Henri Grandjean & Cie, a brand renowned for its exquisite contemporary haute horlogerie, has once again captivated the world of fine watches with the introduction of two new versions of its acclaimed Magician Atrivm timepiece. These latest creations, featuring vibrant green and red sapphire crystal cases, continue the brand's tradition of combining cutting-edge design with masterful craftsmanship. Scheduled for a grand reveal at Geneva Watch Days, these timepieces promise to be a highlight, offering a fresh perspective on the brand's iconic mysterious triple-axis tourbillon.
Henri Grandjean & Cie Unveils Vibrant Magician Atrivm Watches at Geneva Watch Days
In a thrilling development for watch enthusiasts, Henri Grandjean & Cie is set to unveil two striking new iterations of its 'Magician Atrivm' watches at the upcoming Geneva Watch Days. These exquisite timepieces will be presented in captivating red and green sapphire crystal cases, infusing a contemporary flair into the brand's distinguished collection. The renowned Swiss watchmaker, Henri Grandjean, who established his legacy in Le Locle, Switzerland, was a pioneer in chronometry, particularly celebrated for his precision marine chronometers. His name was meticulously revived by entrepreneur and collector Sohail Aziz, who repositioned it as a premier independent brand dedicated to high-end watchmaking. The Magician series, which made its impressive debut, is characterized by its mysterious triple-axis tourbillon, an engineering marvel that seemingly hovers within the watch without any visible connection to the movement. This optical illusion is achieved through transparent sapphire crystal discs, which ingeniously eliminate the need for traditional metal bridges. To ensure optimal performance and accuracy, the tourbillon's intricate cages are crafted from lightweight materials such including magnesium and titanium, critical for maintaining the watch's delicate balance and power reserve. The new Atrivm models, building upon previous blue and transparent white sapphire versions, further enhance this ethereal aesthetic. Each 45mm diameter, 16mm thick case, crafted from a single block of sapphire, allows light to permeate, creating a visual lightness that belies its substantial form. This transparency not only accentuates the magical floating tourbillon but also makes the watch appear less imposing on the wrist. A nod to both modernity and tradition, these new references elegantly incorporate Grand Feu enamel. Found on the off-centred hour and minute disc at 3 o'clock and the plate encircling the tourbillon, the red or green Grand Feu enamel features a beautifully mottled background. The dial, designed for clarity and functionality, also reveals a multi-layered architecture with a date wheel and a 24-hour day/night indicator, featuring elegant sun and moon medallions. In homage to the founder's stylistic preferences, the timepieces display Breguet-style Arabic numerals and distinctive spade-shaped hands. Powering these mechanical masterpieces is the in-house developed calibre 1831, a manual-winding movement assembled at the brand's workshops in Noiraigue, in the canton of Neuchâtel. Comprising 218 components, the movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and boasts a 42-hour power reserve from its twin barrels. As expected from a haute horlogerie brand, every component showcases the highest level of finishing, with Geneva stripes, straight-grained flanks, and mirror-polished chamfers, all meticulously executed by hand. Given the intricate complexity and artisanal nature of these Magician models, they will be released as strictly limited editions, each priced at CHF 990,000 (excluding taxes), underscoring their exclusivity and exceptional value in the luxury watch market.
These new Magician Atrivm timepieces serve as a profound testament to Henri Grandjean & Cie's unwavering commitment to innovation and artistic excellence in watchmaking. The fusion of the technologically advanced, seemingly gravity-defying triple-axis tourbillon with the timeless artistry of Grand Feu enamel creates a harmonious balance between tradition and future-forward design. For collectors and connoisseurs, these limited-edition watches represent more than just instruments of time; they are wearable sculptures, embodying a blend of mechanical brilliance and aesthetic purity. They challenge perceptions, inviting one to ponder the intricate dance of engineering and artistry, and ultimately, to appreciate the boundless creativity that can be achieved within the confines of a miniature universe.
