Geo. Graham Tourbillon
Angus Davies falls for the charms of the Geo. Graham Tourbillon, a slender timepiece equipped with a micro-rotor and tourbillon. This watch reveals another side to the brand which takes its name from the legendary English clockmaker, George Graham (1673-1751).
This detailed review of the Geo. Graham Tourbillon includes live images, specification details and price.
I always find it fascinating to hear third parties describe my children. At times, I immediately recognise the person they are describing. Conversely, there are occasions when the person they mention does not sound familiar and I struggle to assimilate the person they characterise.
On reflection, this is not surprising. I have a professional persona which I present to fellow journalists and representatives from watch companies, but I also have another side to my character which chooses to behave like a fun-loving teenager, quaffing life in hearty gulps.
Graham, the Swiss watch brand, based in the watchmaking haven of La Chaux-de-Fonds, has always been synonymous with large cased, avantgarde timepieces. Moreover, the brand has gained an enviable reputation for its chronograph models, some of which are equipped with an ergonomically optimised trigger on the western flank of the case. Recently, I saw another side to this brand with the release of its achingly gorgeous Geo. Graham Tourbillon.
The Geo. Graham Tourbillon, a limited edition series of only 100 pieces, is unlike any other Graham timepiece. This is not a failing of the watch, nor a criticism of the sporty models which typically feature vibrantly hued dials and cases, but merely an observation. Indeed, I would liken it to contrasting a three-piece tailored suit with a pair of designer jeans, both look stylish but evince a very different character.
The dial
The dial is ‘white enamel lacquer’ and seems like a perfect visual metaphor for an unsullied character. The pure, crisp appearance of the dial reminds me of the fresh complexion of a young lady, absent of wrinkles and skin blemishes, devoid of make-up.
The hour and minutes are conveyed with blued poire-shaped hands which evince a traditional air but remain highly functional, communicating time with perfect diction. The hour hand collaborates with Roman numerals to lucidly impart information. The long, curvaceous minute hand elegantly stretches outwards to the railway minute track. Encircling the circumference of the dial area, Arabic numerals augment ease of read-off. Indeed, despite being effortlessly graceful in its portrayal of time, at no stage does the Geo. Graham Tourbillon eschew functionality, remaining a highly practical ownership proposition.
Occupying the southern hemisphere of the dial is the tourbillon carriage. The highly polished upper bridge, spanning the tourbillon aperture is beautifully polished to a matchless finish. A second tourbillon bridge, visible via the exhibition caseback, joins forces with the aforementioned bridge to allow inquisitive eyes to see straight through the movement from front to back.
I especially enjoy the spectacle of seeing the tourbillon carriage make one full revolution every 60 seconds. Furthermore, the blued screws affixing the upper tourbillon bridge to the dial bestow flourishes of lustrous colour, enhancing the visual appeal of the dial ensemble.
The case
Graham is often associated with large timepieces, but this watch provides a refreshing departure from its usual design language. Do not misconstrue, I like many of Graham’s bold oversized creations, but this charming 40mm Geo. Graham Tourbillon exhibits a notably reserved demeanour, a trait I find particularly appealing. This watch ensnares your heart with subtle, demure overtures yet before you realise it, you are swearing lifelong allegiance. This is a timepiece where marriage is firmly on the agenda, no frivolous flings would seem befitting, ‘this one’s for keeps’.
Interestingly, the case sits low on the wrist, resembling a horological limbo dancer. Its ultra-thin case measures a mere 9.85mm in height, stylishly shimmying beneath the cuff.
The dimensions of the watch, together with the supple, hand-sewn brown alligator strap and pink gold pin buckle collaborate to accord an agreeable fit.
This watch features two glass box sapphire crystals, one to the front and another gracing the caseback. The outcome is an almost galet shape profile which looks wonderful with light flooding the dial and exposed movement. Some glass box sapphire crystals can exhibit prove troublesome glare, however, no such problem afflicts the Geo. Graham Tourbillon, thanks to excellent anti-reflective treatment.
The crown bears the word “Geo” in stylised copperplate font. The pattern of the knurled grip is interrupted with a fine dissecting line, enhancing its visual appeal and proves effortless to adjust.
The movement
Graham has been very honest about the provenance of the Geo. Graham Tourbillon. It has been crafted by Graham’s local parter, Le Cercle des Horlogers in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The finish is exquisite with circular Côtes de Genève motif on the bridges, circular graining, chamfered and polished bridges and mainplate.
The watch is self-winding employing a golden micro-rotor, charmingly engraved on its upper surfaces.
Despite being equipped with a tourbillon and a micro-rotor, the power reserve is an impressive 72 hours.
This is a high quality movement and its protracted creation is readily discernible within moments of examining the calibre G1796 at close quarters. The execution of each element manifestly shows the no-compromise nature of this lovely watch.
Closing remarks
The Geo. Graham Tourbillon is a departure from the über-masculine timepieces for which Graham is normally associated with. This watch could easily have been created in a bygone era. In some respects the dial resembles a 19th century pocket watch and it is only the provision of a strap which accords a degree of modernity.
There is a lightness to the design which is genteel and refined. This is a watch which seems ideally suited to formal attire. It is eloquent and sartorially astute, brimming with culture and oozing class from its highly polished form.
In creating this watch, Graham has shown a different side to its character. While I have always enjoyed its public, extrovert persona, I am fascinated by this example of its alter ego. I crave more of the same and look forward to seeing further Geo. Graham timepieces in the future.
Technical Specification
- Model: Geo. Graham Tourbillon
- Reference: 2GGCP.W01A
- Case: 18-carat Pink gold; diameter 40.00 mm; height 9.85mm; water resistant to 5 bar (50 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; seconds.
- Movement: G1796, self-winding movement; frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz); 29 jewels; power reserve 72 hours; 131 parts.
- Strap: Brown alligator strap, presented on an 18-carat pink gold pin buckle.
- Price: £48,580 (RRP as at 20.6.2015)
- Limited Edition: 100 pieces
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