Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Vanguart Releases New Versions of the Orb Flying Tourbillon in Coloured Ceramic
A concept-like tourbillon watch evolves into a more expressive style, without losing its mechanical edge.
Independent watchmaker Vanguart presented its first timepiece, the impressive Black Hole Tourbillon, in 2021, followed by a “slightly more accessible design,” the Orb Flying Tourbillon (2024). Despite its more approachable concept, this creation remains one of the more unconventional in contemporary haute horlogerie. Now, two new executions soften the radical model: the Orb Pink Ceramic Titanium and Orb Blue Ceramic Rose Gold. Both introduce coloured ceramic into the design, aiming to make this previously high-concept piece more versatile for daily wear.
The original Orb watch stood out for its openworked architecture and, more interestingly, its unusual winding selector, allowing the wearer to switch between automatic and manual modes. These new editions retain this feature, but the watches now appear more lifestyle-oriented, as intended. See if you agree.
The case offers no change in dimensions and measures 41mm in diameter and 10.5mm thick, slim for a flying tourbillon (and slimmer than it might appear in photos). Its rounded, organic shape and curved caseback ensure great ergonomics. New here are ceramic inserts integrated into the case flanks and the crown pusher, available in pink (paired with titanium) or blue (paired with rose gold). Developed specifically for this watch, the ceramic brings colour, without compromising the Orb’s fluid design. Finishing combines micro-blasted surfaces with polished bevels, great for contrast and definition. Water resistance is 30m.
The dial that opens a view into the movement remains the captivating focus, with the sloped hour track featuring luminescent markers (trapezoids for the pink and a rectangle for the blue version). Colour extends to the dial’s periphery and the front oscillating mass (with a diamond). Skeletonised, lumed hands sit atop a layered, architectural movement. The flying tourbillon and barrel create a vertical axis, reinforcing the watch’s symmetry.
The Vanguart’s proprietary flying tourbillon calibre operates at 21,600 vibrations/hour with a 60-hour power reserve. The movement is built in grade 5 titanium and extensively hand-finished. As mentioned, the important feature is the crown-integrated function selector. With a push, the wearer switches between manual winding, automatic winding and time-setting modes. In automatic mode, the peripheral rotor spins freely, with a diamond to accentuate the motion; in manual mode, it locks in place.
Both versions are worn with colour-matched rubber straps and a quick-release system activated via the caseback. Both are limited to 25 pieces; price is upon request – for references, the classic titanium edition was priced at CHF 150,000.
With coloured ceramic, the Orb certainly does not lose its experimental character. Still bold, still mechanical-first, but now easier to live with, especially if your lifestyle suggests nice, pastel-coloured, Mediterranean or Caribbean attire. These would be a perfect match. For more details, please visit vanguart.com.
