Delma 1924 Tourbillon Guilloche Watch Review
The Delma 1924 Tourbillon Guilloche is offered in a choice of ‘DELMA blue’ or salmon ‘grains de riz guilloche pattern dials’. Following the success of Delma’s inaugural Tourbillon, released in 2024, the Lengnau-based firm returns with two new models equipped with the much sought after high-complication.
Delma seit 1924
Since 1924, Delma has produced ‘diver and sports watches’. Unlike most watch brands based in the French-speaking regions of Switzerland, Delma is headquartered in Lengnau, a small town east of Biel where German is the first language. Delma’s geographical location imbues its products with a distinctive character.
The company is family-owned, a rarity in an industry dominated by large groups. Moreover, Fred Leibundgut, CEO and Chairman of the company, plays a hands-on role in designing the firm’s watches. Delma has attracted a following for its handsome and functional timepieces, all of which are equipped with a Swiss movement. The company also has a reputation for selling watches that deliver an impressive quality/price ratio.
Delma 1924 Tourbillon – inaugural model (2024)
Last year, keen to mark its centenary, Delma unveiled the 1924 Tourbillon, a watch I discussed at length on ESCAPEMENT. At the time of its release, the model, limited to just 100 pieces, was sold on a souscription basis with a pre-order price of CHF 8,900 (RRP as of January 2024). This represented extraordinary value for a watch equipped with the über-desirable gravity-defying complication.
At this juncture, some horophiles may have wrongly assumed the movement was crafted in a faraway land; however, that was not the case. The Delma 1924 Tourbillon featured a ‘100% Swiss movement’, developed with BCP Tourbillons. Furthermore, in the spirit of transparency, Delma declared the origin of every component, naming each Swiss supplier.
Delma 1924 Tourbillon Guilloche / Delma 1924 Tourbillon 2.0
Now, Delma’s ‘100% Swiss proprietary movement’, the Caliber DT100.01, makes a welcome return in two new iterations of its centenary model, each limited to 25 pieces. Unlike the first generation model which sported a ‘sable black’ dial, the new Delma 1924 Tourbillon 2.0 features a ‘grains de riz guilloche pattern’. This richly textured dial epidermis endows the watch with a very different look. The intricate dial motif, comprising crescent-shaped grains, wonderfully toys with light, juxtaposing brilliance and shade. Would-be wearers are offered a choice of two dial hues: ‘DELMA blue’ or salmon.
The Maison has chosen to carry over most of the elements found on the inaugural Delma 1924 Tourbillon, subscribing to a ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ policy. This strategy should be applauded as too often watch brands discard existing components merely to fanfare newness; an approach that often renders existing clients’ watches obsolete.
The new Delma 1924 Tourbillon Guilloche is a viable option for many frustrated horophiles who, up to now, never envisaged owning this high complication. Like last year’s model, the watch is available to pre-order until 31 March 2025 for a reduced price of CHF 9,250 (RRP as of 18.3.2025). With only 25 pieces available in each dial colour, I suspect that hesitant buyers may well be disappointed.
Further reading
https://www.delmawatches.com/en-gb/collections/1924-tourbillon
https://www.delmawatches.com/en-gb/products/1924-tourbillon-blue
https://www.delmawatches.com/en-gb/products/1924-tourbillon-salmon
Technical specifications
- Model: Delma 1924 Tourbillon Guilloche
- Reference: 41702.770.6.044 (DELMA blue dial)
- Reference: 41702.770.6.184 (salmon dial)
- Case: stainless steel, diameter 41 mm, height 14 mm, water resistance 20 ATM (200 metres); sapphire crystal to the front and rear
- Functions: hours, minutes, tourbillon fitted with small seconds indication
- Movement: Calibre DT100.01, hand-wound movement; frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz); 19 jewels; power reserve 105 hours
- Strap: steel bracelet and blue or brown Italian calf leather strap with white stitching. Fitted with a deployant clasp and quick-release spring bars.
- Price (pre-order): CHF 9,250 (orders received between 18.3.2025 and 31.3.2025)
- Price (once released): CHF 12,900 (RRP as of 1.4.2024)