegant, 18-karat rose gold case which measures 48mm in diameter and 17.60mm in thickness. The case houses the exclusive and highly accurate caliber G1800 Tourbillon Orrery mechanical movement which was made for Graham by Manufacture Christophe Claret.
The impeccable movement animates the stunning three-dimensional dial which brings to life the representation of the Moon, the Earth, Mars and the Sun. The beating heart of this amazing timepiece oscillates at the semi-rapid frequency of 21,600 alternations per hour (3 Hz) and provides no less than 72 hours of power reserve.
The lacquered blue dial displays an inscription at the 4 o’clock position, as well as three different scales. The first one is the hours and minutes scale, but the dial also comprises the months on an outer disc track with the inner track indicating the 12 astrological signs.
From the rear, the view through the sapphire display back shows the inner beauty of the watch, as well as a 100-year calendar. Around the periphery of the mechanism there is a year scale which tracks the current year. The maison includes two additional discs with the watch which can be installed for two additional graduations of hundred year periods.
The new Graham’s astronomical watch comes with a hand-sewn blue alligator leather strap. The retail price is just over $300,000, which is similar to the price of the original model from the 2013.
Geo.Graham Orrery Tourbillon (ref. 2GGBP.U01A) is issued in a limited series of only 8 specimens worldwide.
