The World’s Smallest & Lightest Triple-Axis Tourbillon, The Peacock Tai Chi Curved Guilloche

Founded in 1957, Liaoning-based watch manufacturer Peacock certainly has a strong track record, being one of the backbones of industrial watchmaking in the region. And in recent years, as it approaches its 70th anniversary, Peacock is demonstrating that Chinese watchmaking is no longer what it used to be. We’re not talking about entry-level automatic movements or Venus-cloned chronographs, but high-end horology now. And while tourbillon regulators are nothing new for the manufacturer, its latest release is certainly a leap forward, blending miniaturisation with classic handcraft… It also makes a statement: this new Peacock Tai Chi Curved Guilloche features a triple-axis tourbillon regulator, and at 8.0mm and 0.436 grams, it is the smallest and lightest of its kind (according to the brand’s claims). 

As Peacock approaches its 70th anniversary in 2027, the brand could look back at its past and reissue some of its earliest models. But no, instead of utilitarian vintage reissues, Peacock has decided to impress on watchmaking and micro-engineering levels, as well as integrating traditional craftsmanship into modern, almost futuristic designs. The demonstration of the day is a watch that isn’t looking back, but instead brings an unsuspected expertise in a field traditionally reserved for high-end Swiss manufactures or independent watchmakers: multi-axis tourbillons. And here, we’re looking at a triple-axis element, a rare sight, even coming from established European brands. Here are some examples from the likes of Jaeger-LeCoultre, Hermès, Henri Grandjean, Thomas Prescher, Jacob & Co. or MB&F. Building a triple-axis tourbillon isn’t a walk in the park, and the latest one comes from China, with a few tricks up its sleeve.

Let’s first talk about the case, designed as a modern, lug-less element and made of 18k white gold, mixing a mirror-polished bezel and circular brushed flanks. It measures 43.5mm in diameter and 14.95mm in thickness, a necessary volume to accommodate the spherical rotation of the multi-axis cage. That said, the absence of lugs should make it relatively easy to wear. The case is topped by a highly domed sapphire crystal, and the caseback, in white gold too, features a hand-guilloché pattern mirroring the theme found on the dial. Water-resistance is rated at a decent 50m, and the watch is worn on a black rubber strap with a pin buckle.

On to the dial now, which shows traditional crafts, yet executed in a contemporary way. As with the Black Hole III Central Tourbillon, the Tai Chi Triple-Axis Tourbillon features a curved guilloché plate, done by traditional engine turning. Instead of being applied to a flat metal disc, it is here executed on a convex, undulating surface, meaning that the cutter’s angle and tension must constantly adapt to fluctuating elevations. The fluid lines of the Lai Tai Chi Diagram consist of 40 V-grooves that spiral across the surface, each requiring 10 individual manual cutting passes. The dial is split into two distinct Yin and Yang halves, separately engraved, finished, and hand-matted before being interlocked. Time is indicated thanks to two concentric titanium discs, necessary due to the central position of the regulating organ. The outer disc marks the hours with a modern interpretation of traditional Chinese clerical script, while the minutes are marked by Arabic numerals. A black diamond at 6 o’clock acts as the pointer for the minutes, while a white diamond at 12 o’clock marks the hours.

But what truly matters in this new Peacock Tai Chi Curved Guilloche is the central element, the triple-axis tourbillon. Multi-axis tourbillons are, by nature, heavier and larger than traditional, single-axis regulators, and thus consume more energy. To counteract this, Peacock decided to both miniaturise and lighten the regulator, with the entire three-axis spherical tourbillon cage measuring just 8.0mm in diameter and weighing a mere 0.436 grams, while being an assembly of 81 individual components, including eight structural bridges. This would make this assembly, according to the brand’s claims, the world’s smallest and lightest of its kind. This was made possible by using titanium for the cages. Running at a frequency of 3Hz, the three concentric axes of the tourbillon rotate at non-uniform speeds: 60 seconds, 15 seconds, and 50 seconds. Despite this complex structure, the movement can store up to 48 hours of power reserve.

Availability & Price

The Peacock Tai Chi Curved Guilloché Triple-Axis Tourbillon is limited to 70 pieces worldwide, as a celebration of the upcoming 70th anniversary of the brand. Deliveries are expected on June 30, 2027, and the watch can be pre-ordered with a 30% deposit on Peacock’s website. It is priced at USD 61,999. Surely, a different league from core Chinese watchmaking, yet a triple-axis tourbillon is not your usual suspect either, and this Peacock Tai Chi shows a level of watchmaking and micro-engineering that sparks my curiosity.

For more details, please visit peacockwatches.com.