Bernhard Lederer Only Watch (otherwise known as Gagarin Platinum Flying Tourbillon timepiece) is another prime example of the brand’s intention to maximally use the creativeness in a process of creating fine watches. The watch that Bernhard Lederer Universe presents is its new twist to a limited edition of the Gagarin Tourbillon, which they created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of an extraordinary event that marks one of mankind’s greatest achievements.
Exactly five decades after Yuri Gagarin’s flight into Space, the Swiss watchmaker created a very special wristwatch to honor the event. For Only Watch 2011 charity auction they prepared a unique timepiece with different dial, but kept the same ingenious movement and general features, as in the watch we previously reviewed in April. This time, the center of the brushed anthracite dial is 18K gold hand-engraved map of the world.
Though it has plenty awesome characteristics, the bit that stands out is its flying tourbillon that makes a full counter-clockwise rotation every 108 minutes. The duration of its rotation is by no means a coincidence, because that is the price timing of Gagarin’s flight in space (as the inscription “First Man in Space – 12 April 1961 – Duration 108 Min” on the outer part of the dial suggests).
Look at the Earth Through the Space Capsule’s Window
One more tribute to Gagarin is the fact that flying tourbillon is suspended by a sweeping bridge that looks exactly the same as the statue that was erected on the landing site after Gagarin had returned from his historical mission. Another nod to that accomplishment is a rotating magnifying glass that is designed to resemble a window of the Vostok space capsule Gagarin flew in. The glass is even locked by catch that mimics the Vostok’s hatch. With this clever design, Bernhard Lederer Universe enabled the future wearer to be in a similar position as Gagarin as he looked to the Earth while he was flying.
Bernhard Lederer Only Watch has a hand-wound Caliber BL0611 mechanical movement with 35 jewels. Because it has a triple barrel, it has an extended power reserve of 80 hours. The movement also has a lateral level escapement, monometallic balance and a flat balance spring. As previously said, it also possesses a one-minute flying tourbillon regulator with titanium cage that forms the name of the spacecraft Gagarin flew in.
The movement is set in a round case that is 42 mm wide and 15 mm thick, and made of 950 platinum, while the strap is black alligator with platinum buckle. Besides, it possesses a domed sapphire crystal and water resistance to 30 meters. With such impressive features, it is no wonder that the wish price is between $290,000 and $435,000.
