Indie Watchmaker Vincent Deprez Launches the Scientific Tourbillon, a Contemporary Take on Traditional Watchmaking

Independent watchmaker Vincent Deprez first attracted attention with his Tourbillon Classique Souscription Edition, a remarkably accomplished debut that showcased a fully hand-finished tourbillon movement and his ability to manufacture most of the watch himself using traditional methods. Trained at Vacheron Constantin and later active in restoration at Patek Philippe, the Geneva-based French watchmaker now expands his Tourbillon Classique family with the new Scientific Tourbillon. This watch retains the construction of his original movement while introducing a more contemporary and instrument-inspired aesthetic. Produced in a limited series of 10 pieces, it complements the earlier subscription models and brings the total production of the Tourbillon Classique series to 20 watches.

The new Vincent Deprez Scientific Tourbillon is housed in a 39mm stainless steel case measuring 11.3mm in height. Combining polished and satin-brushed surfaces, the case feels more contemporary than its classical predecessor while remaining nicely sized. A domed sapphire crystal protects the dial, while a Grade 5 titanium caseback is integrated directly into the case middle and secured through the lugs. Water-resistance is 30m.

While previous models emphasised the movement through an open layout, the Scientific Tourbillon adopts a different approach. At 12 o’clock, a Grand Feu enamel time dial is crafted by Deprez himself, executed in deep midnight blue enamel achieved through multiple firings. A mirror-polished, applied steel chapter ring with a detailed minute track lends the display the appearance of a precision instrument. If the earlier Tourbillon Classique clearly highlighted the regulating organ, suspended under a large straight bridge, then with this edition the time dial and the tourbillon, with its blue ring for a seconds track (the cage makes a full rotation in 60 seconds), appear as equally important parts of the timekeeping indications. 

Turning the watch over reveals what remains the true heart of any Vincent Deprez creation: the movement. As with previous models, most components are manufactured by hand in his Geneva workshop using traditional machine tools. Bridges, plates and various structural components are cut using pantograph engraving machines, while wheels, pivots and pinions are produced on vintage lathes and manually operated equipment.

The hand-wound movement beats at a traditional 18,000 vibrations/hour and offers a power reserve of approximately 52 hours. Finishing remains entirely manual. German silver bridges are decorated with traditional techniques including graining, anglage, satin finishing and black polishing. Seemingly not in favour of dramatic colours, Deprez restricts the palette to the warm tones of untreated German silver and polished steel, allowing light and texture to take centre stage. The watch is worn on a grained calfskin strap, closed with a pin buckle.

The Vincent Deprez Scientific Tourbillon is limited to 10 pieces and is already sold out. Price is upon request. For reference only, the Tourbillon Classique was offered for CHF 89,500. Please visit vincentdeprez.watch for more info.